Lewis Capaldi’s Triumphant Return at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro

★★★★★ (5/5)

**LEWIS CAPALDI PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO**
**PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN**

Lewis Capaldi’s return to live performance has been one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent memory. Following a two-year hiatus after skyrocketing to global stardom, the Scottish singer-songwriter stepped back from the spotlight to take care of his mental health and navigate his Tourette’s diagnosis — a move met with admiration and support from fans around the world.

Now, after a handful of emotional and sold-out shows across the UK, Capaldi’s homecoming to Glasgow’s OVO Hydro was always going to be something special. The demand was electric — both dates in the city sold out in seconds, and in the lead-up to the night, Capaldi teased new music like breadcrumbs for an already ravenous fanbase.

With an atmosphere buzzing and a surprisingly seamless entry into the venue (no chaotic queues or crushed crowds — a small miracle), the stage was set for what would become an unforgettable evening.

As the lights dropped and Capaldi launched straight into Survive, the choice felt both deliberate and poetic. It’s a fitting theme for this chapter of his career — survival in the face of fame, anxiety, and everything in between. The stage setup was minimal and refined, with Capaldi and his band arranged in a circle, creating an intimate feel despite the arena scale. It gave him space to connect — something he does effortlessly.

Vocally, he didn’t miss a beat. His distinctive tone — that now-iconic rasp and emotional weight — soared from the very first note. When he dipped into earlier hits like Grace, the crowd responded with a euphoric roar, turning the moment into a communal celebration. Moments like Forever, performed at the piano, brought the mood crashing back down in the best, most heart-wrenching way.

The setlist balanced Capaldi’s biggest hits with fresh material, giving the show a sense of progression without losing its emotional core. Heavenly Kind of State of Mind, Wish You the Best, and Love the Hell Out of You were standout performances — all drenched in emotion and delivered with sincerity.

In between songs, Capaldi’s sharp wit kept the tone light, reminding the audience that yes, they might cry tonight — but they’ll laugh too. From inviting people to nip off to the toilet during unfamiliar songs to poking fun at himself for releasing so many sad bangers, his charisma never faltered.

New tracks like Almost landed well with the crowd, and his performances of Bruises and Pointless sent a wave of energy back into the room. Then came Something in the Heavens, a slightly unexpected twist in tone — a track that stretches his vocal range and points toward an exciting new direction.

As the show neared its emotional peak with Leave Me Slowly, Capaldi cleverly followed it up with the more upbeat Forget Me, a bright shift in tempo that helped lift the crowd before the show’s most vulnerable moment — The Day That I Die. It was raw, difficult, and honest, and arguably one of the most impactful moments of the evening.

The main set closed with Before You Go, before Capaldi returned for a powerhouse encore: How I'm Feeling Now, Hold Me While You Wait, and the now-iconic Someone You Loved. As thousands sang every word back to him, Capaldi looked genuinely moved — humble, grateful, and clearly still deeply connected to his fans.

This wasn’t just a homecoming show — it was a celebration of resilience, vulnerability, and finding humour in the darkest places. Lewis Capaldi is still the hero fans have held space for — and based on this performance, he’s only just getting started.