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

The initial tune I became enamored with
My first memory is stepping into a space at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The inaugural single I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I chose Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I do at karaoke
I honestly actively avoid public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I oddly know each line to
I recently became aware that I can recall almost 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 soirée
It depends on the point of the evening you are at. At the start it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an massive track.

The track I can never bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and just learning to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. The moment he put the vinyl on the turntable, I was captivated.

The song that gets me up in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The piece that gets me emotional
All music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and utter brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.

The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.