Paul Carrack

Celebrating five decades in the music industry, legendary musician and songwriter Paul Carrack is preparing to embark on a new tour, showcasing the remarkable career of a man known as “The Man with the Golden Voice.”

Born in 1951, Carrack has been the driving force behind some of the biggest hits from iconic British bands like Ace, Squeeze, and Mike + The Mechanics. His soulful voice powers classics such as Ace’s “How Long,” Squeeze’s “Tempted,” and Mike + The Mechanics’ “The Living Years” and “Over My Shoulder.”

As a songwriter and composer, his work has been performed by legendary artists such as Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles, and Diana Ross. His influence is far-reaching, having toured or recorded with music legends like Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Ringo Starr.

Carrack’s career began in the mid-’70s with Ace, where he wrote and sang the hit “How Long.” After Ace disbanded, he joined Roxy Music and became a highly sought-after session musician, contributing to recordings by The Pretenders, The Smiths, and more.

From the mid-’70s rock scene to the present day, Carrack has quietly shaped the soundtrack of our lives, earning a reputation as one of the UK’s most versatile and enduring talents. Now, as he prepares to tour again, Carrack continues to celebrate a legacy that has left an indelible mark on British music.

A musical legacy that spans five decades is something to celebrate, and when that legacy includes a timeless classic like “How Long,” the occasion becomes truly remarkable. Paul Carrack, the maestro behind this iconic song, proudly announces the ‘How Long’ 50th Anniversary Tour, in support of his latest album, How Long – Has This Been Going On? Greatest Hits.

In 1974, Paul Carrack was in Ace when he wrote and performed “How Long,” a song that resonated with audiences worldwide. The track reached No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and made the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart. In a 1981 issue of Smash Hits, Phil Collins named the song one of his top 10 favourites, describing it as a “classic single.”

Carrack reflects on the significance of this song, saying, “‘How Long’ is probably the first song I wrote. In 1974, I was in a band called Ace in London. It was a fun band, and I wrote the song about a real situation, a situation that many people could relate to. Little did I know that it would become a classic and touch the hearts of so many. ‘How Long’ is a song that has stood the test of time, and I’m grateful for the journey it has taken me on over these incredible 50 years.”

The ‘How Long’ 50th Anniversary Tour takes audiences on a journey through Carrack’s illustrious career, spanning half a century of extraordinary music. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of “How Long” and Paul Carrack’s exceptional talent.

Carrack’s career is filled with iconic songs that have become timeless classics. He lent his exceptional voice to hits such as “Tempted” by Squeeze, “The Living Years,” and “Silent Running” by Mike + The Mechanics, as well as his own solo hit, “Don’t Shed a Tear.”

Paul’s uniquely soulful voice is cherished by millions of fans around the world. Some of the biggest names in music, including The Eagles, Diana Ross, and Tom Jones, have performed his incredible songs. He is constantly in demand as a session keyboardist, having recorded and toured with Elton John, Van Morrison, Roger Waters, and B.B. King, and most recently with Eric Clapton.

In recent years, Carrack has focused primarily on creating his own solo records through his label, Carrack-UK, and embarking on tours across his native UK. His journey into independent work began two decades ago when he realised he needed to establish his own body of work. The solo records have since flourished into a substantial and diverse collection. Carrack has released an impressive 12 albums over the last 21 years, in addition to a series of live archival releases.

Paul Carrack’s commitment to his craft and his relentless pursuit of musical excellence remains unwavering. This tour not only celebrates the legend himself but also marks a remarkable 50 years of unforgettable music.