A moment of live radio took a hilariously awkward turn when actor Damian Lewis found himself the unwitting target of an on-air critique. While discussing his upcoming album, a BBC radio presenter casually dismissed one of his songs as a “dirge,” unaware Lewis was within earshot.
Lewis, known for his roles in acclaimed dramas likeBand of BrothersandHomeland, has increasingly pursued his passion for music in recent years. His first album, released in 2023, was a step towards realizing a long-held ambition, and he was on BBC Radio 2 to promote his new work,Sweet Chaos.
The unexpected jab came from Sally Boazman, known as ‘Sally Traffic’ for her traffic reports. As Lewis’s song played, Boazman’s unguarded comment – “What is this dirge?” – cut through the studio air. A “dirge,” for those unfamiliar, is a mournful song typically played at funerals.
Lewis, with quick wit, immediately responded, “This is my record.” The studio erupted in laughter, a wave of amusement washing over the awkwardness. Presenter Romesh Ranganathan skillfully steered the conversation, playfully pressing Boazman to explain her remark.
Forced to confess, Boazman admitted she’d blurted out the comment while listening. The laughter continued, with Lewis good-naturedly teasing her about the time and effort he’d invested in his “dirge” and “rock ballads.”
Attempting to recover, Boazman quickly backtracked, praising Lewis’s talent and versatility, calling him a “polymath.” She acknowledged the song was “very, very good” after listening more closely.
Lewis himself spoke about embracing his musical side, explaining that he’d only begun to take it seriously recently. He described responding to creative impulses and allowing his state of mind to shape his work.
Sweet Chaos, set for release in June, represents a shift in tone from his first album, which he described as “quiet and tender.” This new collection, he revealed, is “a bit angrier in places,” reflecting his current mindset.
The album also features a collaboration with Alison Mosshart, lead singer of the band The Kills. Lewis plans to preview the album with intimate performances at independent record stores across the UK in June, offering fans a closer look at his musical evolution.
Lewis previously shared that friends were surprised by his musical pursuits, unaware of his long history with the guitar and songwriting. He recounted years of busking and playing in market squares across Europe, a hidden passion alongside his acting career.
He even confessed to writing songs in his youth, though he described them as “frankly appalling.” He suggested a lack of confidence might have played a role, or perhaps they simply weren’t very good.
His children, Manon and Gulliver, initially teased him about his musical ambitions, preferring him as “just dad.” However, they’ve become supportive as they’ve witnessed his dedication and seriousness towards his craft, their initial skepticism giving way to encouragement.
