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The earliest song I became enamored with
My earliest memory is entering a room at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the sound effects, and John Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the chorus, I recall believing: “This must be music!”

The inaugural record I bought
When I was eight years old, I was victorious in a competition at school to select a brand new vinyl to play at the weekly dance party we had on Friday afternoons. My teacher took me to Woolworths, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I bought with my own allowance 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 pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I perform at karaoke
I candidly cannot stand public singing and dodge it at all costs. But if I had to, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I inexplicably know all the words to
I not long ago became aware that I can recall virtually the entire lyrical content to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The ideal tune to blast at a soirée
It depends on what stage of the evening you are at. Early doors it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the evening progresses, 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 not bear
I strangely detest Mr Brightside by the Killers.

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

The record that changed my life
When I was twelve and starting to study the guitar, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, Fats Domino, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter played Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was powerful rock ’n’roll. Instantly after he dropped the record on the record player, I was hooked.

The track that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by The Genius.

The track that makes me cry
All music makes me moved. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Beatles all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer beauty of the vocals. But The Ocean by Richard Hawley hits me hard every time.

The song I’d like performed at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m laid to rest in the ground, I’ll have Way Down.