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

The first song I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is entering a space at kindergarten where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I acquired
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to select a brand new record to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father mentioned that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The track I do at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d select Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I oddly remember all the words to
I just realised that I have memorized almost the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best track to blast at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the event you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d move on to Prince, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The number I can not bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate song to make love to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and beginning to learn the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was hooked.

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

The track that makes me cry
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all stir my emotions because of the tune and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.

The track I’d like played at my memorial service
Elvis. 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.