Paul Carrack talks about touring his songs ahead of visit to Buxton Opera House

He was the man behind the classic song ‘How Long’ and one of the voices of Mike + The Mechanics, and now he’s on his way to Buxton to perform songs from his amazing repertoire.
Paul Carrack at Buxton Opera House on March 21Paul Carrack at Buxton Opera House on March 21
Paul Carrack at Buxton Opera House on March 21

He was the man behind the classic song ‘How Long’ and one of the voices of Mike + The Mechanics, and now he’s on his way to Buxton to perform songs from his amazing repertoire.

Paul Carrack hails from Sheffield and in the 70s he formed Ace whose debut hit ‘How Long’ became a hit on both sides of the Atlantic and is

still often heard on the radio today.

He then moved to Roxy Music, playing keyboards on three of their hit albums between 1979 and 1982 and Squeeze where he replaced Jools Holland and supplied lead vocals to ‘Tempted’.

It was around this time that he started a successful solo career recording a string of acclaimed albums like ‘Nightbird’ (1980), ‘One Good Reason’ (1987) and ‘Blue Views’ (1996); and since 2000 he has released – on his own label – five albums and is about to release a sixth.

Paul has worked with the very best in the business also: Roger Waters, Nick Lowe and Elton John amongst them.

He’s no slouch in the song-writing stakes either as he has penned some numbers for The Eagles, one of which, ‘Love Will Keep Us Alive’ hit the top of the charts in America.

Paul was also one of the singers in Mike + The Mechanics with whom he scored a number of hit albums and singles.

In 1989, their single ‘The Living Years’, on which he sang lead vocals, went to number one in both the US and Canada charts and number 2 in the UK.

More recently he has been doing his own thing, but has also been touring with Eric Clapton, and he has noticed a few differences between touring as part of someone else’s band rather than his own.

“Well, we don’t use a private jet or stay in five-star hotels,” he laughs.

“It’s much easier to be a side man, it’s a bit like a busman’s holiday. You see, when people some to see me, I feel responsible for them having a good time, whereas when I tour with Eric the onus is on him.”

Joining Paul on stage will be his band.

“They’re a great band and have been with me for about ten years.” He said,

“It’s a seven piece and includes a sax and trumpet.”

The Ace hit ‘How Long’ is a special favourite with Paul, as he explained.

“It does have a special place because it was my first success. It’s a very simple song but I never tire of singing it. However, I think the more recent songs are my best even if they aren’t as well known.”

However, he does have to think when asked about the song that gives him the most pride.

“That’s a tricky question,” he says.

“There’s songs like How Long and Living Years, but I’m most proud of my recent material; and there’s a lot of it ‘cos I’ve released an album a year for about 14 years now.”

Paul Carrack and his band will be at Buxton Opera House on Saturday, March 21.

Related topics: