HE may be celebrating more than 50 years in the music business, but seasoned singer-songwriter Paul Carrack shows no sign of slowing down.

The 63-year-old globally-renowned artist is about to embark on a 60-date tour across the UK, including a south coast performance.

It follows the release of his highly praised Best Of album, which documents his extensive career as a solo artist. The Sheffield-born artist has worked with the likes of The Smiths, Roxy Music and Mike and the Mechanics, and has written for The Eagles, Diana Ross, Tom Jones and Jools Holland.

And with his name credited on more than 60 albums, he is arguably one of the hardest-working figures in modern music. He has just returned from playing summer festivals, including international dates in Europe and North America playing keyboard in Eric Clapton’s band.

Although he has worked with some of the most iconic names in music, he says his biggest buzz comes from writing his own material.

Paul told the Daily Echo ahead of his date at the Bournemouth Pavilion theatre: “I don’t get too excited at my age but things are going well, touch wood.

“Touring goes from strength to strength and we still get airplay on Radio 2.

“The single Stepping Stone is one of five originals from the albums – it’s a soully, upbeat Northern Soul kind of thing.

“We have been quite brutal trying to appeal to the mainstream audience with the album.

“It was not just choosing my personal favourites, we were trying to appeal to the wider audience.”

Paul, who co-wrote and sang on Mike and the Mechanic’s hit Over My Shoulder, set up his own record label in 2000 with the aim of having sole responsibility for the music he makes.

He added touring with Eric Clapton was a “fabulous” and “interesting” experience.

“He had three different rhythm sections”, Paul said.

“Playing in a side band with that company is a bit of a challenge but I felt I held my own and had the respect of the other guys.

“I can feel that rubbing off on the perception of the music business and the media – people thinking he has played with Clapton and he must be alright.

“My own band is a seven-piece and we do a bit of everything. There will be a couple of Mike and the Mechanics tunes thrown in, and new stuff.

“I haven’t started to tire yet.

Touring is a lifeblood these days and that’s OK by me.

“I never envisaged success when I started, I just didn’t want to get a proper job and it’s worked out pretty good.

“Sixty gigs is kind of what we do as a tour. We did something similar last year and thought we should cut it down a bit, but no one took any notice of it!”

n Paul Carrack is performing at Bournemouth Pavilion theatre on November 29. The Best Of Paul Carrack is out now.