The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Unexplained Dislikes

The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is entering a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first record I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to choose a brand 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 Darts. The first single I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I perform at sing-along
I honestly actively avoid public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I inexplicably know all the words to
I recently discovered that I can recall pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best track to put on at a gathering
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The song I can no longer hear
I for some reason cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate song to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The album that transformed me
When I was 12 and starting to learn the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. As soon as he put the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The track that brings me to tears
Virtually any music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer beauty of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

The music I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.