Level 42

Level 42 formed on the Isle of Wight in 1979, with members Mark King, Phil Gould, Rowland ‘Boon’ Gould, and Mike Lindup. Initially an instrumental act, the band developed a unique jazz-funk fusion style. They signed with Elite Records in 1980 and then Polydor Records, releasing their debut album “Level 42” in 1981, which achieved success across Europe. The band’s musical style evolved from instrumental jazz-funk to incorporate pop elements, leading to hits such as “Love Games” in 1981 and “The Chinese Way” in 1982. Their fourth album, “Standing in the Light” (1983), produced by Larry Dunn and Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire, marked a shift towards a more pop-oriented sound, yielding their first UK Top Ten hit, “The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up).”

The band’s commercial success continued with the 1984 album “True Colours,” which included the Top 20 UK hit “Hot Water,” and the 1985 album “World Machine,” featuring the UK Top 20 hits “Something About You” and “Leaving Me Now.” “Something About You” became their only US Top 10 hit in 1986. “Lessons in Love,” released ahead of their 1987 album “Running in the Family,” became Level 42’s biggest selling single, reaching number three in the UK and achieving number one status in several European countries. This period marked the peak of their international fame. However, following extensive touring, creative tensions led to the departure of both Phil and Boon Gould in late 1987.

Level 42 continued with new members, including Gary Husband on drums and Alan Murphy on guitar, releasing “Staring at the Sun” in 1988, which reached number 2 in the UK and featured the hit single “Heaven in My Hands.” The band faced further challenges with the death of Alan Murphy in 1989. After a hiatus, they signed with RCA Records and released “Guaranteed” in 1991, followed by “Forever Now” in 1994, which saw a brief return of Phil Gould. The band disbanded in 1994 but reunited in 2001, with Mark King continuing to lead Level 42 through various lineups and tours, including the release of the album “Retroglide” in 2006 and the “Sirens” EP series from 2013 onwards. In 2023, Mark King received the Icon Award at the Silver Clef Awards.