John Simm's Revealing Playlist: From Early Loves to Peculiar Dislikes

The first track I was captivated by
My first recollection is walking into a space at nursery school where they were playing Yellow Submarine by the Fab Four. I was mesmerized by the audio textures, and John Lennon yelling: “Full speed ahead!” When it arrived at the refrain, I distinctly thought: “This must be music!”

The first record I bought
When I was eight, I won a competition at school to choose a new record to play at the small dance we had on Fridays. My teacher took me to a local store, and I opted for Come Back My Love by Darts. The first record I purchased with my own allowance was Mull of Kintyre by Wings from a music store in Lancashire. It was topping the charts at the time, and I selected it when my father noted that it was by one of the Beatles.

The song I do at sing-along
I frankly actively avoid karaoke and steer clear at all costs. But if I had to, I’d go with Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra.

The track I inexplicably recite all the words to
I not long ago realised that I can recall almost every word to The Boy in the Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, and each track on Graceland by the legendary songwriter.

The best tune to put on at a gathering
It hinges on the point of the event you are at. For the beginning it would likely be I Heard It Through the Grapevine by the soul legend. As the party deepens, I’d transition into the Artist, the Stones and 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 never listen to
I for some reason loathe Mr Brightside by the Las Vegas band.

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

The record that altered my perspective
When I was 12 and starting to play the six-string, I’d only listen to classic rock and roll, and was consumed by Elvis, Chuck Berry, the killer, the New Orleans legend, Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran. Then my babysitter introduced me to Let There Be Rock by AC/DC. It was still rock’n’roll, but it was electrifying rock ’n’roll. As soon as he placed the vinyl on the record player, I was captivated.

The tune that wakes me in the AM
What’d I Say in its full glory by Ray Charles.

The track that makes me cry
All music leaves me moved. Aretha Franklin, The Chairman of the Board, Presley and the Beatles all make me cry because of the tune and pure brilliance of the singing. But The Ocean by the Sheffield crooner hits me hard without fail.

The song I’d like to be played at my final send-off
The King. If I’m cremated, I’ll have Burning Love. If I’m buried, I’ll have Way Down.