The first song I remember hearing
My dad was a big fan of the Beatles. I remember sitting with great big earphones on listening to Here Comes the Sun. It’s so melodic, cool and great.
The song I inexplicably know every lyric to
When I was about 16 or 17, we went on a rugby tour to France. For some reason we learned La Marseillaise – the national anthem of France – like a rugby tourist kind of thing. It’s still stuck in my head.
The best song to play at a party
If you’re my age, you’ll remember that Jump Around by House of Pain is such a banger. Even if you’re 18 or 19, the energy is still pretty good for a party. It’s a cross-generational banger.
The song I stream the most
Romeo & Julie by the Rifles, because it ends with a singalong, almost like a football anthem, so everybody joins in. If you’ve seen them live, everybody knows it. The Rifles are one of my favourite bands, even though they’ve never quite made it to the mainstream.
The song I can no longer listen to
Baby Shark. My little man’s eight now, so I’m so glad I don’t have to listen to it again. I’m done with Baby Shark, thank you.
The song I wish I’d written
Dry My Bones by this quirky Manchester indie band called the Slow Show. The lyrics are beautiful even though they are dealing with alcoholism and addiction.
The song I secretly like but tell everyone I hate
It’s not very cool to like Simply Red, but Holding Back the Years is a top track. Mick Hucknall has got an incredible voice, an amazing energy. I know it’s a bit hairdresser, in the background, but I actually quite like me some Simply Red.
The song that changed my life
Proof by I Am Kloot is probably the best track ever written. It was a record that was synonymous with me drinking. Music always connects to the soul and it’s the most beautiful, wonderful, simple, amazing tune, but I’m so pleased that part of my life isn’t there any more.
The song that gets me up in the morning
Music is a huge part of kitchen life. Whoever comes in first puts on the radio or their own playlist because kitchens need energy. I’ve never been in a kitchen that works in silence. There’s no slow start. You don’t gently wander into work and slowly build up to lunch. You have to drive it from the moment you get through the door. So, for me, anything by the Prodigy, but probably Firestarter. They’re one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live.
The song I’d like played at my funeral
Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma. I’m a big sports fan and Italia 90 was such a massive part of my life when I’d just turned 17. That tune just builds and builds. I can imagine a massive coffin disappearing down while he’s singing. What better way to go?
Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park will be at four venues from May to September; starts Marlow.
