UPDATE: Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi is back on the road, announcing his highly anticipated 2026 tour following a prolonged hiatus due to severe mental health and physical challenges. This comeback highlights a growing concern in the music industry regarding the mental health toll of touring.
Capaldi’s journey to recovery is emblematic of a broader trend among artists facing increasing pressures while navigating the demanding world of live performances. After a heartbreaking experience at Glastonbury in June 2023, where he struggled with symptoms of Tourette Syndrome, Capaldi canceled the remainder of his tour, citing the need to prioritize his mental and physical well-being.
In a candid Twitter post, he revealed, “I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows… But the truth is I’m still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette’s.” His emotional return to the stage this summer, where he surprised fans with a performance of his new single “Survive,” marked a significant milestone in his recovery journey. The song captures the resilience needed to overcome adversity, resonating deeply with audiences.
As Capaldi prepares for an extensive tour that includes stops in New Zealand, Australia, and major cities across the USA and Europe, the mental health challenges faced by artists have never been more evident. The pressures of constant touring, lack of sleep, and high expectations can lead to burnout, a reality that has driven many artists to take breaks from the road.
Just this week, Radiohead announced the postponement of two shows due to lead singer Thom Yorke suffering from an “extreme throat infection.” Similarly, Justin Bieber recently shared during a Twitch stream that touring can be “super daunting,” reflecting a common sentiment among performers.
The mental health crisis in the music industry is underscored by a growing list of artists who have stepped back from touring to focus on their well-being. Joe Trohman of Fall Out Boy took a break in 2023 for mental health reasons, while Shawn Mendes canceled his tour in July 2022, acknowledging the toll of being back on the road.
Capaldi’s upcoming tour, kicking off on November 30, 2025 in Christchurch, New Zealand, will cover a wide range of locations, including multiple dates in Australia and major cities like Philadelphia, New York, and London. His schedule showcases a resilience that many in the industry admire, as he balances the demands of performance with his health needs.
Fans and industry advocates alike are hopeful that Capaldi’s story will encourage more artists to prioritize their mental health. The pressure to deliver unforgettable performances can often overshadow the personal toll it takes on musicians. As Capaldi himself noted, the journey is bittersweet, filled with both joy and struggle.
Looking ahead, the upcoming months will be crucial for Capaldi as he navigates this new chapter in his career. Fans are eager to support him, and his story sheds light on the urgent need for a cultural shift in how the music industry addresses mental health.
In a world where touring is essential for survival in the music industry, Capaldi’s return serves as a beacon of hope, a reminder of the importance of mental health, and an invitation for dialogue about the unseen challenges artists face. As more musicians take steps to care for their mental well-being, the industry may slowly shift towards a more compassionate approach to the pressures of performing.
