🔗 Share this article

The earliest tune I fell in love with
My most primal memory is walking into a room at preschool where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the sound effects, and Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The very first 45 I purchased
When I was eight, I was victorious in a contest at school to pick a new vinyl to play at the mini disco we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store 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 song I perform at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The song I oddly know all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I know virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and every song on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal song to blast at a party
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an absolute banger.

The song I can no longer bear
I strangely cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The best track to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on The King, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still guitar music, but it was electrifying rock music. Instantly after he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

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

The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me touched. Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the harmony and utter perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard 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.