Sheffield-born music icon Paul Carrack to be honoured with plaque unveiling in city centre
Paul Carrack has released 19 studio albums and performed alongside stars like Elton John, Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton among others
The achievements of legendary Sheffield musician Paul Carrack are set to be honoured in an event taking place right in the heart of his home city.
Carrack, who is regarded as one of the UK’s most respected musicians, will have his career recognised outside of the Town Hall with a Sheffield Legends plaque, honouring his incredible career which has spanned more than five decades.
Speaking ahead of the unveiling, Carrack said: “I’m sure there are hundreds of Sheffield men and women who have served this great city well and are far more worthy of this award than me, but I accept it in honour of my late father and mother, my brother John, my grandparents, my aunts, uncles and cousins – all of them solid Sheffield folk who instilled in me the values of honesty, determination, hard work, humility and love. Values that have served me well in my life and career.”
Blessed with the ability to sing, write songs as well as playing multiple instruments, Carrack rose to prominence in the mid-1970s as the frontman and principal songwriter of rock band Ace, and gained further recognition for his work as a solo artist and for his tenures as a member of Squeeze and Roger Waters' backing band, the Bleeding Heart Band.
The 75-year-old’s rise to international fame began in humble circumstances. Teaching himself to play drums and organ in his family’s paint shop, Carrack developed a passion and talent that would take him from Sheffield to some of the world’s most iconic stages.
Over the years, he has released 19 studio albums, written songs recorded by artists including Diana Ross and Sir Tom Jones, and performed alongside an extraordinary roll call of music legends including Eric Clapton, Elton John, Ringo Starr, B.B. King, The Smiths, Madness, Roxy Music and The Pretenders.
His career has also been woven into major moments in global history. In 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Carrack was personally selected by Roger Waters to perform at The Wall Live in Berlin, singing before a crowd of more than 500,000 people and a television audience of millions around the world.
Despite his international success, Carrack has remained proudly connected to Sheffield throughout his life and career.
The plaque unveiling will take place outside Sheffield Town Hall on Tuesday 4 August from 1.30pm, with Paul Carrack joined by family, friends, the Lord Mayor of Sheffield and civic leaders.
Members of the public are invited to attend and celebrate one of Sheffield’s most successful and influential musicians as his name takes its place among the city’s legends.