The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Dislikes
The first track I was captivated by
My first memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first record I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.
The track I perform at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly remember each line to
I just became aware that I have memorized almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal track to blast at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.
The number I can no longer hear
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.
The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.
The song that wakes me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.
The track that brings me to tears
All music leaves me touched. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and utter beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going without fail.
The song I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.