The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Aversions
The earliest tune I fell in love with
My first memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I strangely know each line to
I not long ago discovered that I can recall pretty much the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to put on at a gathering
It depends on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.
The song I can no longer hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The best song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the record on the turntable, I was a fan for life.
The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.
The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.
The music I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.
