The Actor's Candid Musical Selections: From Early Favorites to Peculiar Aversions

The first track I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is entering a room at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I purchased
When I was eight years old, I won a competition at school to choose a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I picked out Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my father mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at karaoke
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I oddly remember each line to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall pretty much all the lyrics 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 play at a gathering
It relies on the point 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 work through 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 Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The number I can not listen to
I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal song to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The record that transformed me
When I was 12 and beginning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The song that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley strikes a chord every time.

The track I’d like to be played at my funeral
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.