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The first song I fell in love with
My first recollection is walking into a space at preschool where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Beatles. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and Lennon bellowing: “Full speed ahead!” When it got to the chorus, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first record I bought
When I was eight, I was victorious in a competition at school to pick a brand new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to Woolworths, and I chose Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was No 1 at the time, and I selected it when my dad noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I sing at karaoke
I honestly cannot stand public singing and steer clear at all costs. But under duress, I’d select Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The piece I strangely remember each line to
I recently became aware that I have memorized pretty much every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and the entire album on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The perfect song to put on at a soirée
It depends 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 party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Rolling Stones and 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 undeniable hit.

The number I can not hear
I inexplicably cannot stand Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

The ideal piece to have sex to
Come Together by John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was fixated on Elvis, the rock pioneer, the killer, the New Orleans legend, the glasses-wearing icon and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by the Australian rockers. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock music. The moment he dropped the record on the record player, I was a fan for life.

The song that motivates me in the morning
What’d I Say parts 1 & 2 by Ray Charles.

The piece that makes me cry
All music makes me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Elvis and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the tune and sheer perfection of the voices. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard consistently.

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