The first song Cillian Murphy ever fell in love with
Cillian Murphy is a revered figure in modern cinema. Following his roles in indie hits like 28 Days Later and Intermission during the early 2000s, Murphy solidified his position in Hollywood through a lasting partnership with director Christopher Nolan. Their collaboration began with Batman Begins and continued through five more films, culminating in their most recent project, the blockbuster Oppenheimer.
As he gained recognition in the United States, Murphy simultaneously nurtured his acting prowess in local projects, most notably as Tommy Shelby in the acclaimed series Peaky Blinders. Yet, before ascending to fame as a distinguished figure in cinema, Murphy was on the verge of embarking on a music career. His passion for music was a significant part of his creative journey, leading him toward considering a path in the music industry before ultimately embracing acting.
Growing up, Murphy was particularly passionate about music. The budding actor was in a band with his brother named The Sons of Mr. Green Genes, and together, they even received an offer to create five albums with Acid Jazz Records. However, they declined the offer, but Murphy’s love for music persisted, even as he started his acting career. “I was listening to a lot of Nick Drake when I started off because that’s just what you do, isn’t it, in your early twenties?” he explained to NME.
Even though Murphy’s palette spans various artists and genres, as a child, he was exposed to a lot of traditional Irish music. “There was a lot of that played when I was a kid,” he recalled. “I would’ve gone to a lot of trad. sessions as a child. I was probably in the corner asleep with a packet of crisps and a Club Orange. I kind of rejected all that, but now I love it. My dad’s old trad. records were all on vinyl. I began to listen to them and they’re beautiful.”
However, when discussing the first song that really captured his heart, he points to none other than the Fab Four. The one song that made him realise his love for music was The Beatles’ hit ‘Love Me Do’: “[The Beatles] were playing around the house and I think maybe my dad had The Beatles: 20 Greatest Hits on record,” he said. “It was probably ‘Love Me Do’ or something. That was the first track on the first side. That’s rock ’n’ roll. I remember that harmonica solo very well.”
Although Murphy didn’t make it as a professional musician, luckily, his passion for music bled into his professional life. Between shooting blockbuster hits with Nolan and collecting awards and nominations for other notable works, Murphy has enjoyed presenting a popular show on BBC Radio 6, which allows him to delve into some of his most cherished musical compositions. As he once told the BBC, “One of my favourite things in the world is playing music on my favourite radio station in the world.”
In addition to serving as a platform for Murphy’s musical inclinations, the show has also offered fans a glimpse into his diverse taste in music, often reflecting a characteristic blend synonymous with Radio 6. Through his involvement with the BBC, Murphy revealed an admiration for several artists and songs, notably expressing his affinity for fellow Irish musicians Fontaines D.C.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Beatles Newsletter
All the latest stories about The Beatles from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.