Niall Horan shows his support for friend Lewis Capaldi after he cancels gigs

The pair have a strong friendship

Author: Charlotte RoszkoPublished 3rd Jul 2023
Last updated 3rd Jul 2023

Niall Horan has shown his support for his close friend Lewis Capaldi after the 'Wish You The Best' hitmaker announced that he was taking a break from touring. Lewis took to social media to share a statement following his performance at Glastonbury, where he struggled with his Tourette's Syndrome.

Discussing his friend, Niall described Lewis as the 'perfect role model' and praised his 'amazing' decision to take some time out to focus on his mental and physical health. The 29-year-old former One Direction star told us: "You know its tough doing a lot of travel, there’s a lot of hard work involved in what we do and getting up on stage and performing. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that I guess people don’t see.

"Lewis has been very forward with how he’s been mentally with his anxiety, with his Tourette's. I think it’s an amazing thing that he’s done and he obviously feels the need that he has to take a bit of time out, get his stuff in order and not have to worry about getting up on stage and that fright of that.

"I’m really happy for him. I think it spreads a massive word to people of his age, lads our age. I think he’s the perfect role model for it really."

Following his Glastonbury performance, Lewis took to his social media pages to announce that he is 'taking a break from touring for the foreseeable future.' The 26-year-old wrote: '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 I can keep doing everything I love for a long time to come.

'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. All my love, Lewis x.'

Lewis cancelled a series of shows on the run-up to his appearance on Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage. During his set, Lewis struggled to finish his hit 'Someone You Loved' due to his Tourette's

In a beautiful moment, the crowd helped Lewis to finish the song as they sang along.

Take a look at Niall Horan and Lewis Capaldi's friendship:

2017 - Niall shares his love for Lewis

These two first connected via social media in October 2017 when Niall discovered Lewis' music through his cousin. Niall liked what he heard, so much so that he took to Twitter to show his love for Lewis' tune 'Lost On You!'

2018 - Lewis opens for Niall on his 'Flicker' tour

Niall has been a supporter of Lewis' career for many years, and even invited him to open for him on his 'Flicker' world tour in Glasgow in 2018.

2018 - The pair meet for the first time

Lewis and Niall have spoken about the moment that they first met in an interview with Glamour.
Niall said: "First time I ever met him I just thought he was a lunatic, it was St. Patrick's Day, we had a few beers... and we got very drunk, and then both played shows the next day. He's very funny to be around, he makes me feel funnier, even though I'm not that funny at all, maybe it's because I'm famous and he's big into famous things these days."

2019 - Lewis says he's recorded music with Niall

Speaking at the Q Awards in 2019, Lewis revealed that the pair have worked on music together. He said: "We've written a song together before. So we've written stuff, we've been in the studio and worked together before, but whether it comes out or not - and whether it's actually any good, because it was a while ago - is a different story.


"But I'd love to work with Niall, we're friends and he's been very nice to me for a very long time in terms of... He's been a supporter of my music stuff for a while, so I love him and I'd love to work with him!"


While we still have our fingers crossed for music from the pair, here's everything we know about a collaboration from Lewis and Niall so far!

2020 - Niall surprises Lewis with a cardboard cut-out

In November 2020, Niall sent Lewis a cardboard cut-out of the pair together! Lewis was thrilled with the special delivery and took to Instagram to show it to fans.

2022 - Niall and Lewis busk together

In August 2022, Niall and Lewis surprised fans when they busked together in Dublin! The pair amassed a large crowd as they sang Niall's hit 'Slow Hands', Lewis' track 'Before You Go' and a cover of Coldplay's 'Yellow.'

2022 - Lewis gushes over his 'genuine' friendship with Niall

In an interview with Metro in October 2022, Lewis opened up about his friendship with Niall.
He said: "There's few and far between genuine (celebrity) friends and don't get me wrong, there are nice people in music, but everyone's at different stages of their life so to find someone your age who's a genuinely sound person who you can actually spend time with, and it doesn't have to be about making music or let's do this together, so I'm truly really grateful to have met Niall, especially early on."

2022 - The pair filmed a documentary together

Released in October 2022, 'Niall Horan's Homecoming: The Road to Mullingar with Lewis Capaldi' documented Niall's journey to his hometown of Mullingar in County Westmeath, Ireland.


Niall was joined by his close friend Lewis on the trip, and the pair enjoyed plenty of fun moments together. In Dublin, the pals stopped by the Guinness Storehouse, took a walk down Grafton Street and even took part in an impromptu busking session together.


Lewis and Niall then made their way to Mullingar, where they visited a local pub and treated fans to a special rendition of Snow Patrol's 'Chasing Cars.'

2023 - Niall surprises Lewis on stage

Fans at Lewis' show in Atlanta, Georgia got an extra special surprise when Niall made an appearance on stage in April 2023. Niall had been performing at an event just two hours away from his close pal Lewis, so he decided to drop by and surprise him at the show.


Niall ran on stage to greet his friend, much to the delight of the crowd, who were thrilled by the 'Heaven' singer's cameo. Lewis took a BeReal onstage with Niall and went on to post about the special appearance on his Instagram page.

2023 - Lewis shares a montage of their friendship

Lewis took to TikTok to share a brilliant montage of some of him and Niall's best moments. Soundtracked by Lewis' track 'Wish You The Best', the video showcased highlights from the pair's friendship including busking together and posing for selfies.

2023 - Niall shows his support for Lewis

Following Lewis' announcement that he is taking a break from touring to focus on his mental and physical health, Niall shared his support for his friend, praising his 'amazing' decision.
Niall said: "I'm really happy for him. I think it spreads a massive word to people of his age, lads our age. I think he's the perfect role model for it really."

Now read:

Lewis Capaldi announces he's 'taking a break' from touring

The best moments of Lewis Capaldi and Niall Horan's friendship so far

Here's everything we know about a Lewis Capaldi and Niall Horan collaboration

How to listen to Clyde 1:

For great music and incredible competitions tune into Clyde 1 on 102.5FM, online, on our Clyde 1 app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Clyde 1’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years. From Bowie@Breakfast in the morning, to the latest on Scottish Football with Superscoreboard every weeknight and Saturday afternoon.