I told a friend of mine—who, let’s be honest, has a few more miles on the odometer than I do—that I was heading to see Paul Carrack live. His response? A blank stare and a “Who?”—from a guy who prides himself on his so-called vast musical knowledge. It only took a couple of seconds to fix that. The moment I mentioned “How Long” and “The Living Years”, I saw the lightbulb flicker on. Recognition dawned.
Paul Carrack’s show at the Philharmonic Hall was, as always, a reminder that true craftsmanship doesn’t need glitter, pyrotechnics, or even a household name. It was a masterclass in precision and modest brilliance. He rolled through “Over My Shoulder” with slick ease, and you could practically feel the narratives weaving throughout the hall. This guy just knows how to tell a story—maybe that’s why he was the perfect voice for Squeeze’s “Tempted”, which he nailed on the Hammond organ to a well-deserved rapture.
He didn’t stop there. One moment, he’s on guitar, playing Madeleine Peyroux’s “Don’t Wait Too Long” with the kind of grace only a true elder statesman of music could muster. Then he’s hitting us with Springsteen’s “If I Should Fall Behind”, and the night’s big jam, “Shame on You, Shame on Me”, letting the band go full-throttle. Everyone in the room felt it.
And then, when he played “Love Will Keep Us Alive”, I thought about The Eagles covering it. And really—why change what’s already perfect? The Eagles clearly knew better.
Carrack’s melodies, in songs like “Question” and “Bet Your Life”, washed over us all like a gentle, warm tide. This is what music should be: effortless, rich, and somehow both intimate and grand at once.
The thing about Paul Carrack is, even if you don’t know the name, you know that voice. He’s the guy behind hits that have soundtracked moments of your life, but he’s been happy to let others take the spotlight while he quietly delivers the magic. Sure, he’s played with the best of the best—Eric Clapton, to name one—and sure, he’s often been behind the curtain, letting the bigger names bask in the limelight. But make no mistake, no one overshadows him.
Carrack is one of the UK’s understated greats, and he’s still stepping onto stages, reminding audiences why he’s a legend. Modest, brilliant, and always there to deliver. A great gig—and the 73-year-old legend will be welcomed back to Liverpool with open arms.
The Broken Spine invites submissions for Rites & Trials: Coming-of-Age Poetry, the latest addition to our acclaimed slimline anthology series. Following After
Si Griffiths’ debut pamphlet, Debone & Fold, doesn’t just describe labour, it makes you feel it. The poems are visceral, steeped in
At The Broken Spine, collaboration and community have always been at the heart of what we do. We believe in uplifting fellow
The Broken Spine is a poetry and arts collective proudly published on the coastal edge of North-West England. Founded in 2019 by Alan Parry and Paul Robert Mullen – two school friends reunited after twenty years through a mutual love of poetry.
