Mo Gilligan has reflected on the music that has accompanied key moments in his life, from childhood memories to songs that still set the tone for his day. The comedian recalls buying his first single, Rollout (My Business) by Ludacris, from HMV in Lewisham Shopping Centre, which he says he played repeatedly after taking it home.
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Growing up in a household influenced by reggae, Gilligan says Get Up, Stand Up by Bob Marley was a constant presence, often playing while household chores were being done. He has also highlighted songs that became cultural touchstones for him, including Boombastic by Shaggy, which he remembers hearing as a child in a television advert during morning routines before school.
Gilligan notes that familiarity plays an important role in his music choices for social settings. For karaoke, he favours widely known songs such as Angels by Robbie Williams or Wonderwall by Oasis, while party playlists often feature Talkin da Hardest by Giggs or Freed from Desire by Gala. He also admits to privately enjoying Wannabe by the Spice Girls, despite rarely saying so publicly.
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Other tracks are tied to more personal moments, including Yebba’s Heartbreak by Drake and Yebba, which he associates with calm and reflection, and Cosmic Girl by Jamiroquai, which helps him start the day. Looking ahead, Gilligan says he is undecided about the music he would want played at his funeral, weighing up the contrast between upbeat celebration and dramatic sentimentality.
