First Time Seeing MARK KING of Level 42! Bass Teacher REACTS to "Mr. Pink" Live

[@abigailphilips825]

Mark split his thumb while playing in Holland years ago, spraying the audience with blood - hence he was nicknamed The Butcher. Ever since, he's taped his thumb.

[@nigeltrigger4499]

Mark King is a machine gunner of slap bass, but don't fooled, he has an amazing understanding for melodic finger style also!

[@michaelciancetta6397]

correct sir ;)

[@jamesmacleod671]

True, one of my favourite level 42 albums which has a nice finger style playing bass sound is standing in the light.

[@andreasg7834]

Understanding and feeling!

[@alstark64]

I have always loved Dune Tune, for the way it stands out in this.

[@johnmerriam8661]

​@alstark64 although it is plagiarised from Stanley Clarke...

[@alvinburrell]

I'm amazed that a bass player didn't know Level 42 and Mark King, no disrespect it really surprises me, but I've been playing bass for 40 years so it must happen I suppose. I have been a major fan of Level 42 since they started around 40 years ago and Mark King is, in my humble opinion ;-) the greatest slap bass player ever...there I said it. Nobody can play like him and that is before he then sings. Mark did start as a drummer hence the rhythm control I guess. Check out their first 3 albums and tracks like 88, the Chinese way, and Heathrow...all are master classes in bass playing.

[@kennyhunter5627]

I'm amazed that any musician, regardless of instrument, hasn't heard of Level42 or Mark King.

[@alvinburrell]

@@AndreiChera lol

[@gazfish]

Wouldn't be much of a surprise "I've been living under a rock " video otherwise

[@markparris3890]

Agree about those three tracks. By contrast there’s the beautifully restrained bass on Hours by the Window. Truly brilliant musician

[@CraftonBarnes]

He is my favorite slap bass player as well. I hold him, Louis Johnson and Stuart Hamm in a place where it's like they all took what Larry Graham was doing in the early days to this stratospheric level. Mark King though, places the notes in just the right places to solder it all together in a funk jazz way that even Stuart Hamm just gives you a Mark King vibe when does it. Victor Wooten gets in that zone too I might add, but nobody does it just like Mark King for me.

One amazing thing about Mark King is that he can play like that and still sing over it.

[@simo7393]

And he chews gums too...talking about kicking ass 😂

[@TheRossRants]

And he's left handed, so playing the bass wrong way round for him

[@andreasg7834]

AND jumping around on the stage at the same time. Watch "Love Games" live in Bochum at "Rockpalast". Absolutely unbelievable!

[@carlosserrano3985]

Yes, he can do all that and in perfect timing, he is for me one of the most talented musician on this planet.

[@johnobrien3780]

Can't stand the songs or the whole 80s vibe. But by far a truly great player, absolute innovator of bass.

[@jonahwa]

He’s a really complete musician, bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, voice (yes, he sings while playing like this). Check out his solo album “Influences”.

[@paulholmes5240]

And his brother is a great bass player and brilliant guitarist who now plays for level 42 Nathan king , also a lovely bloke

[@matb5368]

Being unaware of Mark King and having a channel portentiously called 'Low End Uni ....' doesn't fill me with confidence.

[@AndySmith-85]

Do you not think um maybe the title is supposed to be tongue in cheek/sarcastic?

[@senacht]

Mark King got his start as a drummer. It’s reflected in his percussive stylings on this and other Level 42 songs.

[@neilomac]

Fun fact: the guitarist in this video is Nathan King, Mark’s brother, who is also a pretty badass bassist in his own right too - plays bass in the excellent prog rock band Frost*.

[@waltervankalsbeek1821]

Also, pretty funny and knowledgable gear-reviewer for Anderton's channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5eceIyhl6ZsgcU

[@chrisryberg7897]

Hello fellow Frost*ie!

[@trident1314]

Also pretty hilarious!

[@gitzah]

Frost is awesome! Bros. King are super talented musicians.

[@Nagai-mp1fg]

He also plays pretty much every gig with The Blockheads these days, and depping for the legend that is Norman Watt-Roy takes some skill. What a talented bunch the King family is.

