Eddie Marsan shares the songs that define his life
In a candid interview, actor Eddie Marsan opens up about his musical tastes, from the first song he fell in love with to the track he wants played at his funeral. The star of 'No Ordinary Heist' reveals a deep affection for funk, a secret love for Chas & Dave, and the Eric Clapton song that reduces him to tears.
The first song I fell in love with
Marsan recalls hearing George Harrison's 'My Sweet Lord' as a child on the Isle of Sheppey. 'It's about searching for God, and I've always thought the way it moves from Hallelujah to Hare Krishna is really beautiful,' he says.
The first single I bought
'Big Time by Rick James from Paul's Music on London's Cambridge Heath Road. Even at a young age, I liked my funk. I've only been addicted to two things in life – funk and praise,' Marsan admits.
The song I can no longer listen to
Marsan confesses a strong aversion to 'Les Misérables', which was popular at drama school. 'I'd come from being an apprentice printer, and there were all these blokes with rollnecks, hair tied back, singing about Javert. I thought: I can't stand it. Out of everything, Les Mis pisses me off the most.'
The best song to play at a party
For Marsan, Cameo's 'Candy' is the ultimate party track. 'It's a funky line dance. Even if you can't dance, you can just follow the person next to you.'
The song I do at karaoke
Etta James's 'I Just Want to Make Love to You' is Marsan's go-to karaoke choice. 'You're probably pissed by that time of night, so you can sing or shout it and you'll be all right.'
The song I secretly like, but tell everyone I hate
Despite trying to appear erudite, Marsan admits a fondness for Chas & Dave's 'Ain't No Pleasing You'. 'I do think it's one of the best British songs of the last 50 years.'
The song I inexplicably know every lyric to
Marsan has known every word of Elvis Presley's 'Guitar Man' since childhood, despite its fast syntax.
The best song to have sex to
'Anything by Billie Holiday, really. But if my wife starts playing Strange Fruit, I've got something to worry about,' Marsan jokes.
The song that changed my life
James Brown's 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine' helped Marsan overcome his insecurities. 'I could escape my own insecurities by dancing,' he explains.
The song that gets me up in the morning
Charles Aznavour's 'For Me… Formidable' makes Marsan feel cultured while making his morning coffee.
The song that makes me cry
Eric Clapton's 'Tears in Heaven' took on new meaning after Marsan had his first child. 'When you have a new baby, you're filled with all these new emotions. I never realised the significance of that song until that moment.'
The song I'd like played at my funeral
Marsan chooses Tony Bennett and the Count Basie Orchestra's 'Are You Havin' Any Fun?' for his funeral.
Marsan's new film 'No Ordinary Heist' airs on Now and Sky Cinema on 27 June.
