How Long

The song How Long by Ace, from their 1974 debut album Five-a-Side, is a smooth pop-rock classic that hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 20 in the UK. Despite its romantic vibe, the song isn’t about infidelity, as many fans assumed. Lead singer Paul Carrack wrote it after discovering that bassist Terry "Tex" Comer was secretly playing with another band, the Sutherland Brothers and Quiver. This betrayal inspired the iconic line, “How long has this been going on?” The song’s bass intro, often praised for its groove, was borrowed from Traveling Song by the British folk-rock group Pentangle. Its timeless appeal led to a resurgence when it was featured in an Amazon Prime ad titled “Binge Cheat,” highlighting its opening lyric. Fans on platforms like Reddit have called it a yacht rock masterpiece, with one user, Gibnez, saying they “need those harmonies injected into my veins.” Phil Collins also named it one of his top 10 favorite singles in a 1981 Smash Hits interview, calling it a “classic single.”

Another tidbit about How Long comes from its recording process. Ace initially tried to cut it as a Motown-style single for Anchor Records but scrapped that approach to focus on their pub-rock roots. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, the track features Carrack’s soulful vocals and a standout guitar solo by Phil Harris. Its success made Ace a one-hit wonder in the U.S., though the band felt the rest of Five-a-Side was overlooked. A fan on Rate Your Music argued it’s “not the strongest of the 10 tracks,” praising songs like Know How It Feels as potential follow-ups. The song’s legacy endures, with covers by artists like Aswad and Yazz hitting No. 31 on the UK Singles Chart in 1993, and Carrack himself re-recording a solo version for his 1995 album Blue Views.

Ace formed in Sheffield, England, in December 1972, originally under the name Ace Flash and the Dynamos before shortening it to Ace. The band came together from the ashes of several 1960s groups, blending seasoned musicians with a shared love for pop, funk, and soul. Paul Carrack, the keyboardist and lead vocalist, had previously played with Warm Dust, while Terry Comer also came from that band. Rhythm guitarist Alan “Bam” King brought experience from Mighty Baby and the 1960s mod band The Action. Drummer Fran Byrne, formerly of Bees Make Honey, joined just before the recording of Five-a-Side, replacing Steve Witherington. Lead guitarist Phil Harris rounded out the lineup. Their fusion of pub-rock grit and melodic hooks caught fire on the UK pub circuit, leading to a deal with Anchor Records. By 1975, their success with How Long prompted a move to the U.S., but despite two more albums, they couldn’t replicate their early hit and disbanded in 1977.

While Ace no longer has an official website or active social media presence as a band, Paul Carrack, the voice behind How Long, remains active. His official website, paulcarrack.net, details his solo career and tours. You can find him on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares updates about performances and new music. For Ace fans, there’s a dedicated Facebook group called “Ace - The Band” with over 1,000 members sharing memories, vinyl photos, and discussions about Five-a-Side. Fan-run sites like Songfacts also keep the band’s legacy alive, offering detailed trivia and listener comments. Posts on X from accounts like @WFPK highlight the song’s backstory, noting its status as a “smooth classic” and a staple of 1970s soft rock.