Lewis Capaldi made a surprise return to the college where he studied and admitted to students that he is terrified when he has to play in front of big crowds.
The singing superstar, who recently revealed he had been diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome, was back at New College Lanarkshire in Motherwell where he made the admission about performing live.
Lewis, who has enjoyed international stardom since his breakthrough hit Someone You Loved catapulted him into the limelight across the globe, gained an HND in Music at the Lanarkshire campus before embarking on an incredibly successful solo career.
Lewis spoke to his former lecturers Scott Cowie and Yvonne Tipping before taking a question and answer session with students from all music courses, from NQ Rock and Pop, HNC/D Music and the new BA Music Performance, Sound Production and Music Industries courses.
He spoke in detail about the “very fond memories” he had of his time there and assured the current students that they were in “safe hands” with all of music staff.
He even joked that he would like to come back and undertake the new music degree course.
The songwriter released a new single last week, Forget Me ., but revealed that he finds it intimidating when playing to massive crowds at stadiums and large arenas.
“‘It’s much f***ing easier to sing to 50 people than 50,000 people,” he admitted. “Bigger gigs are absolutelyf***ing horrifying.
"We played two nights at the O2 last week and it was absolutely terrifying.
“I would be much more at ease playing to seven people than 70,000. It is a nerve wracking thing.
“I’m not very good with pressure, it’s what I’m realising as I age gracefully.”
The down to earth star and lecturer Scott Cowie also recalled how, as a student, he had listened intently and been in the front row asking questions as singer/songwriter Sandi Thom gave a similar interview and performed at the college’s Motherwell campus.
She enjoyed a UK number one hit in 2006 with her song I Wish I was a Punk Rocker .
Lewis also admitted to students that he doesn’t feel “qualified to give anyone advice”.
“This sort of thing is a bit more alien to me as I don’t think I can give you folk much wisdom,” he added.
Scott told Lanarkshire Live after Lewi's visit: “We’re obviously immensely proud of everything Lewis has achieved in music.
"Personally though, what I am most proud of is how down to earth he has remained. The fact that it was his idea to want to come back and visit speaks volumes for the kind of person he is.
“I’m sure he gave the students the hope they too can emulate his success on the world stage.”
Lewis Capaldi’s new single ‘Forget Me’ is available to download on all major platforms.
For more information on the college's courses visit: nclanarkshire.ac.uk/
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