[@goyboy42]

Really, REALLY liked your commentary on this. At the start, when you were saying that a lot of people can play technically impressive slap but don't have the groove I was thinking '... Just wait until Mark gets going'... And he did, and you called it. Virtuosity is one thing, but Mark never strays far from the groove - his basslines always drive the melody, and they really do DRIVE relentlessly. I was also waiting for your reaction when he went fingerstyle....because many people assume Mark's a one trick pony until they hear his awesome fingering - check out Almost There or Theme to Margaret. Great, great reaction video. It's cool that you also tuned into the fact that Mark locks into the percussion well - he was first and foremost a drummer (worshiping at the throne of Lenny White and Billy Cobham) and plays bass accordingly, especially in this case with the legendary Gary Husband. And you guessed right - the gaffer tape is because during a tour years ago he split a callous on his thumb, and now he's used to the feel and the sound. He's VERY hard on his instruments. He's playing a Status KingBass - developed by Mark with Rob Green at Status and, I think, sort of taking design cues from the Stanley Clarke Alembics (listen to 'Dune Tune' or the RIDICULOUS 'Foundation & Empire' and you'll hear that Mark was a big Stanley Clarke fan). Love that cut-glass hifi tone. Finally, what still amazes me is that when he wrote Mr Pink, Mark had only been playing bass for something like a couple of years...he only switched to bass, so the legend has it, because he needed a job, and the music shop in London where he applied only needed someone to demo basses....so he learnt to play them...though he's left-handed....and sings as well, Makes you sick 🙂

[@LowEndUniversity]

Wow, thanks for the nice words and plentiful recommendations! I’ll come back to this when I do Level 42 again. I had no idea he was a drummer until the comments started flowing in - makes total sense because he thinks so percussively. I wish I had that background starting out sometimes. I came from piano and trumpet and always think very melodically, which has become my personal bass style, essentially. Cheers, and thanks for stopping by!

[@SpiritmanProductions]

My all-time favourite band since seeing them at Wembley in 1986. You talking about Mark got me rather defensive, like you were talking about a family member lol. Glad you appreciate his talent. Now you need to check more of their live stuff out!

[@karianderson111]

Level 42 is a fabulous band and totally worth your time to review. You will not be disappointed

[@Hewbuntu]

Mark King also plays drums and keyboards. He did a solo album in the eighties where he plays all the instruments and sings on it too. Worth a listen.

[@GenXPertChannel]

He tapes his thumb because he's injured himself several times. Once concert he did, he blew his thumb open and his shirt and bass was covered in blood- but he kept going until he got some gaffer tape from a mic stand and taped it up. He is a master of musicality in bass, who just happens to be a machine-gunner when it comes to slap. It tricks a lot of new bassists into adopting slap, but they often miss how to do it with musical merit... which is hard to do, but Mark absolutely kills it. Truly a master.

[@winddiesel]

Just watched this video and came in here to tell the same story... keep in mind Mark was a drummer and took the technique to the bass !

[@brianschoner3350]

As you mention at the end, the REALLY impressive thing about Mark King is that he plays lines like this while singing lead. Check out "Almost There" or "The Chinese Way" for some good examples.

[@PianoDentist]

Great examples. Also "Dune Tune" for that bass melody. Massive fan of their first 4 albums - not so much after that when they went full pop. . Go thunder thumbs!

[@troubleondemand7703]

Kansas City Milkman (live on Physical Presence) is great song for his singing and playing at the same time, that also features his finger-style playing.

[@gordonrobb]

Chinese Way - superb song with excellent base. This guy is a genius. I was lucky to see them live a few times.

[@AngeloBetrulas]

In an interview, Mark said that his most difficult part to play and sing, was "Lessons In Love". something to do with the progression of notes. He started out as a drummer, hence the percussive nature of his playing. (Lest we forget, of course, that's Gary Husband on drums, who now plays keyboard for...Billy Cobham!) I've been fortunate enoughtto see Level 42 1983 and Billy Cobham/Gary Husband at Ronnie Scott's i n London, a few years ago!

[@andreasg7834]

A multitasker. 🙂

[@Chubbydippin]

He's a phenomenal musician. Thinking of King as a bass player is just not enough.

[@Leese42]

This, with bells on.

[@simonbowkett124]

King started life as drummer! And talking about drummers, the drummer here is Gary Husband who played with Allan Holdsworth .... And now often plays Keys for Billy Cobham. You should check out Stuart Clayton's analysis of King's style/technique.

[@ChrisEchoes]

You might not know it but Allan Holdsworth actually helped Level 42 out when they had a tour but no guitar player. So a few shows in the U.K. (on the Guaranteed Tour) he played. The beauty of it is that for the solos they let him simply do his thing 😎

[@simonbowkett124]

@@ChrisEchoes I’d forgotten about that. Wasn’t he helping out because Alan Murphy was too ill, or had already passed? Everyone should check out Murphy’s playing. He was incredible, and a great loss to the guitar playing community.

[@simonrobert9858]

​​​@@ChrisEchoesAllan was guitarist in Guaranteed album too, fill in solo in track 4, 8, 9, 10, 12 and some live. His signature on "If You Were Mine" on intro and solo so bold.

