The Heartbreaking Reason Cillian Murphy Chose This Specific Song for His Own Funeral

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Cillian Murphy is a highly respected actor known for his work with acclaimed directors such as Ken Loach and Christopher Nolan, but he’s become most famous for playing the reserved and intense Tommy Shelby in the series Peaky Blinders.

Though he’s known for his work on screen, Murphy has always been passionate about music. Before becoming an actor, in the late 1990s, he fronted a rock band called The Sons of Mr. Green Genes, playing lead singer and guitar.

The artist, still young at the time, made a surprising choice: he rejected a major record contract to become an actor, a decision that ultimately changed movies forever. Though he became a film star instead of a musician, he never lost his love of music and has famously unique and varied tastes. He frequently shares his musical passion by appearing on the radio, playing songs that have inspired him.

Looking back, I was telling someone about what shaped my taste in music, and it really hit me how much my dad’s old Irish records were always around when I was growing up. To be honest, as a kid, I didn’t really get it – I kind of wrote it off. But I remember now being dragged along to a lot of traditional Irish music sessions as a little kid, and it definitely soaked in, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.

He recalls spending those times tucked away with a bag of chips, mostly tuning out the music. Years later, he confessed, “I didn’t really appreciate it then, but I love it now.” Eventually, he rediscovered those old records and came to see the traditional music of his background as genuinely beautiful.

When Murphy started seriously pursuing acting in his early twenties, he discovered the music of Nick Drake. He feels Drake’s sad and thoughtful style resonates with many young men, seeing it as a natural part of growing up. As Murphy explained, “It really feels like music for young men. It offers a unique and often lonely perspective on life.”

Drake’s music helped Murphy understand himself when he was young and figuring out who he was. Even now, he still listens to those songs late at night, as they remind him of an important time of personal growth that he cherishes.

Someone asked Murphy which song he’d like played at his funeral, even though he’s still very successful in his career. He’d already given it some thought and chose “Hymn Of The Big Wheel” by Massive Attack.

The actor said the song’s beauty comes from how it looks at life and the world. He described it as hopeful, explaining, ‘It’s a beautiful song with a positive message – it feels like life just keeps going.’ He chose to highlight this song because he appreciates music that’s both emotionally rich and suggests a sense of ongoing connection and continuity.

Cillian Murphy is enjoying huge success after winning an Academy Award for his role in Oppenheimer. He’s officially coming back to play his iconic character in the Peaky Blinders movie, which is scheduled to begin filming in early 2026. Set during World War II, the movie will also star Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan.

Cillian Murphy generally keeps to himself, dividing his time between his home in Dublin and filming locations around the world. He also continues to share his passion for music through his BBC 6 Music radio show, spotlighting both up-and-coming and established jazz artists. Balancing large-scale films with smaller, independent projects has earned him a reputation as one of the most admired actors of his generation.

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2026-01-25 00:14