Lewis Capaldi - OVO Hydro, 13/09/2025

Capaldi mania is back!

The OVO Hydro was buzzing with an anticipation that could only be for a homecoming hero. Lewis Capaldi, Scotlands Beyonce, took to the stage for the first of his two sold-out shows, marking a triumphant return to live performing and he proved, yet again, why hes one of the most beloved and relatable artists of his generation.

I was one of the first to discover Capaldi, where he performed in front of 20 people at the Electric Fields festival in 2015. I feel a sense of sentimentalism thinking back of that day as today he is topping worldwide charts and playing in huge mainstream venues, his phenomenal success was something I did not predict.

He suffered a setback however during a performance at Glastonbury in 2023, where he started to suffer from spasms making him unable to finish his set there, however the crowd continued to sing despite this. This resulted in Capaldi taking a 2 year hiatus to focus on his health, with many fans wishing a speedy recovery. During Christmas dinner of that year, I predicted that Capaldis career was over, as Tourettes syndrome is a pretty serious deal.

Boy was I wrong, I was very wrong, after 2 years away, Capaldi mania is back!

His homecoming show began with support from Aaron Rowe and Skye Newman, who both delivered soulful and enchanting sets, setting a warm and intimate tone for the night. The house lights dimmed and the crowds cheers erupted, "Leeewwiiisss Capaaaallllldi" Seven Nation Army style, and the big man came on stage to a welcome that almost blew the Hydro roof off... "Hello Glasgow, its been a while" he said.

Capaldi began his set with "Survive." The choice was perfect, it was his comeback single, it was also a defiant message of resilience and a powerful start to a set that would prove to be a masterclass in emotional performance mixed with his trademark humour.

The setlist was a carefully curated journey through his catalog, including fan favourites like "Grace" and "Forget Me" which had the crowd singing every word back to him. The emotional peaks from the night came during and after "Wish You the Best," as a sea of lights (which came from the wristbands that the spectators were wearing) transformed the venue into a shimmering galaxy every time a new song was played.

Capaldis vocals were nothing short of incredible. His raspy, powerful voice sounded as perfect live as it does on his studio recordings, showcasing why hes the main source of attention in the music scene. He also treated the audience to new tracks, including the deeply personal and moving "The Day That I Die," a song he described as the saddest hes ever written, "its about feeling shite" he said to the crowd.

The vulnerability that Capaldi showed in sharing his struggles with mental health and Tourettes Syndrome was met with an outpouring of support, it all ended up a happy note however... "Im fine now" he concluded, as the audience roared, proving that the crowd dont just love him for his music, they love him for being Capaldi.

The encore brought the show to a powerful climax, with the crowd joining him for an emotional rendition of "Hold Me While You Wait" and the song that started it all, "Someone You Loved." The collective singing was a powerful affirmation of the deep resonance of his music. The memorable gig concluded as Capaldi said his farewells to a joyous and emotional crowd.

The Scottish Beyonce nailed it on his homecoming gig and a couple of days later it was announced that he would be headlining BST at Hyde Park next year as well as the Roundhay Festival, this is not just a come back, this is a Capaldi invasion, its only upwards and onwards from here.


Welcome back big man.


Review and Photography by Stewart Fullerton.

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