In association with
Model and businessman David Gandy shares his musical memories and favourite songs for the Gentleman’s Journal Weekend Playlist, in association with KEF
He’s got plenty of time to listen to music, does David Gandy. If he’s not jet-setting around the world on modelling jobs (noise-cancelling headphones firmly on), he’s most likely found behind the wheel of a classic car — foot pressed flat to the pedal with the scratchy old radio turned up loud. Even when he’s in the gym, working on his fighting-fit physique, he says that music is his motivation.
So, when the weekend finally rolls around and the filmmaker, perfectionist and all-round businessman finally turns off, what music does he turn on? What sort of tunes soundtrack a Gandy Sunday, what is he listening to at the moment — and what are his all-time top ten tracks?
When do you usually listen to music?, Music is virtually always playing — in the house, the car, at the gym…
What is your favourite workout song?, Anything by AC/DC usually gets the heart pumping!
What was the last song you listened to?, I’m not sure about the exact song, but the album was Love & Hate by Michael Kiwanuka.
What was the last album you bought?, Harvest Moon by Neil Young.
Vinyl or Spotify?, I’d love to say I was cool enough to have a vinyl collection — but, for me, it’s Spotify.
What do you listen to when you want to relax?, I was brought up listening to a lot of Motown and soul music, so I’d say that’s my happy place — or happy music.
What instrument do you wish that you could play?, I’d love to be able to see a guitar or a piano and just start playing for people. And I’ve always fancied playing the double bass — but that’s probably just because I want to spin it…
What’s your favourite lyric?, It’s from What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye: ‘Father, father / We don’t need to escalate / You see, war is not the answer / For only love can conquer hate / You know we’ve got to find a way / To bring some lovin’ here today’.
When was the last time a music or sound-related experience made you ‘listen and believe’?, I took some friends to see Tony Bennett at the Royal Albert Hall. He turned off all the instruments and microphone and sang Fly Me to the Moon with only a double bass accompanying him. We all got goosebumps — and all of my friends who’d joked about my love for old school music before the concert turned to me and said: ‘Now that’s a singer!’
Harvest Moon by Neil Young. I used to play this for my daughter in the early hours when she was first born. She’d always fall asleep to it — and she still does. It reminds me of her.
Desperado by The Eagles. I once had an argument with a director on set, walked off and rented a sports car. I was driving down the P1 highway, had The Eagles playing all the way — and it was a wonderful few days.
Jealous Guy by Donny Hathaway. Obviously this is an incredible song by John Lennon. But when one of my favourite artists, Donny Hathaway, covered it, it gave it a total new dimension for me. One of my favourite songs ever.
Volare by Dean Martin. On our first Greek holiday together, I kept playing this for my partner, Steph. It brings back such great memories.
(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Reading. It was in the Top Gun soundtrack. Enough said.
Easy by The Commodores. I remember this being used in a Halifax advert in the 1980s — and I thought the guy in the advert was the coolest thing ever. I’ve never forgotten it.
The Chain by Fleetwood Mac. Obviously the end of the song has been used as the Formula One TV theme. A few years after I heard it being used for that, I listened to the whole song. It was one of the best things I’ve ever heard.
Sweet Thang by Shuggie Otis. He’s not an artist known to many, but Sweet Thang is my favourite song by Shuggie Otis — and I still want to use it for a TV commercial. Just have to find the right project…
She’s Gone by Hall & Oates. My mum used to play this album over and over in the car when I was young. I was always so happy in the car, with my sister and the dogs. We’d sing along to it — this is my happy place song.
The Great Gig in the Sky by Pink Floyd. This song was playing as I landed in Naples to shoot the Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue campaign, and that was obviously an unforgettable time — it changed my life.
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