[@ChrisEchoes]

@@simonbowkett124 not entirely sure about the circumstances. Murphy is indeed great. I got a friend who has pretty much anything that Holdsworth plays on who also is a great admirer of Murphy's playing and has lots of the music he plays on.

[@rthoot]

And Billy Cobham plays drums for Gary Husband 👍🏼

[@leonskum.5682]

Even as a kid in the Eighties before I realised how good of a bassist he was, Level 42 had so many great catchy pop songs that I love to this day. Such a colourful and diverse time for the top 40 charts!!!!!!

[@fishncook23]

I’m an 80s boy too, my dad and my Uncle turned me onto Level 42, been a fan ever since! Level 42 and Mark King are totally slept on by a lot of people!

[@alastairwinner]

One of my favourite bands of the 80's and one of the reasons I picked up the bass. How he plays like that and sings is beyond me. He is to jazz funk what Geddy Lee is to rock.

[@thilobraun3440]

So did I. Have a JayDee and Trace Elliot Top

[@jeffreyhahler3022]

Me too !

[@dipeshpatel1887]

Mark was a drummer that transitioned to bass when they already had a drummer so he took up the bass. His percussive style comes from that training and the drummer is no ordinary drummer. It’s Gary Husband who was Alan Holdswoths drummer. Alan was a part of Level 42 for a while. Greatness attracts greatness !!!

[@chriswelsh6170]

Don't feel bad. I've been trying to receate this for 39 years! Thought I'd nailed it from the early tapes with no videos, then saw him live. I cried. I can't do the drum roll

[@ceopangea4477]

This is my first time ever seeing your channel. You really got me with "I kinda feel bad about saying what I said earlier" Brother there is an honesty there and an ability to be critical of ones self reflected in that that tells me that you are a good man! That you want to give your best to your listeners. BRAVO! Subscribing today!

[@LowEndUniversity]

That means a lot, thanks so much! I aim to always keep an open mind towards all music, and am happy to have my mind changed! Appreciate the sub, and I’ll see you around!

[@mickthemerciless9694]

Mark is an excellent drummer as well. Explains a lot about his rhythm.

[@tonib9261]

Back in the day level 42 were just another chart band, that just happened to be composed of incredible musicians, but they fitted into the pop sensibilities of the time just fine. Of the funniest things I remember with Mark on a lunchtime TV show, with his bass in hand, and the interviewer said something like that incredible bass run, you can’t have played it live, and Mark said oh yes I did, and proceeded to play it, just knocking it straight out of the park.

[@leonskum.5682]

I remember some interviewer saying that he went to his house and he ordered pizza in for all the media crew. What a great guy.

[@seltaeb9691]

With Simple Minds et al Level 42 didn't really get their due. The 80s scene was probably the wrong time & the 70s would have been more them. Mark does Disco, there's a thought.

[@aronhidman1]

That's not quite true. They were a half-way underground jazz-funk band for a long time before they broke. They had a live following but no really big hits before Something About You in 1985. What you describe is what it would have seemed like to a lot of people, though, so I guess it's not completely wrong.

[@Generalbas1972]

@@leonskum.5682 correction. He went to Mark King's house and Mark King had *made* pizza not ordered it. He also says that when you go to Iggy Pop's house Iggy Pop haven't made Pizza for you :D

[@leonskum.5682]

@@Generalbas1972 hehe. Nice one.

[@mooski-mooski]

The thing on his thumb is just tape. He first did this after playing live gig and his thumb split and he went all Texas chainsaw massacre on the audience. Blood everywhere! Since that day, he’s used tape on his thumb. He also uses very light strings 90-30’s. He may have gone to 35’s in recent years. That’s very much where his ‘sound’ comes from. Check out Status basses from the 80’s. Stunning. I’m addicted to them. I have 10!

[@andysmusikwelt1562]

Thanks for featuring this piece, which is probably his masterpiece in terms of an instrumental at a live show. There are also good examples on this concert DVD, Level 42 Live at Reading of 2001, of him singing to slap and finger style bass lines. E.g. the tracks Hot Water, Love Games, also slower titles like Why Are You Leaving, I Want Eyes. Actually the entire show/concert is worthwhile watching 😊

[@CarolMarianaa]

OMG you definitely have to listen to more of Level 42. I was raised listening to them (thanks to my dad and uncles) and I love these guys. Mark is a king when it comes to bass and singing. He does have over the top skills on both attributes and the way he does both in such a complex, groovy, tight way is outstanding.

