Michael Sheen, star of Good Omens and Frost/Nixon, has declared his love for folk music over the new romantics of his 1980s teenage years.
The Welsh actor says: ”Jethro Tull, I was absolutely obsessed by growing up in the 80s. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I like Duran Duran as well, but Jethro Tull had my heart.”
And the Blackpool band, who blend progressive rock with folk and classical music, will feature prominently on Michael’s playlist when he hosts the Radio 2 Folk Show tonight at 9pm.
Folk connections through film
His next injection of folk came when he made the 2002 comedy drama Heartlands with Celia Imrie.
He says: ”The music for that film was done by Kate Rusby [folk singer/songwriter]. She, in fact, appeared in the film as well. She played a few songs live for us which was a real treat.”
Michael, who is a judge for The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards with P&O Cruises, has another treasured musical memory, involving English folk group, The Unthanks.
A memorable Christmas with The Unthanks
Michael, who lives in Port Talbot, South Wales, with his partner Anna Lundberg and their children Lily Mo, Lyra and Mabli, says he made performers Rachel and Becky Unthank sing for their supper, after seeing them perform at his local arts centre in Pontardawe.
He says: “They came over to the house, and we gave them a spag bol and a glass of mulled wine in the lead up to Christmas. It was wonderful to be able to host them at our house there and, in fact, my then 5-year old daughter Lyra, overwhelmed by the fact that there was a real band in our kitchen, forced them to sing for their supper.
“Becky and Rachel Unthank sat in our kitchen harmonising live. It’s something I will always remember.”
*Michael Sheen will present The Folk Show on Wednesday 29 July on Radio 2 from 9-10pm, or listen on BBC Sounds.
