Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Cillian Murphy shares his “ultimate ‘Peaky Blinders’ setlist” – featuring Thom Yorke, David Bowie, Sinéad O’Connor and more

Cillian Murphy, the talented actor who plays the charismatic and ruthless gang leader Tommy Shelby in the hit series “Peaky Blinders”, recently shared his ultimate “Peaky Blinders” setlist with NME. The list includes some of the most iconic and influential artists of all time, such as Thom Yorke, David Bowie, Sinéad O’Connor and more. As a fan of the show, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the comparison Murphy made between his character and the legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne.

Tommy Shelby, the anti-hero protagonist of “Peaky Blinders”, is a complex and multifaceted character who has captured the hearts of millions of viewers around the world. He is a man of contradictions – a ruthless criminal with a heart of gold, a family man who will do anything to protect his loved ones, and a leader who is both feared and respected by his peers. It is no wonder that Murphy has become synonymous with the character, with his impeccable portrayal of Tommy’s nuances and complexities.

In the interview with NME, Murphy reveals that he often listens to music to get into the mindset of his character. He explains, “I’ve always used music to get into the headspace of characters. For Tommy, it was a lot of Nick Cave and PJ Harvey.” However, he also shares that there are certain artists who he believes would fit perfectly into the world of “Peaky Blinders” and would make for an epic soundtrack.

One of the artists on Murphy’s ultimate “Peaky Blinders” setlist is the lead singer of Radiohead, Thom Yorke. Murphy says, “I just think Thom Yorke would be great in the world of ‘Peaky Blinders’. I’d love to hear his voice on one of our tracks.” Yorke’s haunting and ethereal vocals would definitely add a unique and eerie element to the show, perfectly complementing the dark and gritty atmosphere of the series.

Another artist on Murphy’s list is the iconic David Bowie. Murphy explains, “Bowie is the ultimate chameleon and I think he would have been perfect for the show. He could have played a character, written a song or even just appeared in a cameo.” Bowie’s ability to transform himself and his music would have fit perfectly with the ever-evolving world of “Peaky Blinders”.

Murphy also includes the Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor on his list, saying, “I think Sinéad O’Connor would have been great in the show. She has such a powerful voice and I can imagine her singing a haunting ballad in one of our scenes.” O’Connor’s raw and emotive vocals would have been a perfect addition to the show’s soundtrack, adding depth and emotion to the already intense and gripping scenes.

But perhaps the most intriguing comparison that Murphy makes is between Tommy Shelby and Ozzy Osbourne. He says, “I think Tommy and Ozzy have a lot in common. They both have a rebellious streak and are not afraid to go against the norm. They also both have a certain darkness to them, but at the same time, they have a heart and a vulnerability that makes them relatable.” This comparison sheds a new light on Tommy’s character and shows the depth and complexity that Murphy brings to his portrayal.

In conclusion, Cillian Murphy’s ultimate “Peaky Blinders” setlist is a testament to the show’s influence and impact on popular culture. The inclusion of such iconic and diverse artists only adds to the show’s already stellar reputation. And the comparison between Tommy Shelby and Ozzy Osbourne only goes to show the depth and complexity of the characters in “Peaky Blinders”. As fans eagerly await the release of the sixth season, we can only hope that some of these artists make an appearance in the show, making it an even more unforgettable experience.

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