The Actor's Candid Playlist: Starting with Childhood Loves to Unexplained Aversions

The first track I was captivated by
My first memory is entering a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to pick a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I oddly recite all the words to
I recently realised that I can recall pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect tune to play at a gathering
It relies on what stage of the event you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The song I can never hear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal track to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he placed the record on the turntable, I was captivated.

The song 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 emotional. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard every time.

The song I’d like performed at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.