[@oivindreklev1462]

Wow.... Level 42 was my fav band in the late 80s. Saw them live 13 times

[@jameswhite7997]

In interviews Mark King explains the tape is because in the early 80's he actually split his thumb whilst playing a gig 😮 In terms of a track where he plays and sings check out 'Almost there' or 'Love games' both were done on latest tour in UK and Europe! They are spectacular! Great vid and analysis

[@mikebuick2332]

Saved me from having to type out the explanation 👍

[@tenthletter2678]

Wow, and his skin hasn't healed in 4 decades? It's called a Gimmick. In fact, it even slows his playing down a bit, and since he's never had a good tone (no matter what bass), it probably stunts the sound too.

[@davidfogg1845]

@@tenthletter2678 it healed, he just prefers to play with tape around his thumb now

[@adysaxman77]

I saw Level 42 in October, at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, they were brilliant! I heard an old interview with Mark King and he said that he switched from drums to bass, so that goes a long way to understanding his impecable timing and percussive style of playing on the bass. 😀

[@danielelise7348]

The tape on his thumb is just padding for protection because he splits his thumb open if he doesn't cover it up, because he's so aggressive.👍

[@deargdoom8743]

Mark King is awesome. How he plays this stuff and sings a counter melody ar the same time without crashing never ceases to amaze.

[@Generalbas1972]

That's cause you don't see the months and months of him practicing doing it before going live. He even said so once in an interview

[@simontaylor7888]

Simply the greatest. One of only two bassists to be presented with a signature Alembic model back in the 80’s (with Stanley). Slap, finger style, singing on top, he can do it all…and faster!

[@anthonydawson8080]

Was going to comment how that body shape looked a lot like an Alembic. Geez what I would give for a Stanley Clarke Alembic. I’m not saying I’d trade my child but I might hesitate

[@andrewharbron5841]

The balance in the music, how it all fits around the bass, is because he was the main creative force behind the songs - not to say it was a one horse show, not at all - but the songs generally started as a bass riff and were written around that riff so yes it all fits nicely. As the band moved into the late 80s they became more commercial and the bass retreated somewhat much to the chagrin of us long standing fans. He's a complete legend and one of the nicest guys around in the business so it's very heartwarming to this late 50 year old fan (the band signed n 21st birthday card for me) that the next generation of musicians are finding him and the band's musicianship.

[@nicktubach7874]

Mark is an astonishing bass player… and he would sing while playing. Good video and explanations! Nicely done! I also didn’t realize there are bass teachers who’ve not heard of or seen Mark King. Next up, a pianist who’s not familiar with Mozart. 😅

[@LowEndUniversity]

Hey Nick, appreciate the nice words! Thanks for stopping by. I’m getting that sentiment a lot…I’ve definitely heard of Mark before, and have seen little clips over the years. Just haven’t sat down and listened to a full Level 42 song and seen him in action. I can’t wait to check out more!

[@nicktubach7874]

He is a beast. Enjoy! He carries his bass much higher than I do... and he's also way better.@@LowEndUniversity

[@CentralPALocos]

@@LowEndUniversityDefinitely check out the Sunbed Song from the same Live at Reading performance. Also, user “John De Leeuw” has a lot of videos on Mark King and Level 42 playing some of his best slap and finger work, if you’re looking for more L42 songs. Cheers!

[@davewade7439]

@@LowEndUniversity My favourite band of all time - they are legends here in the UK and as others have said, how he plays like that and sings is totally beyond me!!!! 🙂

[@fishncook23]

@@LowEndUniversityNo offense, but I think the problem I am finding out with a lot of the bass KZbin channels that I am running into lately is that they have not heard the a complete album of a lot of the bass players they are talking about , and they quickly make these top 10 songs and players without hearing the whole album or enough songs from that bass player.For instance , Havona is a great song on Weather Report-Heavy Weather, but I don’t think it’s the best bass playing that Jaco does on that record. Just my opinion. And I hope you look at some of the suggestions for Level 42 songs that people have put on here.

[@robert07787183]

How the filp you not heard of Mark King. Wow. Saw level 42 play in concert. Brilliant

[@blazingsaddle166]

This guy is the real deal. Easily one of the greatest bass players of all time. Check out some of his interview. He's an incredibly humble guy and a brilliant storyteller. So down to earth. I respect this man immensly.

[@seanfarrell6275]

Level 42 started off as a mainly instrumental band in 1980. By the mid-80s they had ditched the instrumentals and were one of the biggest bands in the uk. They had a US top 10 single with Something About You on which Mark's bass is understated and supports the song. For him playing tasteful finger style, check out the song Standing in the Light. Also the tone on that song and others at the time is so much better than on this video because he was playing his jaydee. He went back to his old jaydee a couple of years ago and sounded amazing when i saw them. For endurance and singing while playing check out Lessons in Love from the wmbley video online. This has the original and best lineup with the gould brothers on drums and guitar.

