🔗 Share this article

The initial song I fell in love with
My most primal memory is walking into a space at kindergarten where they were blasting Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the sonic landscape, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I purchased
When I was eight years old, 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 Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a music store in Colne. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at sing-along
I candidly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But if forced, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I inexplicably recite all the words to
I just discovered that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The ideal tune to put on at a party
It relies on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the party deepens, I’d transition into Prince, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it gets lively, Phat Planet by Leftfield, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The track I can no longer hear
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ultimate song to get intimate to
Come Together by the Beatles.

The album that changed my life
When I was 12 and just learning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was obsessed with Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my childminder brought round Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. The moment 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 song that makes me cry
Most music leaves me emotional. The Queen of Soul, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all stir my emotions because of the melody and sheer perfection of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner gets me going every time.

The song I’d like to be played at my final send-off
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.