Eddie Marsan's life is a soundtrack in its own right – a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of funk, soul, and British nostalgia. The actor, known for his unforgettable turns in Happy-Go-Lucky and Ray Donovan, has finally given fans a glimpse into the musical heart that beats within him.
Marsan's love affair with music began on the sun-kissed Isle of Sheppey, where George Harrison's 'My Sweet Lord' stole his heart as a summer holiday anthem. And it was Rick James's 'Big Time' that became his first single purchase – a funky foundation for a lifelong devotion to the genre he affectionately calls one of his two great addictions (the other being a good old-fashioned knees-up). Whether it's Cameo's 'Candy', with its infectious line dance appeal, or James Brown's 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine' – a game-changer that helped him shake off youthful insecurities through the power of dance – Marsan's funk credentials are unshakeable.
But scratch beneath the surface and you'll discover an actor with a taste for the unexpected, and a passion that extends far beyond party anthems. There's a deep appreciation for Chas & Dave's 'Ain't No Pleasing You', which he considers one of Britain's greatest songs in recent memory – a sentiment that might raise eyebrows given his cockney persona, but one he wears proudly nonetheless. And when it comes to karaoke, Marsan reaches for Etta James's 'I Just Want to Make Love to You' – a bold choice that can withstand even the most wobbly of renditions.
It's in these quieter moments that we glimpse Marsan's true soul – his love for Billie Holiday's jazz classics is evident, though he does express reservations about 'Strange Fruit'. Yet it's Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven' that holds a special place in his heart. A poignant memory lingers from the birth of his first child: hearing the song on the radio while driving to a film set sparked a newfound understanding of its mournful significance, resonating deeply with the intense emotions of new parenthood.
And so, as Marsan embarks on his latest project, No Ordinary Heist, scheduled for release on 27th June on Now and Sky Cinema, it's clear that this is an actor who wears many hats – but one thing remains constant: a heart that beats to the rhythm of music.
Source: Interview with Eddie Marsan