The Quick Present and Chilly Ft star shares his lifelong musical obsessions…
Who had been your musical heroes rising up?
I beloved John Barry as I’m a giant Bond fan. There was a twenty fifth anniversary double-gatefold James Bond album and I adored that. I used to hearken to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service again and again. I beloved numerous composers, like Lalo Schifrin, Henry Mancini and Quincy Jones – he’s achieved a number of soundtracks.
Who had been your favorite pop bands as a young person?
Most likely my favorite band rising up was Earth, Wind & Fireplace, I simply adore them. But additionally Stage 42. I like their Dwell At Wembley album, however notably take pleasure in their first stuff, too, like The Early Tapes. Right here’s a comic story: Stage 42 had been company on The Quick Present on the ‘Anybody fancy a pint?’ sketch, and within the inexperienced room on the BBC, Mark King was there.
He was restringing his bass and took the outdated string off and I mentioned, “Can I’ve it?” and he was like, “What on earth would you need that for?” and I mentioned I used to be a giant fan. So we bought chatting and we’ve been mates ever since. I’ve all the time bought a ticket if they arrive to Manchester. I like bands the place they’ve a excessive degree of musicianship and Mark’s the most effective bass gamers on the earth.
Had been you into indie in any respect?
I all the time beloved soul and by no means understood individuals who favored indie, ‘cos it was fairly mournful and unhappy. It’s simply a type of issues I’ve by no means been into, like The Smiths or Pleasure Division – these bands that you may write onto a canvas bag. Folks used to try this on canvas luggage, didn’t they? I’m certain that’s why Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Darkish was abbreviated to OMD, so it’d match on.
Are there any songs that you just bear in mind dancing to again within the 80s?
I bear in mind once we went to discos, pre-drinking, there have been sure songs that basically hit residence with me. One game-changer that all the time bought me as much as dance was Herbie Hancock’s Rockit. Additionally M’s Pop Muzik actually excited me and Shannon’s Let The Music Play.
What was your first single?
This Is Mine by Heaven 17, as a result of I beloved the brass association on it. It nonetheless works for me now, as does Temptation. They’re cracking tracks.
Your favorite pop album?
I actually adore Love And Dancing by The Human League, underneath the title League Limitless, the place it’s all remixes of their hits.
Do you go to gigs or festivals a lot?
I used to love the Model New Heavies and Jamiroquai and all of the acid jazz stuff. There’s none of that music coming via anymore, it’s a disgrace. So there’s not many individuals I wish to see. It’s just like the lineup at festivals, apart from Love Supreme, it simply appals me! I’ve by no means been one to purchase into the indie scene, ‘cos that’s what festivals are primarily. The very best gig I’ve been to just lately was Bruno Mars at Manchester Enviornment. I am going to numerous gigs as a result of I’ve bought two daughters. I’ve seen Little Combine, who’re fairly good, and The Saturdays who had been alright.
What do you hearken to if you wish to loosen up?
‘Cos I’m sober now I like chillout music reminiscent of Zero 7 and Alex Cortiz. I take pleasure in that sort of stuff, notably within the automotive, as a result of I could be a little bit of sizzling head behind the wheel!