[@yuvalraveh]

I heard that song 30 years ago in a mixtape my bass teacher made for me, that tape is long gone and i had no idea who played it so you gave me some closure 😎

[@stuartverus980]

Level 42 were part of my youth - saw them live a number of times. Great nights out.

[@davidboyce8683]

It's not just Marks percussive playing, it's also the fact he can also sing while playing it as well .

[@tuesdaycurtis163]

He's the man

[@davidparker7920]

Level 42 were my companions on cassette tape in the early 1980s when I was ploughing the motorways of the UK as a computer service engineer...back in the days when computers were the size of wardrobes! The Pursuit of Accidents was probably my fav album back then, wish I still had that on vinyl. Funny that the band originated in the Isle of Wight...famously only for musicians going to it, not coming from it. 😂

[@AGD2112]

How Water, Running In the Family, Lessons In Love ... A REALLY talented bunch of guys who have written so fantastic music. (The drummer - Phil Gould - is one of Neil Peart's favourites)

[@LaPiernaDeMiAbuela]

Phil Gould was the original drummer. The drummer in this video is Gary Husband.

[@eriklarson9137]

Oops.

[@andrewharbron5841]

@agd2112 is right tho, Phil was the founding drummer and played on all up to Forever Now albums (personally I think that's his best performance), as well as being the main lyricist. Gary took over for Staring at the Sun and that's a whole other tale. I'd love to see someone break down the differences between PG and GH playing the same tunes. Neil Peart indeed said lots of good things about Phil's playing, documented in many places.

[@OGBrawlerina]

@@andrewharbron5841 Gary was on Staring at the Sun and Guaranteed as well. Then Phil came back for Forever Now.

[@andrewharbron5841]

@@OGBrawlerina aye true did I miss that? But he'll, they've all been amazing. 👍

[@trevorberridge6079]

I couldn't believe a bass teacher hadn't heard of Mark King. It's great to see someone discover this legend that I've admired for decades. Even better that he now understands that you can't just dismiss a slap bass player as one dimensional. The comparison with the drums is well spotted. Mark started as a drummer and decided to use the two-handed rhythmic technique of drums on the bass guitar. Mark is an all round guitarist and also plays acoustic versions of many of his hits. He brings all those guitar skills to his bass playing. I guess a bass teacher has just learned something.

[@kpeleent]

Mr Pink got me into bass playing. in my first hour of lessons, i talked to my teacher that i wanted to be able to play this song and he just played it like it was nothing. 1 year later i could play it too. not perfectly, not always at 100% speed, but i was fucking happy :D p.s. the bass solo in the intro is just improvised. the song itself starts when the band kicks in.

[@liamhemmings9039]

His non-slap is amazing. He's got a great voice too. His brother Nathan, on the strat, is some musician too. Oh and he started out as a drummer.

[@viperx220racing3]

Status Basses are legendary. They had carbon fibre necks that stay in tune for months on end. Proper high end hand made instruments. Love my Status S2. Also that Trace Elliot amplification from the 80’s is also very unique. Put both Status Basses & Trace amps together & that bass totally cuts through in the band. 🤔

[@andrewkarp5067]

I have a Status Streamline bass and I love it.

[@conde6096]

Thanks for the great analysis! I first heard Level 42 in a specialist London record shop in 1980. The shop was playing a white label 12" single called "Love Meeting Love", their first record. After that their popularity quickly snowballed initially among the jazz-funk-fusion crowd and by the mid 80's they were getting international chart hits. Their 1981 debut LP on Ploydor Records was a revelation and is one of my all time faves. The guys played so tight together and there was someting new and different to their sound, with Mark's bass playing of course making such an impact. Check out especially the 2 instrumentals "43" and "Heathrow" plus the singles "Turn It On" and "Starchild" from that album. It wasn't until I saw them live in 1983 that Mark's brilliance really hit home to my friends and I who were watching. BTW Reading (UK) is a large historic town around 40 miles west of central London and is pronounced like (Otis) "Redding".

[@rusmirstrbo1262]

Duddddeeee, I am so happy that you’ve discovered Mark King and Level 42. I am about 40 years luckier and I know you will dig into it. Look up sessions from Prague, just Mark goofing around. Level 42 baby

[@Joolstb303]

How on earth do you become such an accomplished bassist as this guy is without ever having heard Mark King before?

[@ricksuegreen1753]

The mind absolutely boggles but he's young.

