🔗 Share this article

The earliest song I fell in love with
My most primal recollection is entering a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the refrain, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The first single I purchased
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select a new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by the group Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I sing at karaoke
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d go with Summer Wind by Ol' Blue Eyes.

The piece I inexplicably 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 the entire album on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal track to play at a party
It hinges on which phase of the party you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and David Bowie, and when it hits its peak, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by Underworld, and Ascension by Gorillaz, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can never bear
I strangely loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that altered my perspective
When I was twelve and just learning to play the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly 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 high voltage rock ’n’roll. The moment he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.

The tune that motivates me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by The Genius.

The song that brings me to tears
Most music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.

The track I’d like performed at my memorial service
The King. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.