“Is this the worst Elvis impersonation ever?” Actor Damian Lewis has been ridiculed on social media for his groundbreaking performance of the national anthem at the British Grand Prix
- British actor Damian Lewis sang the national anthem ahead of the British GP
- The 52-year-old actor released his debut music album Mission Creep in June
British actor Damian Lewis was mocked on social media for his stunning rendition of the national anthem at the British Grand Prix.
The 52-year-old, who released his debut album Mission Creep in June, was slammed for attempting to impersonate the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ Elvis Presley during his performance at Silverstone this afternoon.
Lewis performed live with his band in the paddock on Sunday and later sang the national anthem along with a saxophonist.
Comments soon erupted on social media about the unique way Lewis sang “God Save The King,” with one brutally posting that he simply “slaughtered” it.
The British Grand Prix, attended by celebrities such as Geri Horner, Romeo Beckham, Florence Pugh and Gordon Ramsay, started at 3pm as Dutch driver Max Verstappen claimed his sixth straight win. Britons Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton finished second and third.
British actor Damian Lewis (pictured) was mocked on social media for his stunning rendition of the national anthem at the British Grand Prix
The 52-year-old Homeland actor released his debut album Mission Creep in June. He is pictured here performing songs from the album on release day in Kent
Dutch racing driver Max Verstappen celebrates his victory in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday
But before the 52 laps began, drivers, fans and spectators back home scratched their heads at the Homeland actor’s odd interpretation of the anthem.
One user said: “Damian Lewis absolutely butchered the national anthem at the British Grand Prix.”
Another post: “Damian Lewis sings the national anthem Elvis style, accompanied by a saxophone…”.
A third quipped: “My bingo card didn’t say ‘Damian Lewis to play the British national anthem at the British Grand Prix’.”
Another also joked about trying to sound like Elvis: “Damian Lewis, what’s that national anthem?” “Someone’s seen the Elvis movie a few too many times.”
A fifth said: “For the next few hours, think about the person in the company of Damian Lewis.” “No, honestly, it was fine Damian.”
Ahead of his performance, the actor and singer said: “Never in a million years did I think I would ever sing the national anthem or play a gig at the British Grand Prix with my band.”
“It’s very special, with a unique festival atmosphere, and I’m honored to have been asked.”
Damian Lewis’ interpretation of the national anthem at Silverstone has been the subject of much comment on social media
The actor’s album was released on June 16 by Decca Records and, in addition to festival slots at Wilderness, Cheltenham Jazz and Black Deer, Lewis has also sold out shows in London.
Celebrities turned out for the British GP today amid heightened security amid fears of a “Just Stop Oil” protest.
Fortunately, unlike The Ashes and Wimbledon – and Silverstone last year – the event was not targeted.