Lewis Capaldi gave two young fans a night to remember when he surprised them backstage at his concert at Marlay Park in Dublin.
Best friends Keelan Tiernan and Dylan Bowe were treated to a VIP experience at the Scottish singer’s show on Wednesday night, before meeting Capaldi behind the scenes.
The surprise began when the Dublin boys were collected and chauffeured to the concert, with Gardaí escorting them into the venue before they were given fast-track and VIP access.
Just before Capaldi took to the stage, Keelan and Dylan were brought to the artist area, where the singer appeared to surprise them. The trio chatted and posed for photographs before the boys made their way to the front row for the show.
Capaldi later spotted the pair in the crowd, pointed them out, and dedicated a song to them during his set.
They were chauffeured home after the concert, bringing an unforgettable night to a close.
It was a full-circle moment for Keelan and Dylan, who received a special shout-out from Capaldi during last year’s Late Late Toy Show after he heard how much he had inspired them.
Keelan, who has Tourette syndrome, has spoken previously about the confidence Capaldi has given him to sing.
Capaldi is currently in Ireland for a run of outdoor dates, having played two shows at Marlay Park on Tuesday and Wednesday. He is due to perform at Thomond Park in Limerick on Friday, before returning to Belfast’s Vital festival in August.
Lewis Capaldi treated Keelan Tiernan and Dylan Bowe to a VIP experience / Image: Rory Barnes
The singer was also announced on Thursday as the Friday night headliner for Electric Picnic 2026.
Festival organisers confirmed that Capaldi will perform at Stradbally, Co Laois, on 28 August, joking on social media: “You heard it here first (or second).”
His appearance had been widely expected after fans spotted an apparent reference to a Laois date on tour merchandise sold during his Dublin shows.
Capaldi had originally been due to play Electric Picnic in 2023, but withdrew from the festival after taking time away from touring to focus on his health.
Electric Picnic takes place at Stradbally Hall from 28 to 30 August.