The Actor's Honest Playlist: Starting with Childhood Favorites to Unexplained Aversions

The first track I fell in love with
My earliest memory is walking into a room at kindergarten where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was mesmerized by the sonic landscape, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it reached the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first record I purchased
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to choose a brand new record 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 bought with my own pocket money was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I selected it when my dad mentioned that it was by one of the Beatles.

The track I do at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid public singing and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I strangely recite each line to
I recently became aware that I have memorized virtually all the lyrics to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect tune to put on at a party
It relies on the point of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d move on to the Artist, the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, and when it really kicks off, Phat Planet by the electronic act, Born Slippy .NUXX by the techno pioneers, and Ascension by the virtual band, which is an massive track.

The track I can no longer listen to
I for some reason detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and beginning to study the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and the rockabilly star. Then my childminder played Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was high voltage rock music. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the turntable, I was a fan for life.

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

The song that makes me cry
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer beauty of the singing. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley gets me going consistently.

The music I’d like played at my memorial service
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.