Lewis Capaldi has 'given a voice to young people' with mental health honesty, says Edith Bowman
07.07.2023 - 10:59
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Edith Bowman has revealed she spoke to her two sons about mental health after watching Lewis Capaldi struggling at Glastonbury.
The broadcaster was at the side of the stage watching her fellow Scot with her boys Rudy, 15, and 10-year-old Spike. And she thinks that Lewis’ struggle and honesty will “give a voice to a whole generation of young people”.
The Scots singer had cancelled three weeks of shows before his slot at the UK’s biggest festival but still struggled with his Tourette’s, which results in painful, physical tics. As he was not able to continue, the crowd took over singing his biggest hit Someone You Loved.
Edith, who will present TV coverage of TRNSMT on the BBC from tonight, said: “We were at Glastonbury and watched his set. It resulted in a conversation with my kids about mental health.
“I don’t think Lewis appreciates how much of an impact being so candid will have had on a whole generation of young people about feeling like they can ask for help. They can raise their hand and say, ‘That’s me’ – whatever their condition and whatever they are going through.”
Afterwards Lewis released a statement saying he wouldn’t play live for the foreseeable future. Edith, who has interviewed him often as he has climbed to headline status – including at last year’s TRNSMT – thinks, like most people, that Lewis has done the right thing in taking a step back and trying to find a way of getting on top of his anxiety, which can spark his Tourette’s when he is performing live.
She said: “He’s looking after himself. His documentary, How I’m Feeling Now, gave us a wee personal insight into his journey. It’s really sad he’s having all this amazing success but it’s causing him more anxiety. He’s got to find a place – if he wants and