Damian Lewis is about to unleash the chaos – and we can't get enough! The actor-turned-musician is gearing up for a thrilling autumnal tour of the UK, hot on the heels of his sophomore album 'Sweet Chaos'. This is the man who's made a living playing fictional characters, but with music, he's trading in scripted drama for real-life passion.
For Lewis, the past six to eight years have been a wild ride – and not just because of his globe-trotting acting career. 'It's been quite chaotic,' he admits candidly, 'but amidst all the upheaval, I found a strange sort of sweetness in writing music and nurturing friendships.' It's this unbridled energy that fuels his latest offering, co-produced by Guy Chambers (the genius behind Robbie Williams' classic hits).
Now, we know Lewis as a Hollywood A-lister, but did you know he used to busk on the streets with nothing but a guitar and a motorbike? It's a far cry from the red carpets and glamour of showbusiness – and something that's stayed with him throughout his career. He wants you to engage with his music on its own merits, not just because it's 'the actor' doing something new.
So what makes songwriting different from acting? According to Lewis, it's the vulnerability that comes with being both the author and interpreter of your work. It's a psychological high-wire act, requiring him to bare his soul – but also, strangely, freeing him up creatively. And if you're wondering how someone who's played so many iconic roles (hello, Henry VIII!) finds writing songs, well, Lewis just shrugs it off: 'It's like trying to describe the taste of a favourite food. You can't quite put your finger on it, but you know exactly what I mean.'
Of course, we can all appreciate the highs and lows of his acting career – from BAFTA-winning 'Wolf Hall' to Emmy-nominated 'Homeland'. But this is where things get really interesting: with 'Sweet Chaos', Lewis is proving that even the most unlikely talents have a secret life waiting to be unleashed. Don't miss him live on stage across the UK, as he showcases his remarkable range – from the intimacy of small club gigs to the grandeur of major city venues.