ON TRACK: PAUL CARRACK ANSWERS OUR QUESTIONS

Paul Carrack returns to MK Theatre next week.

The man with the soulful voice, and a catalogue of brilliantly warm songs to his name – as frontman with Ace, Squeeze and Mike & the Mechanics he has delivered timeless tracks line How Long, Tempted and The Living Years – returns next Sunday (March 29).

Still making superb records, as 2013s Rain or Shine opus demonstrates, and still cutting the goods live (if you saw last year's theatre visit, you'll be sold already), Carrack is a class affair.

Sheffield's son shared some of his musical loves with www.totalmk.co.uk  

The song that first awakened your musical senses

Bye Bye Love The Everly Brothers.

Physical or digital - how do you take your music?

I must admit I download stuff from iTunes and also subscribe to Spotify

The first time you thought 'Music - this is the job for me'

When the school organised a trip to the coal face of the local colliery.

Your best on stage memory...

Guest vocalist on The Wall live in Berlin. Reports vary from 250,000 audience to 500,000.

It depends who you believe.

And the worst gig you've ever done

There's been some shockers, but back in the 70's we used to be first on the bill at some arena rock shows in the USA and would often be pelted with bottles, cans, all sorts.

What made you take up singing?

I always loved singing but when I started out I played drums, then keyboards and the bands always had a good looking front man.

It wasn't until we formed the band ACE and we were all ugly so it didn't make any difference.

Which one song by another artist do you wish you'd have written

Don't Dream it's Over by Crowded House.

And one - by yourself  - which holds special significance

How Long was my first hit so I have a soft spot for it.

If you could step into the shoes of another musician, living or dead, who would it be and what would you do?

I might be Billy Preston because he's my all time favourite organ player.

Are there any current musical influences that you might look to

I think I've already been influenced by all my old favourites, especially all the great soul singers. I don't actually listen to much new stuff.

And any genre of music that you simply can't stand?

I can appreciate most genres but am not keen on metal.

Finally, what's on the cards for the return to MK Theatre?

I'll be coming with my seven piece band and playing things from my whole, lengthy career. All the hits and more.     For booking details visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes