Lewis Capaldi Has Cancelled His Splendour in the Grass Set and Other Tour Dates Down Under

For the second year in a row, Splendour in the Grass will be without one of its big-name acts, with Lewis Capaldi cancelling his plans to head Down Under in July. The Scottish singer-songwriter announced in a statement that he's taking a break from touring following his Glastonbury set, which means sitting out Byron Bay's annual excuse to wear gumboots, as well as his other planned gigs in Australia and New Zealand.

"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," said Capaldi via social media.

"I used to be able to enjoy every second of shows like this and I'd hoped three 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 I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come," he continued.

 

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"I know I'm incredibly fortunate to be able to take some time 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 past 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."

Capaldi was set to lead the 2023 Splendour in the Grass lineup from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23 alongside Lizzo, Flume, Mumford & Sons and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs — the latter of which were slated to headline 2022's Splendour in the Grass lineup, but cancelled in the lead up.

With his solo shows, the 'Someone You Loved', 'Before You Go' and 'Wish You the Best' talent was due to play two shows in Sydney and Melbourne, and one each in Perth, Adelaide, Auckland and Wellington, all in July. Before Glastonbury, he had also taken a break from touring.

Alexandra Gavillet

Splendour now has three gaps in its lineup, with Slowthai and Rainbow Kitten Surprise also no longer appearing at the festival. Organisers have advised that replacements for all three will be announced this week.

The festival will contact Friday-only ticketholders via Moshtix about the process for refunds, while folks with tickets to Capaldi's headline shows will automatically receive their money back in full via whichever method they paid with.

Ian Laidlaw

SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2023 MUSIC LINEUP:

Lizzo
Flume (Australian exclusive: ten years of Flume)
Mumford & Sons (Australian exclusive)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Hilltop Hoods
J Balvin
Sam Fender
Idles
Little Simz
Tove Lo
100 Gecs (Australian exclusive)
Arlo Parks
Ball Park Music
Iann Dior
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
070 Shake
Pnau
Ruel
Loyle Carner
Benee
Marlon Williams
Hooligan Hefs
Peach PRC
Palace
Dune Rats
Tkay Maidza
Noah Cyrus
Skegss
Sudan Archives
Cub Sport
Meg Mac
X Club.
Claire Rosinkranz
Jack River
The Smith Street Band
Lastlings
Jeremy Zucker
Young Franco
Sly Withers
MAY-A
The Vanns
Telenova
Vallis Alps
Jamesjamesjames
Kaycyy
RVG
Teenage Dads
Balming Tiger
Automatic
Harvey Sutherland
Gali
Del Water Gap
Royel Otis
Shag Rock
Big Wett
Mia Wray
Memphis LK
Gold Fang
Milku
Sumner
Forest Claudette
Full Flower Moon Band
William Crighton
Hellcat Speedracer
Triple J Unearthed Winners

Mix Up DJs:
Tseba
Crybaby
Latifa Tee
Foura
Caucasianopportunities
Luen
Mowgli
DJ Macaroni
Crescendoll

Splendour in the Grass will take over North Byron Bay Parklands from Friday, July 21–Sunday, July 23, 2023 — head to the festival website for further details and tickets.

Top image: Harald Krichel via Wikimedia Commons.