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

The initial track I was captivated by
My most primal memory is entering a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was captivated by the audio textures, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by a former member of the Beatles.

The song I do at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The song I inexplicably know each line to
I just discovered that I know almost all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The best song to put on at a gathering
It hinges on what stage of the party you are at. Early doors it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through the Artist, the Stones and Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The track I can not listen to
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best song to get intimate to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and beginning to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still guitar music, but it was high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he put the record on the record player, I was captivated.

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

The track that gets me emotional
Virtually any music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and pure brilliance of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

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