Paul Carrack Receives Sheffield Legends Star Plaque Outside Town Hall
Paul Carrack, the Sheffield‑born singer, songwriter and multi‑instrumentalist, was formally honored with a star plaque outside Sheffield Town Hall on 29 January 2026 as part of the city’s newly relaunched Legends Walk of Fame. The plaque, a circular metal star bearing Carrack’s name and a brief citation, marks the musician’s contribution to British pop and rock and recognises his roots in the city’s working‑class neighbourhood of Crookes.
Carrack, 75, has released 19 studio albums and is best known for his work with Ace, Squeeze, Mike + The Mechanics and as a touring and recording collaborator for artists such as Eric Clapton, Elton John and The Smiths. His signature songs include Ace’s 1975 hit “How Long” and the 1988 Mike + The Mechanics ballad “The Living Years,” which reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and earned an Ivor Novello Award. In 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Carrack was invited by former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters to perform in “The Wall – Live in Berlin,” singing before a crowd of more than 500,000 people and later joining Waters’ backing band, the Bleeding Heart Band.
During the unveiling ceremony, Carrack reflected on his upbringing: “I grew up in a working class background like most people in Sheffield who had very little after the war, so it’s amazing to have had a life in music.” He added that he was self‑taught, saying, “I started from nowhere. I’ve never had any music lessons or anything like that, I’m self‑taught.” The remarks underscored the city’s pride in a local talent who rose from modest beginnings to international acclaim.
The Sheffield Legends Walk of Fame, launched in 2026, places plaques on the pavement outside Town Hall to honour individuals who have achieved national or international recognition and have a connection to the city. The latest cohort includes fellow Sheffield musicians Pulp, former Olympic champion Jessica Ennis‑Hill, and singer‑songwriter Joe Cocker, as well as sports figures such as cricketer Uriah Rennie, golfer Danny Willett and England cricketer Joe Root. Carrack’s plaque joins those of other local icons, reinforcing Sheffield’s reputation as a breeding ground for creative and sporting excellence.
Carrack’s career has spanned more than four decades. After learning drums and organ in his family’s paint shop, he moved into singing and songwriting. He first gained prominence in the mid‑1970s as the frontman of Ace, then joined Squeeze in the early 1980s, and later became the co‑lead vocalist of Mike + The Mechanics. His solo work, including the 1988 single “Don’t Shed a Tear,” has sold millions of copies worldwide. In addition to his own recordings, Carrack has provided backing vocals and instrumentation for a wide range of artists, from Linda Ronstadt and Diana Ross to B.B. King and the Pretenders.
The plaque ceremony was attended by local officials, music industry representatives and members of the public. While the event focused on Carrack’s achievements, it also highlighted the broader cultural impact of Sheffield’s music scene, which has produced a diverse array of talent across genres. The city council’s decision to honour Carrack, a native of Crookes, reflects a commitment to celebrating local figures who have contributed to the national and international music landscape.
The design of each plaque follows a standard format: a circular metal star with the honoree’s name, a short description of their achievements, and a reference to their connection with Sheffield. The plaques are embedded in the paving stone outside Town Hall, creating a walking path that visitors can follow to learn about the city’s most celebrated figures. The initiative, backed by the Sheffield City Council and local arts partners, aims to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
As of now, Carrack continues to perform and record. No new releases or touring dates have been announced following the unveiling. The city’s Legends Walk of Fame will remain a permanent tribute, with Carrack’s star serving as a visible reminder of his enduring legacy in Sheffield and beyond.
