The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes
The earliest tune I fell in love with
My first memory is walking into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”
The first record I acquired
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.
The song I perform at sing-along
I candidly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.
The track I inexplicably recite each line to
I not long ago realised that I have memorized virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal tune to play at a party
It relies on the point of the event you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an absolute banger.
The song I can no longer listen to
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal track to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The track that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that makes me cry
Most music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the harmony and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The music I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.