[@brewswillis9783]

Well done as usual sir! Back in the mid 80's, my then GF dragged my to a Tina Turner concert with Level 42 opening. Long story short, I discovered one of my all time favorite groups and I don't really remember TT's set.😜JK, she also put on a hell of a show. More L42 pleeeeze! BTW, Mark K. and Henrik L. are my 2 fave bassists.

[@peterking8632]

He can do this and sing at the same time too, insane talent.

[@stheno3178]

Mark King is one of the best & in my opinion is the best bass player in the world. Apart from his exceptional slap bass style he is equally great at finger style, not forgetting he does all this while singing. And he has a great voice too.

[@m4hs33r5]

He was up there for me too...until I discovered Charles Berthoud a couple of years ago. IMHO, head and shoulders, the best bass player I've ever heard. Technically, musically and arrangment...he has the lot. If you haven't already, check him out...B-)

[@stheno3178]

@@m4hs33r5 I agree he is an excellent bassist, but not as good as Mark King in my opinion. He and Dave 504 were asking for bass challenges so I sent them this link kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKqUlKeka6tlj8ksi=KXStkTriVxIAJEFj. . They didn't respond. The solo starts at 3.15

[@derrickmanning2597]

What us old buggers call musicianship,all the band are fantastic,i listend to this band almost non stop back in the day. Id forgotton just how good they were as a band,this is what happens when a buch of guys decide if were doing it,lets do it right,and they do on just about every song theyve done.

[@ak99uk]

"Eyes Waterfalling" live version from about 1982, BBC Sight and Sound.

[@ErikJan4242]

Saw them live for the first time in 1981 over here in The Netherlands and been a fan ever since. Back then they opened for The Police and had some gigs of their own after that in Holland. The crowd was very 'up' and Mark got carried away and was 'smacking' the strings so hard that he split his thumb! He started using gaffer tape around it, and never saw him without it at live concerts after that... He's well known for his 'machine gun' slap style, but this man is an allround musician, make no mistake... Check out the last track of "Live at Reading Concert Hall 2001", named "Foundation & Empire", a great jazz-funk melodic instrumental piece! You won't be disappointed... 😎

[@OGBrawlerina]

@ErikJan, YES, Foundation & Empire is an awesome piece of work, written by Mark King alone, and it is brilliant! Blows me away every time I hear it!

[@lancelenhart2276]

As a young bass player before I was doing professional stuff someone said check him out. I was in Highschool and Lessons in love was out and I was like cool sound lotsa bass but one of the greatest? I was like nah. Then when I was on the road doing some touring and had a chance to pick up some of their early cd's that another bass player told me about I was like whoa this guy is the real deal. Not only did he have serious chops he could sing like crazy over the top of all these crazy rhythms. Dig into their catalog and if you want to get really freaked out check out how long he had been playing bass when they started recording, youll want to quit playing:-) He was a drummer first thats where he gets all his right and left hand percussion stuff going on. Also on another note got to meet him once after a show and he is seriously an all out super nice guy. I met him outside a show as he was coming to his bus and we chatted seriously for what seems like 20 minutes, we were freezing as it was in the middle of winter, anyway at the end of the conversation I asked him if he would sign my ticket, he looked and me and said are you kidding? No I wont he said. Then he proceeded to go over to his bus and pulled open the cargo door and rummaged through a bunch of stuff and pulled out the bands promo glossy's and signed that for me. Was a great night to meet a young bass players Hero who turned out to be a classy guy!

[@I_Candy0112]

I love this video of Mr. Pink. It absolutely revolutionized the way I understood slap and what could be accomplished with the technique, serving as the perfect gateway into the world of King, Wooten, Miller and others.

[@paulday8676]

Oh you've so been missing out all these years. What a band, saw them live in 2023 - epic.

[@niged]

Mark King started his musical career as a drummer, hence his style is based on hiting the strings in a percussive way. He had tape on his thumb. Still touring, and as good. Just seen Level 42 on tour in the Uk, October 23. Brilliant 👍

[@carlosserrano3985]

I guess because he's also a drummer his timming is so good, in some way he apply the drummer way of thinking in to a bass, as a drummer myself I can understand that. Back in the 80'S nobody was thinking that the best bass player was on a band like Level 42, everybody was looking for the heavy metal or progressive rock band.

[@milesdust3465]

He is an amazing musician and also a very funny guy. I saw them the first time in 1985. Cheers from Italy!

[@justinanderson4441]

I’ve been astounded for 40 years how he does this and sings at the same time. A great band all round.

