Kiefer Sutherland at Rough Trade East

British-Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland is a household name with many projects under his belt, from Emmy-winning 24 to Designated Survivor. However, audiences might be much less acquainted with his discography of country music, spanning four full-length studio albums. Coinciding with the release of latest record Grey, Sutherland performs a selection of acoustic tracks alongside songwriting commentary at East London’s Rough Trade, before a record signing to a select few. It’s a relaxed, stark contrast from the usual fast-paced political action thrillers, but it’s safe to say the room is equally enthralled, anticipating the hour (or so) ahead.

The occasion is a stripped-back, intimate performance accompanied on-stage only by Irish singer Colin Andrew, the opening act from his ongoing tour. The simple acoustic renditions match the fuss-free nature production of the album itself, putting the narrative front and centre instead. A storyteller by trade, Sutherland speaks about the inspiration behind the songs written in his kitchen or music room. There’s no character portrayal here; ultimately, the record is about leaving California, the place that gave him his first big breaks, evolving and being finally able to leave it behind.

The audience is given a nostalgic window into the artist’s life, past and present. Describing lead single Goodbye California as a “fond farewell to a place that made a young man’s dreams come true”, there are already fans singing along quietly despite it only being a recent release. The store is completely silent for Down Below, a song which the artist hasn’t spoken much publicly about but is a reflection of some of his friends’ tragic experiences with drugs, retold as an intoxicating, dangerous romantic relationship. Sutherland also takes the opportunity to perform an older track, Two Stepping in Time, sharing that other musicians influenced him to produce it into a country rock song for his past record, Bloor Street. Tonight, he plays it as it was originally conceived.

Playing several other album tracks, including Starlight, it’s a short but sweet set: fans will be pinching themselves to be sharing such an intimate room with a Hollywood hero, and those new to his musical side-career will be impressed with his gravelly vocals and Americana soul, hoping for more again someday.