British actor John Simm has taken a deep dive into his personal musical history, sharing the songs that define key moments of his life, from childhood nostalgia to party-starting anthems and funeral plans. In a revealing 'honest playlist' feature, the star opens up about the tracks that move him, the lyrics he knows by heart, and the one modern classic he simply cannot stand.
Early Awakenings & Lifelong Obsessions
Simm traces his first conscious encounter with music back to nursery school, where he heard The Beatles' Yellow Submarine. He recalls being captivated by the sound effects and John Lennon's shout of "Full speed ahead!", realising during the chorus that "This must be music!". His first physical purchase came later, using his own pocket money to buy Wings' Mull of Kintyre from a record shop in Colne, Lancashire, after his dad pointed out its Beatles connection.
A significant musical shift occurred when he was 12. Initially obsessed with early rock 'n' roll icons like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry, his perspective was transformed by his babysitter playing AC/DC's Let There Be Rock. Simm describes it as "high voltage rock 'n' roll" and says he was instantly hooked, citing it as the album that changed his life.
Party Anthems & Karaoke Avoidance
When it comes to setting the mood for a gathering, Simm has a carefully curated progression. He suggests starting with Marvin Gaye's I Heard It Through the Grapevine for the early stages. As the evening develops, he'd move through classics by Prince, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie. For when the party truly kicks off, his go-to tracks include Leftfield's Phat Planet, Underworld's Born Slippy .NUXX, and the Nic Fanciulli remix of Gorillaz's Ascension featuring Vince Staples, which he labels "an absolute banger."
Despite his clear passion for music, one activity is strictly off-limits: karaoke. Simm states he "cannot stand karaoke and avoid it at all costs." However, under duress, his fallback would be Frank Sinatra's Summer Wind.
Emotional Connections & Unexplained Aversions
Simm reveals a profound emotional response to music, stating that "All music makes me emotional." He names Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, and The Beatles as artists whose melodic beauty and vocal perfection can bring him to tears. A particular touchstone is Richard Hawley's The Ocean, which he says "gets me going every time."
Conversely, he holds one strong, unexplained aversion. "I inexplicably detest Mr Brightside by The Killers," Simm confesses, placing the popular track on his list of songs he can no longer listen to. His lyrical expertise, he recently realised, lies in the work of Paul Simon, knowing nearly all the words to tracks like The Boy in the Bubble and You Can Call Me Al, and every song on the seminal Graceland album.
Looking to the far future, Simm has his funeral music planned with characteristic wit. For a cremation, he'd choose Elvis Presley's Burning Love. If he is buried, the song would be Presley's Way Down.
The interview coincides with the release of the 30th-anniversary 4K restored version of Boston Kickout, now available on digital and a limited edition 4K/Blu-ray box set.
