The many stages of Kiefer Sutherland’s career amount to a subject worthy of many late-night dinner conversations. His is one of Hollywood’s most eclectic series of transformations: successful movie star in the 1980s and 90s, embodying counter-terrorist Jack Bauer in the long-running drama television show, 24, Sutherland’s also enjoyed a successful career on the rodeo circuit, winning the national team roping competition. Twice!

If such accolades alone are not enough to qualify his as a life less ordinary, then I don’t know what is. A subsequent career as a country rock singer, perhaps? Check! Watching Kiefer Sutherland embody his latest incarnation here live at Cardiff’s Tramshed, his band providing a solid backbone to his latest venture into the world of Americana, it seems the guy can clearly turn his hand to anything. Still, is he any good, or just a dilettante whose agent got him the gig on the back of more established works? Truth be told… aye, he’s not bad.

Growing up a fan of rock music, it’s a wonder how Sutherland ever strayed into this particular genre. Travelling with fellow cowboys during his rodeo days, it seems. Despite this, here at the gig, there’s a distinct lack of western attire, save for one woman wearing a hen party-style glittery cowboy hat. Many perhaps came for reasons linked to his acting days; then again, some are singing along, obviously familiar with his work.

A wood-panelled backdrop, a lamp atop a tall-legged wooden stand: the atmosphere feels cosy, the audience decidedly 40-plus, and the music pretty mainstream. Mostly well-crafted songs of the four-chord-progression variety, pepped up by some tasty lead noodling with occasional swaps for lap steel or pedal steel guitar as the songs require, there’s nothing here to challenge anybody. Yet, taking it seriously, live, Kiefer Sutherland does his best to embody a rock star.

Armed with a guitar at all times, he jumps up and down, punches the air, clearly enjoying himself. There are nostalgic songs about his home town (Bloor Street), about late-night drinking (Going Home) and even one about him and his favourite horse (Reckless And Me). The more melancholy ones sound like tributes to what sad songs should sound like. Sutherland himself is humble and effusive, appearing very genuine. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” he says at one point, further echoing his delight that people have come out to see him and supported his life and career thus far.

The gig moves along effortlessly; Sutherland regularly engages with his audience, sharing anecdotes and some of the stories behind his songs. Occasionally, his past comes back to haunt him. “Jack Bauer!” someone shouts. “Don’t let the terrorists win!” It’s a fun-time band, or fun-time gig at least, best epitomised perhaps by the song where Sutherland bellows, “It’s Friday night!” following the encore, urging the audience to party with him a little longer.

And then, it’s all but over… but not for Kiefer Sutherland. The world likely awaits his next incarnation. 

Kiefer Sutherland, Tramshed, Cardiff, Fri 4 Nov

words OLIVER ROBERT MOORE-HOWELLS photos KEVIN PICK