Mo Gilligan's Secret Musical Obsessions: More Than Just Comedy! Ever wondered what tunes make a comedian tick? Mo Gilligan, the hilarious force behind many a laugh, is opening up about his personal soundtrack, and it's a fascinating mix of nostalgia, guilty pleasures, and profound moments. But here's where it gets interesting: he's not afraid to admit to some surprising favorites that might just make you rethink your own playlist.
The First Single That Made an Impact: For Mo, the journey into music began with Ludacris's 'Rollout (My Business)'. He vividly recalls purchasing it at HMV in Lewisham Shopping Centre and playing it on repeat, a true testament to its initial allure. It’s a powerful start, isn't it? The thrill of owning that first single!
A Reggae-Infused Childhood Anthem: Growing up with a Rastafarian father meant reggae was a constant presence. Bob Marley's 'Get Up, Stand Up' was the soundtrack to his childhood chores. It's a touch of irony that a song about empowerment was the backdrop to being told to clean his room! This connection to reggae highlights a deeper influence on his upbringing.
Karaoke Classics for the Crowd: When it comes to belting out a tune at karaoke, Mo knows the secret: pick a song everyone can join in with. His go-to choices? Robbie Williams's 'Angels' or Oasis's 'Wonderwall'. Crowd-pleasers, for sure! What's your go-to karaoke anthem?
Memorizing Every Word: A 90s Flashback: The infectious rhythm of Shaggy's 'Boombastic' is etched in Mo's memory, thanks to a Levi's 501s advert during the 90s, reminiscent of a Wallace and Gromit animation. Even as a child, the lyrics captivated him, though their meaning was a mystery. This brings back so many nostalgic memories of 90s television!
The Song That's Overstayed Its Welcome: While he hasn't exactly 'rinsed' it, Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline' has become a bit of a bugbear. Its ubiquity during the last men's Euros means Mo now reacts with a sigh: “Oh no, not this again.” And this is the part most people miss – how a beloved song can become overplayed!
Party Starters That Never Fail: For a guaranteed good time, Mo recommends Giggs's 'Talkin da Hardest' and Gala's 'Freed from Desire'. These tracks are known for their ability to get any party going. What songs instantly make you want to dance?
The Secretly Loved, Publicly Hated Guilty Pleasure: Now, this is where things get juicy! Mo confesses a soft spot for The Spice Girls' 'Wannabe'. He admits, “I don’t go around telling people I love Wannabe by the Spice Girls.” But he quickly defends it, calling it an “underrated banger” and highlighting their lyrical prowess, pointing out, “So, here’s a story from A to Z / You wanna get with me, you gotta listen carefully.” Bold claim: Are The Spice Girls secretly lyrical geniuses? What's your guilty pleasure song that you'd never admit to loving?
A Life-Altering Plane Ride: A moment of profound realization struck Mo while listening to Drake and Yebba's 'Yebba's Heartbreak' on a plane. The interlude from the 'Certified Lover Boy' album felt like “bouncing on the clouds,” and it has since become his go-to for moments of calm. Music's power to transform our state of mind is truly remarkable.
The Morning Wake-Up Call: To kickstart his day, Mo relies on Jamiroquai's 'Cosmic Girl'. After a double espresso and an oat bar, this song transports him, making him feel like he's driving through mountains, a far cry from mundane chores. It's all about setting the right mood, isn't it?
The Song That Evokes Tears: Cleo Sol's 'Know That You Are Loved' is the track that brings on the waterworks for Mo.
A Funeral Soundtrack: DMX or East 17? When it comes to his final send-off, Mo has two contrasting ideas. He might opt for DMX's 'Party Up (Up in Here)' to keep spirits high and prevent tears. Alternatively, for a dramatic flair, he'd choose East 17's 'Stay Another Day' complete with dry ice. This raises a fascinating question: What music truly reflects your personality, even in the most solemn of moments?
Mo Gilligan is currently touring the UK and US from January 28th to May 13th. Don't miss the chance to catch him live!
What do you think of Mo's playlist? Are there any songs on this list that surprise you? Let us know in the comments below – we'd love to hear your thoughts and whether you agree with Mo's musical choices!