The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes

The earliest track I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is stepping into a space at nursery school where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I do at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I oddly know every lyric to
I recently became aware that I can recall almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect track to play at a soirée
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d transition into Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The track I can not hear
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal piece 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 early rock and roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.

The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The track that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.

The track I’d like played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.