[@benvankoningsveld]

Watching your video right now and you have nailed the whole genius of Mark King. The slap bass solo stuff is for TV interviews and shit. Go back and watch the Level 42 live videos from the 1980's and then it all makes sense. Mark's bass, Phil's drums, Boon's guitar, Mike's keyboards. It's super connected that it blows your mind. I heard you say Geddy Lee as well and that's interesting because Level 42 and Rush were my favourite bands at the same period in time, which is crazy.

[@fishncook23]

Mark and Mikes vocals harmonize so well, my favorite singers ever!

[@DaleHubbard]

Mark is the real GOAT. You need to listen to all of the L42 material.

[@pauljones4755]

Mark King started life as a drummer and I think that is an excellent grounding for playing the bass guitar

[@anthonystark5412]

Thumbs up for mentioning "serving the song". I feel that it's important for all musicians to bear that approach in mind. In fact, listen to 4 or 5 of Level 42's hits from the 80s and you'll soon notice that on some tracks, King's bass is prevalent, while it's dialled back in others. It won't take you long to realise that King's choices pretty much always suit the mood of the song.

[@JoneyJefe]

Big brother here supporting the coolest guy on the planet

[@lorieandpatrickdavies7483]

Amazing bass player, and a pretty great singer and songwriter too. I love Level 42, saw them once live opening for Steve Winwood on his Higher Love tour back in 1986 at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver B.C. Canada. Great concert. Level 42's best album, IMO, is World Machine.

[@TheCentralScrutinizerAgain]

Geddy Lee and Mark King are my two favourite bass players. I bet they are great to learn and play along to

[@giannivilla7531]

at 5:33 he is palying the groove of another level42 song, it's called "43". wonderful...

[@danfango1333]

Mark King started off as a drummer. Octopus style bass, and fantastic vocals. Best stuff pre 85. Finger style....Sun goes Down. He's one of the greats from England ( Jersey UK)...

[@Hornet71]

If you want to see him play and sing together, I recommend Level 42 Love Games Improv in tro GLive. It’s extraordinary how he can play such complex bass lines and sing

[@Markusewitz]

I've seen them 2 weeks ago in the Netherlands! 🙂 Check out their concerts with the original lineup on German TV show "Rockpalast" from 1983 and 1984 here on YT!

[@jcook3986]

Other songs with vocals 'Love Games'. 'Something About You', 'The Chinese Way'.

[@SimonRobertElder]

Just an FYI from a Brit, the town name Reading is pronounced Redding.

[@tazzatamania]

Another 80s bass guitarist you should give a listen to its Nick Beggs if you haven't already. From the group Kajagoogoo. Seemed to win best bass guitarist every year whilst the band was around.

[@nazb33]

This post should be pinned at the top. Beggs and King are true legends without a doubt

[@jasonbelldata]

It's great that more people are breaking down Mr Pink, it's certainly a work out. Oddly enough I'm not a fan of the Reading version, there's a few versions of the same tune from 1984 (On TV programme "The Tube") and on the live album Physical Presence Live. Nice work breaking it down. Mark King was the reason I became a musician, first tune I learned was Hot Water, there's a whole video for you there too :) Enjoy!

[@Leese42]

I like the Reading version for its energy but the current slowed-down version is just fantastic. The version on the Leverkusen show from 2022 is great.

[@johncrafton8319]

Very nice. If you want to see him sing in a certified pop hit, try "Something About You". If you want something a bit more like this, try "Almost There".

[@simonhart2186]

Mark King is the reason I (and many, many others) started playing bass in the early 80s. The Status 'period' is my least favourite sonically to be honest - go back to their earlier material where he played Jaydee basses. He has recently gone back to playing Jaydees on tour as well - I can recommend the whole Physical Presence live album, and check out the Live at Wembley 1986 gig - there's a track called Love Games which starts off with a bass solo. That one really shows off his range of technique, and he sings.

[@jameswhite7997]

Love games at Wembley 86 and the solo first is, for his pinicle. Simply perfect!

[@Freakcent]

I just recommended the same album. :)

[@retrieversqbd]

There is an excellent interview I heard a long time ago with Mark King. He mentioned something akin to being paid by the note. 😂 When I finally got around to viewing the film Whiplash not very long ago, this set and song immediately came to mind. You hit on how what I thought about the drummer and bassist were so tightly in the pocket. As well, the guy who got me into wanting to learn the bass said to me once, “He and Les Claypool make you want to do one of two things as a bassist: Give up or practice more and more.” A lot of random thoughts I unpacked here but Level 42/Mark King will always amaze the heck out of me.

[@Lorenzzini]

You have to listen to is solo album « Influences »: he Plays all the instruments, drum, keys, guitar, bass and sings.

