Mark King (Level 42) on BBC South East Today 6th October 2022

Mark King of Level 42 in his home recording studio on BBC South East Today talking about Level 42 up coming show in Hastings in November.

[@HH-mw4sq]

I was a university student in the mid 80s in the San Francisco Bay area, when Level 42 did their first US tour. I knew the manager of the venue where they were going to play in SanFrancisco, and he told me what time they would be doing their soundcheck, because he knew I was such a huge fan. It was in the afternoon, and I got to watch the soundcheck and chat with them afterwards. They mentioned that they were in the city for one night, and they hadn't visited the Golden Gate Bridge. So I offered to drive them over. Here I was, with Mike Lindup, Boon and Phil Gould in my VW Scirocco driving to the GG Bridge, and other sites they wanted to see. To say I was both thrilled and worried driving those legends around would be an understatement. Lovely gentlemen, and I was glad they got to take their pictures at the GG Bridge from the Marin side. I remember them just being really nice guys, and genuinely appreciated that I took timeout to drive them around the city.

[@bill944]

That's pretty cool.

[@grotesmurf1]

Bit jealous here....damm!

[@inverlane1939]

Great story and thank you for sharing 👍

[@dr.miguelitoloveless9478]

Sadly,....we lost Boon Gould a few years ago when he took his own life.

[@OGBrawlerina]

OMG you lucky mofo!!!!

[@BiggusDickusss]

One of the greatest bass players of all time 👌🏻

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

I bought 'The Chinese Way' because the bass was so wonderful. I also really like the bass on 'Love Games'

[@joegoosebass3958]

THE greatest bass player of all time!

[@glenearl9506]

@@joegoosebass3958 He say's he copied Macca.

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

@@TheHumbuckerboy Did you buy both of those singles on seven inch or twelve inch? Just curious, as the twelve inch extended mixes of them are amazing.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

@@stephenalanmoore7278 I bought 'The Chinese Way' on 7" and I got 'Love Games' on a CD compilation. I shall check out the 12" extended mixes . Thanks

[@JASONVOORHEES-ol1nj]

Mark King, you are an absolute legend and a gentleman. Has time to spare for EVERYONE.

[@tomashorvath6323]

So underrated frontman, and the whole Level 42. Even in the UK, they have been so underrated. Fantastic band.

[@WondersChannel]

They haven't been underrated - that's why they sold so many albums!

[@tomashorvath6323]

@@WondersChannel Yeah they sold a lot. I just mean they shouldnt sold a hundred million less copies than a Kylie Minogue.

[@BaddaBigBoom]

@@WondersChannel ...despite their great successes, still underrated IMO as they are absolute legends IMO.

[@lv2465]

Level42 are a brilliant band. There music has aged like fine wine.

[@AuxesisHyperbole666]

Yep, their music appeals to those who don't know their here from their there. There there.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

Level 42 are one of my all time favourite bands ever. Their music IS timeless and healing. Mark is wonderful.

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

@@AuxesisHyperbole666 or to those that are here for the music .

[@timcomley5948]

Hardly the Beatles

[@clivemitchell4316]

@@timcomley5948 no one said they was, keep your negative thoughts to yourself.

[@grahamgray2421]

Marks is a legend,great guy very funny and fabulous bass player great memories of Level 42

[@watfordkev]

He always comes across so well in interviews. If you haven’t seen them live, GO!!

[@grotesmurf1]

seen them live twice, and twice it was absolutely amazing.... I'll promise you, you'll be buzzing afterwards....

[@user-he2qz4jd2i]

​@grotesmurf1 12 times for me , followed them for 40 years - I'm old lol off to the indigo at the end of the year can't wait

[@nicedog1]

He’s a good bass player, singer and an articulate speaker too.

[@craigwilliams6734]

The original line up were my absolute hero's back in the day!!! They were proper underground in the beginning!!!

[@tracer1127]

He’s aged pretty good and to see the passion is still there after all this time is awesome. Fantastic, I hope they are making a few quid. The 80’s was a great time. Thought it was good back then and still sounds good today. What’s not to like about that beat ?

[@PianoDentist]

I saw them 3 times in the early 80's. The first 4 albums are amazing, not so much after that for me, once they went pop. Level 42 were part of the late 70's/early 80's UK jazz Funk scene. Mark and the band are proper working musicians.

[@blurredvision1013]

Same here, 80-84.❤

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

@@blurredvision1013 There is a recent 10CD box set available from Cherry Red Records (that includes all of the classic material they recorded for the Polydor label during that era) called 'The Complete Polydor Years 1980-1984' and is well worth getting. I have a copy of that remastered box set myself and so I can highly recommend it to any Level 42 fan.

[@billyhunt]

Nice one , thank you will check it out.

[@darrenstevens3798]

Lost count of the amount of times I’ve seen the guys live, from the early days to present, massive part of my life , fantastic live band and Mark really is one of life’s good guys, legend ❤

[@michaelgoff5231]

Totally agree Darren, brilliant, who knows I would of probably been to those gigs as well 😂

[@michaeledwards5981]

The king himself seen level 42 many times got there name from the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy.level 42 the meaning of life Definitely changed mine for the better.

[@davidroberts1187]

I've played bass for 35 years and still can't play like a 17 year old mark king. The whole band are another level of musicianship.

[@dr.miguelitoloveless9478]

King was a drummer long before he was a bassist,......the original band had something like three drummers in it and so King claimed that he was forced to 'drum on something else'.

[@davidroberts1187]

@@dr.miguelitoloveless9478 he is still a good musician despite being a drummer.😆

[@mitduschzentrale]

Fantastic Band. Seen them several times live. Took me trough a difficult time.

[@mrr2880]

Never really paid much attention to them at the time, was into different things but that intro of their clips through me right back to the day and obviously have to say their musicianship, songwriting and production was first class..

[@jonahyue4755]

One of the best bassist ever!

[@Jackettc]

Mark Kings a legend on the bass! Been lucky to see them live 3 times now. Go see them if you can, you won't regret it :)

[@andrewrobinson2565]

Fantastic to see them continuing to play their unique music. ✌️🤩😍🤩😍🤩✌️ I was 21 in 1982.

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

I turned 15 on June 22nd that year.

[@vampire99999]

love this loved level 42 grew up in the 80s and running in the family is my fav song brings back so many memory

[@csilt]

There was some nice chemistry between them. She seemed genuinely smitten with him and he gave her a nice goodbye kiss at the end.

[@amandahodgkinson9193]

That’s because Mark is a lovely guy. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting him a few times and he’s always been so lovely.

[@nicholasjolt6200]

Level 42 is amazing. Lessons In Love, Leaving Me Now and It's Over are three of my favorites.

[@glasgowcarstorage]

One of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet.

[@seanhadden813]

An amazing Band, definitely one of my favourites in the past years... Nice to see them again!

[@777tractorboy]

Mark King made me appreciate bass in music, the King 👑

[@dickielarue1451]

One of my all time favorite bands...they stand the test of time with great music...😉🤟✌️👏😎

[@gregmullins6927]

What a great guy with a great voice and a handy bass player too,Level 42 are tops!!!

[@Leese42]

Absolute legend and one of the nicest, most humble-in-person blokes I've ever met. Still love their music today as much as I did in the 80s, if not more. Thanks for posting this Mandy, it's a nice interview.

[@JF-kv1gm]

Mark King is such a great musician and seems a really nice man, down to earth, humble. Wish I was back in Sussex, would have definitely gone to Hastings to see them.

[@christikolbinger4349]

Level 42 was my partner's favorite band and whenever I listen to Mark King it brings back good old memories!🙏👍

[@elissouza1844]

I love to see him an interview! Very nice!

[@richarddutchholland4780]

Still my all time favourite……..true that these songs are so much part of our life growing up

[@davidsanders8887]

Thumbs up to Mark! My No.1 favourite band since I first heard "Love Games" in 1981. Bought all the albums and saw them in concert a few times during the 80's..... I really must look at their tour dates for 2022/23. It's been too long not to have seen them live!

[@user-he2qz4jd2i]

O2 indigo at the end of the year - go !!!

[@originallondon7994]

part of my early/mid-80's musical backdrop, and for so many in my neck of the woods (SE London), when we were 'Livin' it up'............The Sun will never go down on these classics......

[@raychambers3646]

Comes across a nice guy , and loaded with talent.

[@MrSeando53]

their album from 87 "running in the family " will always remind me of a holiday to Tenerife were I blasted this album non stop for 2 weeks on a big ghetto blaster I will never forget the joy it brought me !! fav track "children say"

[@blindeddy2220]

Bassist here. The first Level 42 song I heard (on college radio), and what convinced me to buy their first record was Dune Tune. Mark slapped on it - but it was pretty restrained. What got me was the double stops and chording.

[@michaeldean7220]

Spot on! Everyone raves about the slap and tickle but his finger style is awesome too. It's also a little bit of shame their legacy focuses too much on the Running in the Family period. It was the early stuff that sucked me in with the stunning musicianship. And this is coming from an old rocker who's other fave band is Iron Maiden! Diverse or what?

[@philproffitt8363]

I miss how the bass featured heavily in 80s pop...which sat nicely alongside Rush for me. Mark King, Geddy lee...such nice and talented people. My current bass obsession... kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4fVf2CglLqWZrc

[@dr.miguelitoloveless9478]

King is a 16th note demon

[@saralowe_arts]

I was 12 but I'm 46 now- still listening. Still enjoying.

[@Gerardjhughes]

Love level42, and saw them live lots. Met mark king in dublin and belfast and Liverpool, total gent and very very funny . Long live the king

[@RogerBiwandu]

He's a REAL bloody legend, he looks like a nice guy to boot, right on !!! PS : I'm a huge L42's fan, specially the OG band with Phil on drums. PS 2 : Pete Ray is INCREDIBLE !!!

[@jpcoll2011]

What a class dude. And so very down to earth.

[@funky_monk_9796]

Lovely interview 👍🏼 thanks for uploading. Always good to hear Mark's news and thoughts.

[@KylesVacations]

I love Mark and the band so much. from the beginning. Thank you so much.

[@RealBesty]

L42 are far more than a nostalgia trip - the Sirens album and the tours that followed saw them really get their mojo back!

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

I agree. The 'Sirens' E.P sounds reminiscent of their 'The Early Tapes' era, but updated.

[@andyg4082]

Mark is king when it comes bass🎸 playing and singing. Cant wait to see them in Swansea next month. It's gonna be rocking. 😉

[@zooropah82]

Fan since I was a kid. Top notch band.

[@scootjockey]

Saw them in Dortmund in the eighties loved it thanx Level 42.

[@BassistPaul]

Always had a lot of time for this guy. As a bass player, I remember - distinctly - the impact of "Love Games" in 1980.

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

'Love Games' was actually released in 1981 (not 1980 as you thought) and was the first single taken from their self titled debut LP that year. The single itself got to No38 in the UK charts, while the album did even better and got to No20.

[@trooperjoe73]

Always respected that when darn near anyone asks him to play bass...he plays bass! You can tell it's not a chore, he loves it, and he loves to entertain.

[@StratsRUs]

So many great bands in those days.I don't remember the word ' genre' like it's used today.You just went out and bought anything you liked and could afford.I liked many bands and artists from all over, as they all had amazing talent.Good to see Mark just bubbling away and cheery.

[@merleinaustin]

so much talent, so kind...huge fan here!

[@alanfurlong-drummer4419]

What a sweet and gorgeous lady the interviewer is!

[@danielpalmersofficial]

My dream is to see these guys live, that would be amazing!! ✌️😙

[@danielpalmersofficial]

@@nickphillips7319 Cool stuff Nick, thank you!! ✌️😙

[@rickg8015]

I love Mark’s humor! I bet hanging out with JPJ was a real highlight for him.. Been a fan since “Children Say”.. That song spoke to me as a BMX riding kid in the 80’s..

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

Yes, 'Children Say' is one of my favourites, too.

[@josephschmeggins6311]

Love these guys. Saw them a couple of times here in CA. Followed them as a youngster in the UK. Some L42 snobs used to enjoy telling you how they were into them before they became huge.

[@petersimms4982]

Love this sound, magic

[@paulwilliams4156]

First proper gig I ever went to was Level 42 at the Hammersmith Odeon back in 91 I think. Fantastic night and worth driving all the way from North Devon to be there.

[@philfyphil]

Wrote some great pop songs and he’s a great bass player. He helped bring the bass guitar to the fore. Ellie, you’re gorgeous.

[@laurentquintana262]

crazy how we love that guy

[@atreyuprincipalh4043]

I love this treasure of a man..

[@timpricedrums]

Really is a lovely bloke. Great interview 😁

[@daleadkins2736]

By FAR the best slap bassist I ever heard.

[@Edmouk]

Great ! Thanks for posting this nice interview Amanda !

[@amandahodgkinson9193]

My pleasure

[@FF04RDF]

He’s aged very well. Nice to know L42 are still doing well!

[@dr.miguelitoloveless9478]

.......King just turned 64.

[@christophermorrison8632]

His fans should check out a side project he had with Stuart Copeland and Adrian Belew called Gizmodrome. Brilliant stuff.

[@kwaka0211]

Saw Level 42 at the (now defunct) Limit club on Sheffield West Street on a stormy Thursday in 1981/1982. The crowd/audience was almost in single figures due to the weather so we were able to get up close and personal. Mark, and the rest of '42 were so friendly and approachable. - talking to anyone who wanted to talk. I mentioned i was a 'Geordie' exile and was going to Newcastle to watch the 'Toon' on Saturday. He said their next gig was in Newcastle on Friday and offered me a lift with them in the band bus! In the days before mobile phones, I couldn't get in touch with my gaffa to get time off work so I had to give it a miss. 😥

[@acward2007]

Always seems such a humble chap. Hope they carry on the touring so I can get the chance to experience the magic live.

[@funkymoped8955]

Legend who comes across as a great geezer,down to earth and not up himself 👍🏻

[@CarlosdeFrance]

Lovely man and amazing musician!

[@101jumpit]

Mark King ! An absolute LEGEND !!!!

[@davidhargreaves9963]

First saw Level 42 in 1982 at Brighton. I was serving in the RN and we drove from Portsmouth to see them, only a few hundred there, next time I saw them was in Manchester in front of thousands.

[@joethelion6016]

Sound of my youth ❤

[@hippomom26]

Love Level 42 and Mark King is the BEST BASS PLAYER on earth, imo🎸🎶🎤🎹🎵

[@clivemitchell4316]

Seen these guys live three times, a top act 👍

[@richardclarke376]

Mark really is a lovely guy and Level 42 is the soundtrack to the best years of my life

[@jublaim]

The "frontman" of the show does a wonderful job too! She's wonderful.

[@Pedro2706]

Spectacular bass player-off the scale good

[@PhilJohnsonMusic]

Saw Mark King and a backing band at York Barbican ages ago. Absolutely spot on gig.

[@amandahodgkinson9193]

I’ve seen Mark and Level 42 so many times since 1987 and they are always amazing. I’m going to see them at Indigo At The O2 next month.

[@bean9seventy]

@@amandahodgkinson9193 i am not a robot kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKWbgXuPjrGGiM0 honest ,, ;D we are the guys who Mark King saw thumping bass when he was still a "Drummer" whilst working in a soho music shop in the late 70s

[@fusionfest43]

Would love to see them on tour this year.

[@greatwhite61967]

Being in 2 aspiring Pro Bands I know all too well how many times 1 song can be sung & this is afrer we had worked on it in the rehearsal rooms at the studio... I've always maintained that Level 42 really & truly love going out on tour & the average person & sometimes Fan's can forget how many times a Level 42 song has been performed Live at Gigs/TV Talk Shows & on the Radio & I kid you not it can see a song sung well over a thousand times & then some & that to be in Level 42 you have to love what your doing to play so many Live Shows for 4 decades... Most would only go on Tour to promote their recent album but no Level 42 & it's honestly baffling that we are also talking about not just over 1 thousand plus times they have play each song but they've easily performed more Live Gigs at the same number & as a fan i take my hat off to them... As they'll usually have maybe 2 years maximum of not touring to have a a quick'ish break but during this period they are also planning ahead for their next tour & if the can play at the same & at certain venues at certain dates as that has to be done well in advanced & once agreed they them inform the Fan's about 9 to 10 months , ahead in advance , so they have time to book their tickets... I've always been amazed at how much they do love playing Live as I know how much it take out of you physically & how relationships or marriages are casualties of doing this & then there's the different time zones that seriously mess with your head & they wonder why musicians drink so much & take a lot of illegal drugs just to keep going but I believe Mark's days of drinking & doing drugs Is well behind him & he's remembered how much of a high you can get from playing Live... For some bands this never materialises or they become a casualty of the Music Industry but since there's next to no Music Industry anymore solo acts & bands willing to tour can cherry pick their venues & dates as they are not up against the amount solo acts & bands like they were decades ago & by the end of the 90s it was the end of what the Music Industry used to be like once the year 2000 came in... As in the past there was a never ending signing of solo acts & bands but those days are well gone & I say that truly & with complete honesty that I like everyone else in the Music Industry never saw that coming as we always thought their was a very healthy Music Scene & i know even the hard-core fans from decades & onwards never saw this coming either but apart from some bands who tour like Level 42 & Duran Duran always Tour to promote their New Album but unless your at a Musical Festival there's not much to see as far as completely new acts & it's usually solo acts & bands from when music ruled the world... There is still amazing talent out there as I see it everyday on KZbin but most of these musicians will usually see they working with various musicians & singers & creating music via using the Internet yet they won't join up to go on tour but that's understandable when you can make great music & not leave the comfort of your home but even though many are truly amazing , going done the route of the internet doesn't capture that feeling of working together in the flesh & even though the music made is amazing it rarely goes anywhere that could see them asked to play at a Festival but when you have musicians combined are spread all across the world because of making music via the Internet these people aren't going to leave their countries to play at a Festival as it cost too much & then there's the upheaval & that can out stress on Relationships & Marriages , which was actually what it was like anyway but those musicians chose to get together & then try to make it in the Music Scene but that's been on flatline for decades so it's a case of: F*cked If You Do & F*cked If You Don't " with today's music!.. In light of this still ongoing coronavirus and it's variants stay safe and healthy wherever you are in this world... .....

[@user-yx9xk6gx3x]

Love this man ❤❤

[@pauljurgen-romrig9616]

“Rocking and roe’ling”…….adorable!

[@regnauldmortimer4952]

What a great band....can still remember HOT WATER

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

Great song choice. I really love that one.

[@nick000002]

Best band of all time for me 😊

[@garybridges65]

3 million albums sold?? Its actually 30 million. A huge difference

[@amandahodgkinson9193]

I know you think they would do their research properly

[@funky_monk_9796]

I didn't hear anything about album sales. Ellie asked him about his thumb being insured for 3 million.

[@garybridges65]

@@funky_monk_9796 0:12 seconds in

[@garybridges65]

0:10 seconds in

[@funky_monk_9796]

Ah yes, can't believe I missed that despite listening three times, thanks! Obvious typo by the person writing the autocue... 😣

[@margix1172]

Mark King is a beast !!! Level 42 a GREAT band!!!!

[@pinkwhale731]

Love L42. One of only two famous bands I’ve seen live and that’s from a professional musician!

[@andygarcia6619]

Love that band ❤

[@nkirk8740]

Cor, I forgot just how great Level 42 are! I must give Level 42 a serious listen again, shame on me for forgetting about them. 👍👍👍👊✌️.

[@dr.miguelitoloveless9478]

Excellent idea,....you won't regret it.

[@alfamonk]

I got an early LP of level 42 recently, properly funk jazz vibe, love it

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

Which one is it? Was it either 'Level 42' (1981), 'The Early Tapes' (1982), 'The Pursuit Of Accidents' (1982), 'Standing In The Light' (1983), 'True Colours' (1984) or their first 'Live' album release 'A Physical Presence' (1985)? Just curious.

[@stevenkenney9473]

He totally gets it. What they mean to the average fan. But what the band was really about.. Some of us though took it deeper than just the "pop" songs of the 80's and know what the band truly is about. Their style and virtuosity set them apart from all the rest. A level of complexity and simplicity mixed in every song makes it a dream to listen to. With the deep lyrics they can be so poetic and mystical.

[@stevenbrown6324]

He's geniune. I met the band via a VIP ticket at demonfort hall and they are just great guys......loocking forward to another tremendous gig on Oct 18th at demontfort. Pete Ray Biggins is a machine on drums too!

[@amandahodgkinson9193]

Yeah they are lovely guys. Met the whole band in Cardiff on Mark’s 60th birthday. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting of meeting Mark and Mike a few times and they are both so lovely and very friendly.

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

@@amandahodgkinson9193 So that Cardiff gig you mentioned must've been held on October 20th 2018, then?

[@amandahodgkinson9193]

@@stephenalanmoore7278 Yes it was.

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

@@amandahodgkinson9193 Thanks for confirming it.

[@markkennedy5335]

Great music makers👏👏👏

[@markreed9853]

I saw them in the early 90's in Brighton

[@IanBlack66]

Brilliant band and he is a nice guy 😊

[@tonysherwood9619]

I never bought their albums but they are original and fantastic musicians!

[@dr.miguelitoloveless9478]

Might I suggest 'The Pursuit Of Accidents' album?

[@virtuallyerin]

Great guy and musician! Would love to see them in concert.

[@jonandrews6018]

What a nice bloke Mk is ….have tickets for 5th November Torquay

[@bangersnmash4856]

Guaranteed album with the late allan holdsworth. Timeless

[@johnglynhughes4239]

Holdsworth was an absolute monster player. Out of this world good!

[@dr.miguelitoloveless9478]

King and Holdsworth weren't on the best of terms for that album.

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

@dr.miguelitoloveless Why was that? I had no idea.

[@Keith19563]

Lovely interview.