Cillian Murphy Opens Up: “Just a Fanboy” of Fontaines D.C.

Get a glimpse of Cillian Murphy’s genuine admiration for Fontaines D.C. and their unique synergy with the world of Peaky Blinders.

When Hollywood Meets Irish Post-Punk: Cillian Murphy’s Fanboy Moment

Cillian Murphy, the iconic face behind Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders, recently shared his heartfelt fandom for the electrifying Irish band Fontaines D.C. in a lively chat on BBC Radio 1 alongside the band’s frontman, Grian Chatten. As someone who’s been immersed in the Peaky world for years, Murphy’s enthusiasm for Fontaines D.C. feels refreshingly authentic — a “massive fan” admitting his admiration with the warm honesty of a true groupie.

Picture this: an actor known for his brooding, intense roles, openly geeking out over a band whose sound pulses with that same outlaw spirit. Murphy captured the essence perfectly, saying, “There’s certain music that just lends itself to Peaky Blinders … the Fontaines music seems to work, it has that outlaw quality, that dangerous quality …. they’re incredible songs, so it just clicked for us.” It’s like the soundtrack and the show were made for each other.

Behind the Scenes: The Soundtrack to Tommy Shelby’s Next Chapter

This heartfelt musical connection took center stage with the release of “Puppet,” a haunting new track from Fontaines D.C. featured in the upcoming film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. The movie, which will hit cinemas on March 6 and land on Netflix two weeks later, marks Murphy’s return to the role of Tommy Shelby, and this time, the sonic landscape feels richer than ever.

With Grian Chatten himself contributing to the film’s soundtrack, this partnership elevates the entire Peaky experience. Murphy expressed the excitement, “We’re just thrilled that somebody like Grian is now part of the Peaky sonic landscape. We’ve had such a storied and amazing line-up of artists over the years contributing to the show, and this was a massive step up for us to make a film.”

Host Jack Saunders teased their relationship, asking if Murphy and Chatten had “crossed paths” before this project. Chatten confirmed Murphy had caught a few of their shows, and Murphy jokingly admitted, “I’m just a groupie.” It’s charming to see the star of a gritty crime drama humanize himself as a genuine admirer of music.

Locking Into the Peaky Vibe: Chatten’s Creative Process

For Grian Chatten, stepping into the Peaky Blinders universe wasn’t just a casual collaboration. He joked about diving deep into his craft: “I locked myself in a cupboard for six weeks, didn’t speak to anyone, and it was very difficult not to shave my head in the Peaky style.” Talk about commitment! The intense focus speaks volumes about how seriously the band took shaping the soundtrack’s atmosphere.

The film’s soundtrack is a sprawling 36-track collection, featuring five brand-new songs crafted specifically for the movie. It’s not just Fontaines D.C. bringing the heat here — Amy Taylor from Amyl & The Sniffers, Carlos O’Connell and Tom Coll from Fontaines D.C., Nick Cave with a fresh take on “Right Hand Man,” and transformative covers by Massive Attack, performed by Chatten and Irish-Cornish band Girl In The Year Above, all contribute to this rich musical tapestry. Chatten will also team up with the atmospheric Irish doom-folk group Lankum on their track “Hunting The Wren.” This lineup promises a sonic journey as gripping as Tommy Shelby’s story itself.

Murphy’s Longtime Love Affair with Fontaines D.C.

For those who’ve been following Murphy’s career closely, his love for Fontaines D.C. isn’t news. He’s been an outspoken fan since the band’s debut album Dogrel dropped, once praising it for its relentless authenticity: “Every single tune, they’re relentlessly themselves.” Murphy’s devotion even led him to an intimate Camden show for their 2024 album Romance, where he was spotted soaking in the atmosphere like any die-hard fan would.

Interestingly, Murphy’s roots in music offer another layer to his fandom. His old guitar teacher once compared Murphy’s teenage band efforts to both Fontaines D.C. and U2 — a nod to the band’s influence on his own musical journey. It’s almost poetic how his passion for Fontaines seems to come full circle, now entwined with his acting career through Peaky Blinders.

Fontaines D.C.'s ‘Romance’: A Sonic Masterpiece

The Romance album itself has been lauded for its balance of raw emotion and lush melodies. Critics praised the album for its “discomfiting mood offset by the lusciousness of the melodies.” The closing track “Favourite” seals the experience with reflective lyrics like,

“Ah, it makes sense when you understand / The misery made me another marked man,”

which Grian Chatten sings with poignant clarity. This line captures the spirit of the band and resonates deeply with the themes of Peaky Blinders — marked men, haunted by their pasts but moving forward nevertheless.

Iconic duo: Cillian Murphy and Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten embody a shared spirit of defiance and artistry.

A Soundtrack That Expands the Peaky Universe

As a fan, seeing such a rich variety of artists come together for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is thrilling. The film’s soundtrack isn’t just background noise — it’s a central character in its own right, deepening the mood and amplifying the story’s grit and emotional weight.

Music has always been a powerful storytelling tool in Peaky Blinders, and this new wave of collaborations feels like a natural evolution. With Fontaines D.C., Amy Taylor, Nick Cave, and others joining forces, the film promises an immersive experience that’s as audibly gripping as it is visually stunning.

Wrapping Up: The Fanboy’s Journey

Cillian Murphy’s unabashed fandom for Fontaines D.C. is a refreshing reminder that even stars get swept away by the magic of music. His ongoing admiration and the band’s collaboration on the Peaky Blinders film soundtrack weave together two powerful creative worlds.

So, whether you’re a fan of gritty gangster drama or raw Irish post-punk, this partnership offers a thrilling fusion worth exploring. After all, sometimes it’s passion and genuine appreciation that create the most unforgettable art.

FAQ

• What song did Fontaines D.C. release for the Peaky Blinders movie?
  The band released “Puppet,” a haunting track featured in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.
• When will the Peaky Blinders film and soundtrack be available?
  The movie premieres in cinemas on March 6, followed by a Netflix release two weeks later. The soundtrack drops on March 6 as well.
• Who else is featured on the Peaky Blinders movie soundtrack?
  Amy Taylor, Nick Cave, Massive Attack covers by Grian Chatten and Girl In The Year Above, and a collaboration with Lankum are all part of the soundtrack.
• How does Cillian Murphy describe his love for Fontaines D.C.?
  He calls himself a “massive fan” and jokingly refers to himself as “just a groupie.”
• What unique approach did Grian Chatten take while working on the soundtrack?
  He locked himself away for six weeks to fully immerse in the Peaky vibe and channel his creativity.

If you’re inspired by the powerful synergy between Cillian Murphy and Fontaines D.C., why not bring some of that raw, artistic energy into your space? Shop your favorite album cover posters and soundtrack art at Architeg Prints — perfect for any fan looking to celebrate the soundtracks that move us.