Diarmuid Gavin may be best known as a celebrity gardener and TV presenter, but the Rathfarnham man has a secret: he's also a serious fan of rock 'n' roll.
In his time, Gavin has presented on Top of the Pops, hung out with Primal Scream, and created gardens inspired by the likes of the video for Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean'. "I wanted to make gardens, but not twee gardens," Diarmuid said of his early beginnings. "I wanted to take contemporary influences, and I had seen MTV and Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean', so, in my second show at Chelsea Flower Show, I illuminated the paving stones."
Naturally, Billie Jean had to feature on the show -- and Diarmuid threw in another few soul-pop choices as well, including Earth, Wind & Fire and Aretha Franklin. But there had to be guitar music too -- and Nirvana arrived with 'Smells like Teen Spirit'. "Everything had become so nice," Diarmuid said of the song. "This was visceral."
To listen back, click the play button at the top right of the screen and let us know what you think by tweeting @nadineoregan or @songsinthekey.
Diarmuid Gavin's Playlist
- Earth, Wind & Fire 'September'
- Michael Jackson 'Billie Jean'
- The Boomtown Rats 'Rat-trap'
- Nirvana 'Smells like Teen Spirit'
- The Killers 'Mr Brightside'
- Aretha Franklin 'Say a Little Prayer'
- Jussi Bjorling and Robert Merrill 'Pearl Fishers recording'
- Sinead O'Connor 'Mandinka'
- Blondie 'Atomic'
- Mary Coughlan 'Double Cross'
- U2 'The Sweetest Thing'
