Five decades of music in a night with Paul Carrack (From Croydon Guardian)

Mike and the Mechanics lead man still going strong

3:40pm Wednesday 26th October 2011 in Music By Nick Hitchens

With a career spanning across five decades and including working with names such as Elton John, Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr, Paul Carrack is still banging out albums and brings his eclectic mix of songs to the Fairfield Halls.

Best known as lead singer of 90’s band Mike and The Mechanics Paul is now flying solo and combining traditional guitar based tunes with orchestral pieces and working with Big Bands.

In his latest tour the all-round musician, who has recorded tracks where he plays every part, is hoping to satisfy his fans new and old.

He says: “We have a huge repertoire to chose from but this is not a nostalgia gig. The orchestral album was a bit of an indulgence - I guess I wanted to see if I could do it, and though we won’t have the orchestra with us, they can be transposed across.

“I have to say the vast majority of those coming are fans of Mike and the Mechanics but it is hard to gauge. We get people who come year after year, but also those along for the first time who have heard the new material. The advantage is while there are a few ever presents we can mix it up and play a fresh list each time.”

With a CV which includes working with bands Warm Dust, Ace, Roxy Music, Squeeze, The Bleeding Hearts Band, and Mike and the Mechanics before going solo Paul is not exaggerating.

He has also written music with The Eagles and played organ on Elton John’s smash hit Candle in the Wind following the death of Princess Diana.

Paul Carrack will be at The Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon on November 13 from 7.30pm Tickets, costing £28.50 are available by calling 0208 688 9291 or visiting www.fairfield.co.uk