Lewis Capaldi pulls out of Leeds and Reading as huge new headliner announced

11 July 2023 , 06:02

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Lewis Capaldi's replacement for Leeds and Reading Festivals has been announced following his decision to step away from his work commitments.

The hitmaker recently made the tough decision to put his work on the backbench after admitting to struggling with his Tourettes following a performance at Glastonbury.

Shortly after his announcement, the 26-year-old was inundated with support from his adoring fans and celebrity pals, including The 1975 frontman Matty Healy.

Following the news, Leeds and Reading Festival have confirmed that Lewis will no longer be taking to the stage over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The festival bosses have also confirmed the new headline act.

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Lewis Capaldi has withdrawn from Reading and Leeds Festivals (Getty Images)

He was scheduled to headline the Main Stage West but has now been replaced by The 1975

The 1975 will be taking to the stage to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their debut album, performing at Reading on August 25 and taking to the Main Stage West at Leeds on August 26. The Cheshire-born group will be joining the likes of The Killers, Inhaler, Central Cee and North London-born rapper and producer, Knucks, who has also been announced.

Carol Vorderman takes rarely seen daughter Katie to meet Lewis Capaldi backstage

Fans have since taken to social media to share their excitement with one writing: "I'm literally psychic, I guessed the 1975 would be at Reading and Leeds before anything was announced 2 years in a row now."

"Finding out The 1975 are headlining Reading and Leeds has made my year because this time I will actually be there AND they’re performing the whole of self-titled YES PLEASE," exclaimed a second.

While a third typed: "I know lots of people are moaning about The 1975 at Reading and Leeds again but I am never more happy at shows than I am at 1975 festival sets and I’m so excited rn."

It comes after Matty recently sent his "sincerest thoughts" to Capaldi during the band's headline slot at Finsbury Park earlier this month. He said: "I want to send my sincerest thoughts to Lewis Capaldi who is a good friend of mine.

The 1975 will now be performing – a move which has gone down well with fans (Redferns)

"Who on the day when he had to cancel his tour, checked in on me. And it's also a reflection on how hard being a solo artist is as I would not be doing this show if I didn't have these amazing men and women behind me."

Just after his performance at Glastonbury, Lewis shared an emotional update with fans as he confirmed he will be taking a step away from his scheduled work commitments. He said: "First of all thank you to Glastonbury for having me, for singing along when I needed it and for all the amazing messages afterwards. It really does mean the world.

"The fact that this probably won't come as a surprise doesn't make it any easier to write, but I'm very sorry to let you know I'm going to be taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future. I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this and I'd hoped 3 weeks away would sort me out. But the truth is I'm still learning to adjust to the impact of my Tourette's and on Saturday it became obvious that I need to spend much more time getting my mental and physical health in order, so can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come."

The musician went on to add: "I know I'm incredibly fortunate to be able to take times out when others can't and I'd like to thank my amazing family, friends, team, medical professionals and all of you who've been so supportive every step of the way through the good times and even more so during this part year when I've needed it more than ever.

"I'm so incredibly sorry to everyone who had planned to come to a show before the end of the year but I need to feel well to perform at the standard you all deserve. Playing for you every night is all I've ever dreamed of so this has been the most difficult decision of my life. I'll be back as soon as I possibly can.

"All my love, always, Lewis x."