Brian Whittle MSP: 'I’m an old rocker'

What was the first record that you ever bought?

The Ballroom Blitz by The Sweet.

What record will always get you on the dance floor?

I’m an old rocker so probably something by AC/DC.

What is your karaoke song?

It used to be Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash.

What song do you want played at your funeral?

Definitely not Highway to Hell. It would probably be Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses.

What music do you always associate with your childhood?

The Sweet was the band that I first got into when I was in primary school. I 
actually saw them live this year, believe it or not.

What song is guaranteed to make you cry?

I am currently the guitarist in a band, and I think music can be very emotional. There’s a lot of really good rock ballads that get to me, though whether they make me cry or not is another thing. I really like Try Me by UFO. 

What’s the name of your band?

It’s the parliamentary band. We haven’t given ourselves a name yet. We like to cover songs like Bryan Adams’ Run to You and Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top. We also do a bit of AC/DC, which is the most fun stuff to play but I have to persuade the other band members to play it because they are not quite into it as much as I am. 

What record do you absolutely hate but can’t get out of your head?

Well, thanks to my grandkids, it would have to be the Baby Shark song. I’ve got a three-year-old grandson who just loves that song and when he’s in the car, it is there for the entire day ahead. 

What song did you have as the first dance at your wedding?

It was Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton. 

As an athlete, what song did you listen to before a race?

I used to have three tracks that I played before I started my warm-up. It was Whole Lotta Rosie by AC/DC – it had to be the live version recorded in Glasgow – the second one would be Hallowed by Thy Name by Iron Maiden, and finally Ace of Spades by Motorhead – the three heaviest tracks I could find.

Is there a song that reminds you of your kids?

I’m lucky because my kids are into the same music I am. I took my eldest daughter to see Def Leppard this year and I’m taking my middle daughter and my youngest daughter to see Nickelback. If I had to choose, it would be Sweet Child O’ Mine. They always play it when I’m in the car.

What record would you be embarrassed to owning up to having in your collection?

As an old rocker I’ve got things you wouldn’t expect me to have, like Adele’s 21 and Lewis Capaldi.

What was the last band you went to see and who with?

I went to see Slash a couple of weeks ago with four of my friends.