Damian Lewis has confirmed his biggest show to date as he is announced for this year’s Latitude Festival. The announcement was made at Latitude’s Henham Park at a press event today (Tuesday, April 30th). Damian joins headliners Duran Duran, Kasabian, Keane, London Grammar and comedians Sara Pascoe, Jo Brand, Judi Love and Joanne McNally who spearhead an eclectic lineup that fuses music with the arts. Tickets are on sale now .
The announcement follows the success of his acclaimed debut album 'Mission Creep' last year and subsequent headline tour across the UK Released last year to critical acclaim, 'Mission Creep' is a testament to Lewis's multifaceted talent, featuring standout tracks such as the debut single 'Down On The Bowery', the bluesy 'Zaragoza', and 'She Comes'. The album, praised by The Daily Telegraph as "a rootsy, bluesy, folky, rocky set of songs about love and life,’
A festival appearance at Wilderness led to more live shows. Packed gigs at London’s Union Chapel,The Tabernacle and Hoxton Hall resulted in glowing reviews from the crowds and the critics who described Lewis as “a compelling performer apparently in his element” (Telegraph ????) as he “wowed the crowd” (Times ????)ast year he played Black Deer Festival and began his first headline tour.
Lewis wrote all of the original songs on the album during the first lockdown of the pandemic, allowing the continuation of a story that first began when Lewis, after leaving school, took to the road with his guitar and went busking through continental Europe. This experience has stayed with Damian ever since and is reflected on the album.
Once the songs were complete, Lewis presented them to his friend Giacomo Smith, one of today’s most exciting jazz musicians. Smith liked what he heard and gave Lewis all the encouragement he needed, offering to produce the album. Led by Lewis, the pair then set about putting a band together, with Smith introducing Lewis to an array of brilliant musicians, many of whom had played with Smith in the hugely loved and admired Kansas Smitty’s House Band.
Melvin Benn, Festival Director, said, 'We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Damian Lewis to the Latitude Festival. Damian's musical talent is undeniable; I managed to catch him at the Wilderness Festival, and he was captivating! Performing at Latitude is the next step up in his already thriving musical career. For those who haven't heard him, you can expect blues, folk-rock, Americana, and beyond from Damian and his truly exceptional band!'
Damian Lewis, said, Damian Lewis, said, "Latitude Festival holds a very special place in my heart. It's a festival we have attended as a family for years. There is something very magical about the festival; the site itself is glorious, and I've seen so many amazing artists there. From busking on the streets of Europe to gracing the stage at Latitude Festival, this musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. It's a testament to the power of music and the unwavering support of my fans. This is undoubtedly the biggest show I've ever done, and I'm very grateful for this opportunity. The Latitude audience is incredibly special, and I cannot wait to perform with my brilliant band!”
