The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions

The first tune I became enamored with
My most primal memory is entering a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first single I bought
When I was eight years old, I won a contest at school to choose a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I bought 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 father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I sing at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid karaoke and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I inexplicably remember every lyric to
I recently became aware that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal song to play at a soirée
It relies on the point of the party you are at. For the beginning it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The number I can not hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The best piece to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that transformed me
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock music. The moment 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 piece that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

The song I’d like to be played at my funeral
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.