The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Peculiar Aversions
The initial song I fell in love with
My most primal memory is stepping into a room at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”
The very first single I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick 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 purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.
The tune I perform at sing-along
I frankly do not enjoy public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.
The song I oddly recite all the words to
I just discovered that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.
The ideal song to play at a party
It depends on which phase of the event you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David 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 track I can never hear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.
The ideal piece to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.
The album that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to study the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock and roll, and was consumed by The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.
The song that gets me up in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.
The track that brings me to tears
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the harmony and pure perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord without fail.
The music I’d like performed at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.
