Lewis Capaldi kicks off his sold-out UK and Ireland tour with two performances in Dublin to over 80,000 people.
Outdoor concerts have kicked off again in Dublin’s Marlay Park, and 40,000 fans withstood the heatwave to witness an incredible start to Lewis Capaldi’s Ireland and UK tour. Thousands of fans poured into the venue over a span of four hours in anticipation of Capaldi’s return to touring after two years. It was a very diverse crowd of individuals, couples, friends, and whole families showing up to see this beloved artist and hear some new songs alongside some fan favorites.
Two opening acts kept the crowd buzzing in anticipation of the main act. Dublin’s own Bradley Marshall took to the stage first with some original songs and some covers. His pure raw talent dazzled the audience as he performed with such emotion and such drive.
Coming off of her own headline shows, Meath’s very own “Dunboyne Diana” CMAT took to the stage next in an electric and purely joyful performance. CMAT sings with such fervor and passion that it transcends to the depths of the crowd of 40,000. Her banter with the crowd is a highlight, and her lyricism touches deep with the Irish crowd.
At 9 PM, fans crowded the barrier in anticipation of Capaldi’s entrance. He came out on stage to a roar of applause and started the night with “Hollywood,” a song about feeling far away from home, a song that surely many in the audience related to. The large screens on stage, the lighting effects, sound design, and the cinematic camera movements created a stellar atmosphere that transcended the emotion of his performance to the furthest depths of the crowd. Over 40,000 voices echoed Capaldi’s powerful ballads with arms stretched in the air, swaying back and forth. Playing songs from his latest EP album Survive, as well as a few covers, such as “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac, and some of his most popular songs like “Before You Go,” which has received over two billion listens on Spotify alone.
Capaldi’s music and lyricism resonate with so many people across the world. There was an abundance of signs throughout the crowd to amplify this statement. From posters detailing how much his music helped fans to cute signs made by kids simply expressing their love for Capaldi, there was so much support in this large venue. Not only does Capaldi relay deep and emotional messages through his performance, but he’s incredibly funny as well. One couple displayed their affection for his music as they got engaged during the set. They were called out by Capaldi when he exclaimed, “Don’t ever take my spotlight again!” Joking, of course, and congratulating the couple.
Capaldi’s candidness about mental health is probably what resonates with his fans the most. Before turning to the piano for an emotional performance of “The Day I Die,” he spoke to the audience about his break from touring and how he wasn’t sure he’d be able to perform in front of this many people again. The roar of support from the audience was incredibly heartfelt and displayed the true beauty of humanity and supporting one another.
Capaldi returned to the stage for a three-song encore, including a cover of “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” and his most popular song, “Someone You Loved,” which kicked off the fireworks to end the night.
Lewis Capaldi’s sold-out return to touring is set to be an incredible run throughout the UK and Ireland, with thousands of fans eager to see this inspiring talent once again.
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