The Actor's Honest Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes

The first tune I was captivated by
My first recollection is stepping into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first record I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a brand 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 Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I do at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I just realised 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 song to blast at a gathering
It depends on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The number I can not hear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The album that altered my perspective
When I was 12 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, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was hooked.

The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The song that makes me cry
All music leaves me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.

The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.