The Actor's Revealing Musical Selections: Starting with Childhood Loves to Peculiar Dislikes

The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is walking into a room at preschool where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was captivated by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first single I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I perform at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The track I inexplicably remember all the words to
I not long ago realised that I know virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal track to put on at a soirée
It depends on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The track I can never listen to
I inexplicably loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

The track that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The track that gets me emotional
Most music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the harmony and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard consistently.

The song I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.