🔗 Share this article

The first song I was captivated by
My most primal recollection is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The first single I purchased
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My instructor took me to a local store, 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 music store in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my father pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I perform at sing-along
I honestly do not enjoy public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I inexplicably recite all the words to
I recently realised that I have memorized pretty much all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best track to play at a party
It depends on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would probably be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the evening progresses, I’d work through the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David 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 absolute banger.

The track I can never listen to
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate track to make love to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.

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

The track that makes me cry
Virtually any music makes me touched. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.

The song 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.