Lewis Capaldi at BST Hyde Park Festival

It’s been quite the summer for Lewis Capaldi. Among a string of non-stop festivals, the Scottish powerhouse plays two sold-out dates to close the final weekend of BST Hyde Park. It’s the biggest headlining performance of his career so far, with over 60,000 in the crowd alongside the festival’s first-ever YouTube livestream for fans around the world. It’s both a momentous and emotional comeback for Capaldi, who faced earlier struggles and went on a hiatus from touring around three years ago. “One didn’t know if this would be possible again.” From Capaldi-related football chants to surprise guests, it’s a stunningly victorious return.

The penultimate sun-drenched day of BST Hyde Park’s three-week run includes special appearances from big names such as fellow ballad-hitter Conan Gray and The Vaccines, who called it “the biggest honour to play the biggest stage”. There’s a wave of England shirts in the crowd, a historic day full of pride on several counts. As the sun sets, Capaldi takes to the Great Oak Stage. “I’ve been playing shows all summer, but it feels really special to be here… Thank you for your money,” he jokes. Known as much for his humorous remarks as his remarkable vocals, the quips keep flowing – from predicting that people will leave as soon as the football match starts to singing Pitbull (the previous day’s headliner) and fretting about not having the rights for YouTube. His signature blend of self-deprecation and genuine awe makes this feel like a special show from the get-go.

Opening tracks, including Hollywood and Your Grace, are the self-proclaimed only three happy songs. “Let’s get depressed together,” the singer laughs. The setlist that follows is largely as expected, but nonetheless, it takes a whole lot of talent and presence to deliver collective goosebumps to the biggest audience. One major surprise arrives in the form of Sam Fender, duetting the recent history-making Rein Me In. It’s a trip down memory lane for both singers, who released their debut singles on the same day nearly a decade ago and a poignant reminder that Capaldi didn’t just arrive here overnight. It’s more hard-hitting than expected throughout, with the artist visibly moved by the crowd reception and milestone, frequently breaking into laughter mid-song but also tearing up in between. Chants of “Oh, Lewis Capaldi”, a siren of solidarity, fill the park every time the singer appears at a loss for words.

Musicality-wise, there are roaring sing-alongs of Wish You the Best, Bruises and Someone You Loved. Alongside a straightforward band and stage set-up, these are relatable, crowd-favourite anthems for a generation. It’s rare to see phone flashlights up outside of indoor gig venues or arenas, but there’s an impromptu flare-up for the last chorus of Before You Go. Even if ever lacking in range, there’s still an abundance of entertainment – from the rockstar parody of an electric guitar outro on Pointless (after all, “sometimes one’s just gotta play”) to the genuine resilience on Survive. With six UK number one hits under his belt, a Lewis Capaldi gig may be exactly how you imagine it to be, but the special moments are in the heartfelt or comedic reflections and the unashamedly passionate choruses that unite the crowd through song. Despite some technical mishaps on the big screen, it’s a worthy landmark performance that will be hard to forget. “Thank you so much for sticking by me,” Capaldi concludes. With confirmation of new music on the horizon and another night to play at Hyde Park, this is an ever-reliable artist overflowing with personality who knows exactly who he is and rightfully deserves every drop of loyal support.

Bev Lung
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events, visit Lewis Capaldi’s website here.

Watch the video for Lewis Capaldi Live at American Express Presents BST Hyde Park here: