When Mark King of Level 42 was the 11 year-old singing drummer in a novelty act
Mark King and Level 42 have just announced 2025 tour dates and he talks to us here about …
… the value of what you learn in covers bands from being ignored.
… why being thrown out of home for being thrown out of school was the best thing that ever happened to him.
… Level 42’s first gig, kicked off after four songs.
… Chile, Turkey and other new markets on the “flatter world” tour circuit.
... supporting the Police, Tina Turner, Queen and Madonna in the ‘80s.
… how John McLaughlin (from Doncaster) and Allan Holdsworth (Bradford) inspired other people “from far-flung places like us”.
… Rockin’ Robin, Long-Haired Lover From Liverpool and playing three nights a week in an Isle of Wight novelty act, aged 11.
… the onstage dynamic between Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins.
… the complications of having to book big venues two years in advance.
… being the bassist in the Prince’s Trust house band backing Bowie and Mick Jagger.
… Billy Cobham, Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and “the genius” of Steve Winwood.
Level 42s World Machine 40th Anniversary Tour here:
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