The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Dislikes

The initial tune I fell in love with
My first memory is entering a space at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a 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 allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I sing at karaoke
I frankly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I strangely recite each line to
I recently became aware that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best tune to blast at a party
It depends on the point of the event you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The number I can not hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best song to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he dropped the record on the turntable, I was hooked.

The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The piece that gets me emotional
All music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all make me cry because of the melody and pure beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.

The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.