WHEN artists are working on a new album they tend to disappear from public view for months on end until the project is complete.

Not so for Paul Carrack, the voice behind such major hits as Ace's How Long?, Squeeze's Tempted and Mike and the Mechanics' The Living Years.

For next Friday he comes to Preston Guild Hall, one of 25 dates which are taking him all round the country.

"This wasn't supposed to be a tour at all," he said. "I really am working on my next album but I always like to keep the road situation ticking over.

"It's just grown a bit as we've gone along. I'm not into locking myself away completely. I like to keep playing, it takes the pressure off.

"I can do a couple of gigs, then have a day off, then spend a few days back in the studio. It's far better than back-to-back dates as I don't have to pace myself as much and can really go for it when we play live."

Carrack has for over 20 years been acknowledged as having one of the finest voices in the business but it is only relatively recently that he has gained full recognition.

"I suppose I'm better known now than I have ever been," he said. "It used to be that people would have heard the songs but would not not recognise me. I seem to be making progress now and my profile is much higher."

On the current tour, Carrack is backed by a six-piece band, all from his native Sheffield.

"We're having a great time and they are 100 per cent behind me and I have got to say I'm loving it at the moment."

Fans can expect to hear songs from throughout Carrack's career, from the early days with Ace through to his recent solo work.

"It's not a greatest hits tour," he is quick to point out.

"But I do include all the old favourites. I am amazed at the response that a song like How Long? still gets from an audience and I never tire of singing them.

"I don't really analyse it. I just get out there and sing it."

In the early days of Ace, Carrack would travel from Sheffield to stay with the band's bass player Tex Comer in Burnley.

"Those were amazing days," he said. "Two of us would travel over and stay with Tex, who still lived with his mum and dad at the time in this small council house along with his four brothers and sisters. His mum and dad were unbelievable. Things were tight yet they didn't bat an eyelid when they found these two long-haired musicians sleeping in their living room and eating their food."

Carrack revealed that Burnley has a place in pop history as the song How Long? was actually written about Tex Comer.

"It was in the early days of Ace when we were struggling and we lent Tex to another band for a while.

"They tried to steal him and make him a permanent member of their band. I was so annoyed I wrote How Long? as a result."

Carrack has come a long way from sleeping on the floor of a house in Burnley, having played all over the world with some of the finest musicians.

"I am just out to have a good time and, hopefully, the audience will too."

Tickets for Paul Carrack at Preston Guild Hall next Friday are available from the box office on 01772 258858.