Ace, though not a household name, holds a special place in music history, largely thanks to their breakout hit, “How Long”. This enduring song, penned by the band’s keyboardist and vocalist Paul Carrack, propelled Ace from London’s pub rock scene onto the global stage. But the story behind “How Long” is as intriguing as the song itself, revealing a blend of everyday life and musical inspiration.
The Accidental Hit Born on a Bus
Paul Carrack, who would later gain fame with acts like Mike + the Mechanics and collaborations with Eric Clapton, recalls the humble beginnings of “How Long”. In an interview with ClassicBands.com, Carrack reminisced about Ace’s early days, highlighting their commitment to original music amidst a pub rock scene dominated by covers. It was this dedication that set the stage for “How Long”‘s creation.
The song’s genesis was remarkably organic. Carrack described developing the chord structure in his small apartment, utilizing a basic Rebox tape recorder to layer harmonies – a “magic” of early recording technology. The lyrics, however, came during a mundane bus journey to his future mother-in-law’s house. As Carrack recounted, “I wrote the lyric on the bus going to my future mother-in-law’s. I wrote it on the back of that bus ticket. That’s my excuse for there only being one verse.” This anecdote paints a vivid picture of songwriting emerging from the fabric of daily life, transforming a simple bus ride into a moment of lyrical inspiration.
From Pub Rock to Global Stages
“How Long” became Ace’s ticket out of the pub rock circuit, a testament to the song’s infectious melody and relatable lyrics. While Ace released three albums, it’s “How Long” that remains their signature tune, a staple of classic rock radio. Carrack’s subsequent career further cemented his musical legacy, with significant contributions to Roxy Music, Squeeze, Roger Waters, Ringo Starr, and most notably, Mike + the Mechanics. His voice became synonymous with hits like “The Living Years” and “Over My Shoulder,” and his frequent appearances with Eric Clapton underscored his standing in the music world.
“How Long,” therefore, is more than just a song; it’s a snapshot of a moment, a product of pub rock origins, and the foundation for a remarkable musical journey for Paul Carrack. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and authenticity, a song born from everyday life that resonated with audiences worldwide and continues to do so today.
