Damian Lewis: Billions star performs at O2 Academy Oxford

The star of hit television shows Billions and Homeland has recently extended his career to also include music having always enjoyed doing it in the background.

Now letting his singing take centre stage, he has taken a band on tour across the UK following the release of his debut album Mission Creep last summer.

Calling in at Oxford’s O2 Academy on Friday, March 22, Damian certainly put on quite the show for the hundreds of people who attended.

Damian played at the O2 Academy in Oxford on Friday. (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Hollywood actor sings 500 Miles for travelling Scottish fans in Oxford

After an initial false start much to his and the crowd’s amusement, Damian burst into an opening song before saying hello to Oxford.

He then began to play some new songs that he had written for an upcoming sophomore album which, as he reminded the gig-goers, remains nameless at this time.

The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actor sang an eclectic mix of blues songs alongside some more rocky tunes throughout the evening.

One particularly amusing moment came around halfway through the gig when the Hollywood actor was heckled by a pair of women between songs.

Damian Lewis released his debut album Mission Creep in June 2023. (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Hollywood actor recalls time he went to rave in Oxford field

The duo had travelled from Scotland to watch him play and made the star aware of their presence as well as the distance travelled.

Damian responded hilariously by spontaneously playing a cover of the classic Scottish anthem I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers.

The women were left delighted by the heartfelt gesture and the entire crowd decided to join in after the initial shock, singing along with the chorus and clapping jubilantly.

Damian also played another cover albeit in a far more sincere tone in amongst his original songs with gig-goers being treated to his rendition of Neil Young’s Harvest Moon.

Damian Lewis performed a selection of old and new songs as well as covers. (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Hollywood star Damian Lewis chats Billions and Tarantino ahead of Oxford gig

The cover was presented in a beautifully soft and soothing manner with the actor showing off his vocal talent to the full having powerfully delivered his lyrics earlier on the night.

This softer tone was also extended to Damian’s own catalogue of songs as he performed Zaragoza for the Oxford audience.

Creating a moody atmosphere, the singer tells the story of when he was backpacking in the Spanish city of the same name.

It features a slow build-up but the chorus packs power and soul making it a lasting highlight amongst many strong tunes on the night.

Overall Damian proved with the confident performance that his talent does not begin and end with acting but rather his musical side is not to be sniffed at in the slightest.