The Actor's Candid Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Aversions

The first song I fell in love with
My first memory is walking into a space at nursery school where they were spinning Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was enthralled by the audio textures, and John Lennon shouting: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the hook, I remember thinking: “This must be music!”

The first record I bought
When I was eight, I won a contest at school to select a new record to play at the mini disco we had on Friday afternoons. My instructor took me to a local store, and I picked out Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own savings was Mull of Kintyre by Paul McCartney's Wings from a record shop in Lancashire. It was number one at the time, and I chose it when my dad pointed out that it was by one of the Beatles.

The tune I sing at karaoke
I candidly actively avoid karaoke and avoid it at all costs. But under duress, I’d choose Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I oddly know all the words to
I just realised that I know virtually every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by Paul Simon.

The perfect tune to play at a soirée
It relies on what stage of the party you are at. At the start it would most likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye. As the night wears on, I’d transition into the Artist, the 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 never hear
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The record that changed my life
When I was 12 and starting to play the guitar, I’d only listen to early rock ’n’roll, and was consumed by Elvis, the rock pioneer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, 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. Instantly after he put the vinyl on the record player, I was a fan for life.

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

The song that brings me to tears
All music makes me emotional. The Queen of Soul, Frank Sinatra, Presley and the Fab Four all bring a tear to my eye because of the melody and utter perfection of the vocals. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner strikes a chord consistently.

The track I’d like to be played at my memorial service
Elvis. If I’m given a cremation, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.

Gary Wiggins
Gary Wiggins

A seasoned commercial pilot with over 15 years of experience, sharing insights on aviation safety and industry trends.