Ace: The 1970s British Rock Band Behind "How Long"
Ace was a British rock band formed in the early 1970s, best known for their sophisticated blend of rock, pop, and rhythm and blues. The group achieved international success with their 1974 hit single "How Long," a track that became a staple on classic rock radio and defined their brief but impactful career.
Early career
Ace was formed in 1972, emerging from the London pub rock scene that also spawned acts like Dr. Feelgood and Brinsley Schwarz. The band's original lineup featured vocalist and bassist Paul Carrack, keyboardist and vocalist Phil Harris, guitarist Alan "Bam" King, drummer Fran Byrne, and guitarist John Woodhead, creating a sound rooted in American-style rock and soul.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough came in 1974 with the release of their debut album, "Five-A-Side," on the Anchor Records label. The album's lead single, "How Long," written by Paul Carrack, became a surprise international hit, reaching the Top 20 in the United States and the Top 3 in their native UK, effectively putting the British rock group on the map.
Key tracks
How Long - This 1974 single is the band's signature song, a smooth, soul-inflected rock track featuring Carrack's distinctive vocals that became a global hit.
Rock & Roll Runaway - Featured on their debut album "Five-A-Side," this track showcases the band's energetic, guitar-driven rock side.
24 Hours - Another cut from "Five-A-Side," this song highlights the group's tight musicianship and their blend of pop-rock sensibilities.
Despite the success of "How Long," Ace struggled to replicate its chart performance with subsequent releases. The band released several more albums, including "Time for Another" (1975) and "No Strings" (1977), which featured a more polished, pop-rock direction but failed to achieve the same commercial heights. Internal tensions and shifting musical trends led to the band's dissolution by the late 1970s, though their music, particularly their hit single, endured on classic rock playlists.
Following Ace's split, Paul Carrack embarked on a highly successful career as a session musician and vocalist, working with bands like Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics and as a solo artist. Other members, like Alan "Bam" King, continued in the music industry, but the Ace name was largely retired, leaving their debut album as the primary document of their contribution to 1970s rock.
Fans of Ace's melodic rock style may also enjoy other artists from the same era and genre, such as Supertramp, who shared a knack for sophisticated, keyboard-led rock. Little Feat explored a similar fusion of rock, blues, and funk. The pub rock roots of Ace connect them to Brinsley Schwarz, while the smooth vocal style can be found in the work of Ambrosia.
