The first song I remember hearing
My mother’s got a gorgeous voice. I remember her singing along to Sing by the Carpenters as it went round on the turntable. Karen Carpenter is my favourite drummer of all time.
The first single I bought
When I was preparing to move back to Cardiff to start presenting on Radio 2, I came across this folder full of CDs, because, when I was about 10 or 11, I decided I wanted to be a DJ. I bought Tubthumping by Chumbawamba and 5, 6, 7, 8 by Steps on CD and – I’ve no idea why – Gangsta’s Paradise by Coolio on vinyl.
The song I wish I’d written
Most people think … Baby One More Time or Toxic by Britney are pop perfection. But for me, I’d say it’s (You Drive Me) Crazy. The Stop remix is the one to hear.
The song I do at karaoke
Holding Out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler, because it’s so dramatic. I was asked to play the drums for Bonnie Tyler when she sang it at the Queen’s platinum jubilee. I had to stop myself singing along, because it’s such a banger, and a great karaoke song.
The song I inexplicably know every lyric to
Work It by Missy Elliott. I automatically start singing along, because the whole song is lyrical genius. I once sang it standing on the table of a Korean karaoke restaurant.
The song that I stream the most
Butter by BTS and 1x1 by Bring Me the Horizon are both great for drumming along to.
The best song to play at a party
I love 90s pop, which is a specialist area for me. Ooh Aah … Just a Little Bit by Gina G was robbed at Eurovision. When the synth kicks in, I just want to mince to the dancefloor.
The song that changed my life
When I drummed along to the BBC News music, I had no idea it would go viral. I’d been working in news for years, so that music is ingrained in my head. As a drummer, I know where all of the changes are going to be, which is probably why I decided to do a drum cover of it. It changed my life and a lot of people’s lives with the amount of money raised by the BBC Drumathon.
The song I want played at my funeral
I don’t want it to be a sombre affair. So I’ll have I’m Alive by Céline Dion.
Radio 2 in the Park is in Leicester, 16 & 17 Sep; listen live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds; watch on BBC iPlayer.
