Damian Lewis has credited the Liverpool side of his family for his passion for football. The acclaimed actor, a renowned Liverpool FC fan regularly spotted at Anfield, spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview ahead of his show at District this weekend.
Although he hails from down South, Damian has strong links to this part of the world as his nan and grandad were based here. His nan was a huge Evertonian and she passed on her love for the Beautiful Game to Damian in the 1970s. But young Damian was drawn to the other team in the city.
Family ties and football loyalties
He told the ECHO: "I'm Welsh down on my dad's side, and my nan and grandpa came across to Liverpool and Birmingham back in the time when there was a big influx of Welsh into Liverpool.
"My grandma was actually a Toffee, but I used to talk to her about Liverpool and everything. When I was that age, all my favourite players were Reds. Once you're in, you're in. You can't change."
Damian is returning to the city close to his heart on Saturday to perform a gig at District. He said: "Liverpool has such a unique character. The people, the city, the history, the docks, the art scene, and obviously the music scene.
Music and acting careers
"It's difficult to beat anywhere. That's why I'm so looking forward to coming to play music in Liverpool."
Damian is renowned for his acting roles, but he explained he has always loved music. He said: "I've always played music, I've always made songs, and I suppose I didn't get the opportunity to do it. I didn't give myself the time because I went off down an acting path.
"I was married to an actress [the late Helen McRory], we were very much an acting couple, and life does that to you. Before you know what's happened, 20 years have gone by and you haven't been doing the other thing.
"But I was always doing it in the background: always forming bands, making music. In my 20s, I used to get on my motorbike, take my tent and guitar, go off around Europe in the summers and busk. Literally throw my hat down and play on the streets."
Tour and upcoming projects
Damian is giving time to his music career this year as he has released his album, Sweet Chaos, and is now taking it on the road. The actor boasts an incredible filmography as he has rarely had a misstep since he shot to stardom in Band of Brothers. However, he said he treats his music just as seriously, adding: "I don't think I've ever done anything creative or artistic that I think intrinsically has creative value without taking it very seriously."
Damian can't wait to enjoy the distinctive energy created by a Liverpool crowd as he brings the show to Merseyside this weekend. He said: "I've got a few friends coming down. District is an iconic club, so I'm pleased to be in there. These tours can always be a variety. You can be in an art centre, an old theatre. But it's really nice going into these old rock 'n' roll clubs, playing a venue that's purpose-built for that."
And it's all go for Damian as it's straight back to acting once the tour ends as he continues his glittering career in the arts. He said: "I'm about to go back into the theatre, so I'll do some rehearsing in December. Then I've got a couple of movies coming out early next year, actually. I made a film with Joel Coen, and another film called The Return of Stanley Atwell, which is coming out early next year."
Damian Lewis is playing at District on Saturday, October 17.
