Sunday, April 19, 2026

Cillian Murphy’s guitar teacher says actor’s teenage band was like “Fontaines D.C. and U2”

Cillian Murphy, the Irish actor known for his captivating performances in films such as Peaky Blinders and Inception, has always been a man of many talents. Apart from his remarkable acting skills, Murphy is also a skilled musician who has dabbled in various genres of music. However, it seems that his musical journey began long before he became a household name in the entertainment industry.

In a recent interview with NME, Murphy’s guitar teacher, Kevin Shields, revealed some interesting details about the actor’s teenage band. Shields, who is a renowned musician himself and the frontman of the band My Bloody Valentine, described Murphy’s band as “gifted” and compared them to popular Irish bands Fontaines D.C. and U2.

Shields shared that he had the opportunity to teach Murphy and his bandmates when they were just teenagers. He recalled, “I was teaching Cillian and his band when he was around 15 or 16, and they were all very, very good. People were going, ‘This guy is gifted’.”

The actor’s musical abilities come as no surprise to his fans, as he has previously showcased his singing and guitar skills in the 2005 film Breakfast on Pluto and the 2011 film In Time. However, it seems that Murphy’s talent for music was evident even during his teenage years.

Shields also drew comparisons between Murphy’s band and two of Ireland’s most successful bands, Fontaines D.C. and U2. He said, “They were very much like Fontaines D.C. or U2, but they were doing it in a very different way.” This is high praise coming from someone who has been a part of the music industry for decades and has worked with some of the biggest names in the business.

Fontaines D.C., a post-punk band from Dublin, has gained immense popularity in recent years with their raw and energetic music. Similarly, U2, one of the most iconic bands in the world, has been dominating the music scene for over four decades with their unique sound and powerful lyrics. To be compared to these bands is a testament to Murphy’s musical abilities and the potential of his teenage band.

Shields also shared that he was impressed by Murphy’s dedication to music, despite his busy acting career. He said, “He’s a really good guitarist and he’s a really good singer. He’s very serious about it. He’s not just a hobbyist, he’s a proper musician.”

It is evident that music has always been a significant part of Murphy’s life, and he has continued to pursue it alongside his successful acting career. In fact, the actor has previously expressed his love for music and how it helps him in his acting process. In an interview with The Guardian, he said, “Music is the language that I understand. It’s like a form of meditation for me.”

Murphy’s passion for music and his dedication to honing his skills have undoubtedly contributed to his success as an actor. It is inspiring to see someone like him, who has achieved so much in his acting career, still pursuing his love for music and continuously striving to improve.

In conclusion, Kevin Shields’ revelation about Cillian Murphy’s teenage band being compared to popular Irish bands Fontaines D.C. and U2 is a testament to the actor’s musical talents. It is evident that Murphy’s love for music runs deep, and his dedication to it is admirable. As fans, we can only hope to see more of his musical abilities in the future, alongside his brilliant acting performances.

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