🔗 Share this article

The first song I fell in love with
My earliest recollection is walking into a room at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the hook, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural 45 I acquired
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a contest at school to select 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 bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I chose it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I perform at sing-along
I frankly cannot stand public singing and steer clear 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 recently realised that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal tune to play at a gathering
It hinges on the point of the evening you are at. Early doors it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d work through Prince, the Stones and Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an undeniable hit.

The song I can not hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Killers.

The ultimate piece to have sex to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to study the six-string, I’d only listen to 1950s rock ’n’roll, and was obsessed with The King, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. As soon as he put the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.

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

The piece that brings me to tears
Most music leaves me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Elvis and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and pure beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going every time.

The track 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 buried, I’ll have Way Down.