We Scots, we’re something else.
There is a uniquely Scottish attitude of downplaying success. It comes from an older generation, keen to ensure we don’t get ideas above our station.
But in recent years, that attitude seems to have shifted slightly as younger generations adopt the rooting for the underdog attitude the rest of the UK has.
Lewis Capaldi is one such underdog. Born in Glasgow and then raised in Whitburn in West Lothian, Capaldi grew up in the shadows of Scotland’s two largest cities in a traditionally working-class family. His mum is a nurse and his Dad is a fishmonger.
Five years ago he was “doing f*** all” and was discovered on Soundcloud after recording himself on an iPhone.
His popularity exploded and the previously unassuming crooner, who has had his looks compared to former German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, became something of an unlikely global superstar.
On Tuesday evening, the prodigal son returned home for a rapturous welcome from the Glasgow crowd, who he addressed as “you beautiful f****** c****!” which, to those unfamiliar with Scotland, is actually a term of endearment.
It is the third time he has played at the city’s OVO Hydro, which he sold out in seconds.
Capaldi’s shows are as much about his interactions with his audience as they are about his music and on this level, he did not disappoint. He is known for his humorous videos on social media as well as leaving interviewers in stitches.
He told fans: “We’re on a date tonight Glasgow. We’ll go to Mother India. Order what you want, I’ll have the butter chicken.”Mother India is a popular restaurant in the West End of the city and the reference showed just how well Capaldi knew his audience.
Before his encore, Capaldi told fans: “This has been the best five years of my life and I can’t thank you enough for that.
“It genuinely means a lot to have this kind of support.”
Following this, he disappeared for a minute or two before reappearing elevated over the stage with a piano playing ‘Bruises’ which was a definite highlight. The track is about a particularly painful break-up, something much of the crowd would have had some experience with in the past. As a result of the raw and painful emotions, it shows off Capaldi’s vocal talent.
Perhaps what made the moment more special was that every fan in the crowd sang the words back to him, prompting him to become overwhelmed with emotion.
It seems to come across more in the songs where he wears his heart on his sleeve, such as ‘Before You Go’ which followed, and was written in memory of his late aunt.
He debuted another new song called ‘Wish you the best’ and then ‘Grace’, from the first album.
‘Pointless’, which reached number 1 a few weeks ago was a clear fan favourite. Capaldi’s last album was about painful feelings following break-ups and family bereavements and while what we have heard so far of Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent seems to be in much the same vein, ‘Pointless’ is a departure from the usual fayre in that he is largely singing about a new love in his life.
This could relate to his new love interest, Ellie MacDowell, who Capaldi is rumoured to be dating.
Capaldi then sang ‘Hold Me While You Wait’ which deals with his feelings of anxiety and self-doubt following a break-up.
These are feelings Capaldi has spoken openly about dealing with in the past.
Nipping off stage for a pee, Capaldi came back with a new song about his struggles with his mental health and then, the piece de la resistance, ‘Someone You Loved’.
He was visibly moved by hearing the words sung back at him by the 15, 000 strong crowd and it was the best ending to the show fans could have hoped for.
Perhaps what made it just that little bit more special was Capaldi grabbing a fan’s saltire and draping it around himself as a nod to the overwhelming support Scotland has given him over the last five years.
Words and Pictures by Lauren Gilmour
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