[@OGBrawlerina]

That album is freaking awesome!

[@InfiniteRhombus]

11:46 there is a LOT of this in level 42's music, theres a song by them called "Almost there" where you cant really tell if its a snare or a pop on the off beat and then realizing the speed of the bass line is complete fucking insanity, he zigs when you're expecting a zag and when you realize that he zagged it turns out that he was zigging all along.

[@LowEndUniversity]

I’m gonna have to remember that last line

[@ztazon]

Mark is King. Since the first time I heard his playing in Turn it On (1981), I knew I should dig into it. No waste there

[@paulsmith1450]

.. Love games made me a bass player 👌

[@micknesbitt422]

Mark is also the singer. And yes !!! he slaps and sings at the same time... an icon here in the UK and Europe.

[@cyberspacecomics]

I was late to the Level 42 scene, too. I'm super glad I began digging into them more (Beyond their couple radio hits). They've got some great full concerts available to dig into on KZbin. I recommend "Level 42 - Live in Holland, 2009 (High Definition) FULL CONCERT" - it's a real treat!

[@paultomkins3931]

I’m Paul, Birmingham UK. I used to work as a Stagehand, Local Crew in my home town and beyond. Worked a L. 42 gig, had a seat on the edge of the Front of House riser for the sound check, a cheeky move for one in my job role! Mr King steered the drummer into a quirkily shifted version of one of their classics, brilliantly jammed for a round of verse/chorus before he slowly turned around and saw me digging the groove from FOH :) Half way through the 2nd chorus by then, he got there and carried on looking at me while he broke into the best solo I’ve heard from him. At the time, I’d been a fan for all of their early years/hits, lost my love of his playing as he went very technical, lost his music (in the studio/industry?) around the time that his first solo disc released. I’ve caught plenty live footage from the years between and it’s all mostly held up my lack of interest, sadly, so this Reading (pronounced “Redding” btw :) tune is another positive blessing. The band’s audience ALWAYS want King to get his slap chops out, a jazz/funk tune is a cool way to ‘solo’ eh?! And yeah, he’s the main composer and arranger, so it’s no wonder how congealed the bass/drumming is - without googling, my ears tell me the skin beater has been a long term fan too! King is in his groove dna!!!

[@fedlingen]

"Uh oh", is a perfect first summation of a Mark King bass video xD

[@faouzi1896]

superbe video merci ! on attends la suite , la prochaine vidéo sur Mark king! BRAVO

[@gilliebrand]

The thumb protector he wears is because he once hit the string so hard (during a concert in Germany) he split his thumb badly and covered people in the front row with blood.

[@paulineson4876]

Mark King - one of the all time great musicians.

[@TheButteryBiscuitBass]

Check out the version from Guaranteed Live 1991

[@stuartthompson5003]

You mentioned TOWER OF POWER. Yes please!

[@miff227]

excellent analysis and thoughts. i grew up with level42, mid eighties onwards, and you brought plenty of new observations👍

I always get a chuckle from American guys who don't know Mark King. He already set the barre on slap bass years ago. No one has come even close since. Good luck going down that rabbit hole. The dude's brain moves faster than a normal human. Oh and btw, that's a headless Alembic made specially for him. He played Status for years and, of course, his one and only: JD bass.

[@CambiodeRumbo]

Mark King + Status Graphite + 0.35 strings + Trace Elliot = Cannot fail! :)

[@thilobraun3440]

Funkmaster 30-90 actually.

[@angellouisesings]

Check out True Believers for all fingerstyle playing from him while he sings lead. A favorite song from my favorite band.

[@DaddyStoat]

Status aren't making the Kingbass anymore - they actually more or less shut up shop for over a year. They recently started up production again, they're doing the V-Man and Chris Wolstenholme (Muse) signature basses, but they now have graphite-reinforced necks rather than full graphite. Mark King has actually gone back to using his old Jaydees recently, which he used in the early 80s. Oh, and it's "Reading", rhyming with "dreading". 😀

[@fredshred5194]

They were a "jazz fusion" band and from this clip you can see. However they were not making any money so King complained/mentioned/had a talk to his manager about that and was told to go a more radio friendly which they did. It's one of those bands you hear on the radio and "pop" along to it, but then go see them live and you find out they are not some pop band playing pop music but a band of talented jazz fusion type musicians.

[@TheUnsignedbands]

I remember as a kid in the early eights. His picture was in NME magazine with a headline, The Man that launched a Thousand Thumbs . Amazing band for sure.

[@flyingwithllamas]

You didn't know the legend that is Mark King? Best bass player ever ❤