Level 42

Level 42

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1979
Headquarters	Isle of Wight , United Kingdom
Products	Jazz-funk music, albums, live performances

Level 42 is a British jazz-funk ensemble that originated on the Isle of Wight in 1979, gaining both UK and international acclaim throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Their most successful UK single was "Lessons in Love", which climbed to number three on the UK singles chart and reached number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. Prior to this, "Something About You" achieved their highest US chart position by peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.

After enjoying considerable success with live performances and studio recordings during the 1980s, Level 42 experienced a decline in commercial popularity in the early 1990s, influenced by changes in band personnel and musical direction. The group disbanded in 1994 but reunited in 2001.

1979–1980: Formation

Mark King and brothers Phil and Rowland 'Boon' Gould were raised on the Isle of Wight and collaborated in several teenage bands. Phil attended London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he connected with keyboardist Mike Lindup. Both musicians drew inspiration from artists such as Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Keith Jarrett, and Jan Hammer.

By 1979, Phil Gould and Mark King were participating in Robin Scott's project M, where they met Afro-French keyboardist Wally Badarou, who contributed synthesizer to M’s US chart-topping single "Pop Muzik". Later that year, Phil introduced Mark King to Mike Lindup; they began rehearsing together, cultivating a jazz-funk fusion sound. The original guitarist, Dominic Miller, was soon replaced by Boon Gould after his return from the United States.

Initially, instrumental responsibilities were interchangeable: Boon Gould also played bass and saxophone; Lindup handled keyboards and drums. Mark King, originally a drummer who had recently sold his kit, transitioned to bass guitar after observing American funk musicians’ thumb-slapping technique. Employed at a London music store, King rapidly mastered this playing style.

The lineup solidified as Level 42 with King on bass and percussion, Lindup on keyboards and percussion, Boon Gould covering guitar and saxophone, and Phil Gould on drums. The band’s name pays homage to Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, where "42" represents "the answer to life, the universe, and everything." Maintaining a creative relationship with Wally Badarou, Phil Gould and Mark King invited him to collaborate; although he was never an official member, Badarou co-wrote material, provided keyboard and synthesizer contributions during studio sessions, and co-produced their albums.

1980–1983: Early albums (Level 42, The Early Tapes, The Pursuit of Accidents)

Following initial jam sessions, Level 42 secured a deal with Elite Records in 1980 and incorporated vocals into their music, featuring King and Lindup sharing lead vocal duties—King delivering deep tenor verses while Lindup provided falsetto harmonies. The lyrics were primarily penned by the Gould brothers, whereas King, Badarou, and Lindup focused mainly on composing the music.

Their Elite single "Love Meeting Love" attracted attention from Polydor Records, resulting in a new contract. In 1981, their first Polydor release "Love Games" entered the Top 40 charts, followed by their self-titled debut album which gained momentum across European markets.

Level 42 quickly established themselves as prominent figures within the British and European jazz-funk community by leveraging their collective musical skills. Polydor issued a second album titled The Early Tapes (also known as Strategy), which compiled tracks originally released under Elite Records.

In 1982, The Pursuit of Accidents advanced their jazz-funk style while integrating pop elements. Singles such as "Weave Your Spell" and "The Chinese Way" achieved chart success, with the latter significantly broadening their fan base.

1983–1985: Transitioning to pop (Standing in the Light and True Colours)

The 1983 release Standing in the Light, produced by Larry Dunn and Verdine White from Earth, Wind & Fire, represented a move away from experimental sounds toward more structured, song-oriented material. This album included their first UK Top Ten single, "The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)", and notably omitted instrumental tracks—a pattern that continued until the 1988 album Staring at the Sun.

Continuing this musical direction, True Colours (1984) blended elements of funk, power pop, rock, and ballads. The singles "The Chant Has Begun" and "Hot Water" achieved considerable success, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium where the band’s popularity increased. That same year, Mark King released his solo project Influences, highlighting his multi-instrumental talents and featuring guest appearances by Drummie Zeb of Aswad and Lindup.

Renowned for their vibrant live performances, Level 42 captured this energy on their 1985 double live album A Physical Presence. Saxophonist Krys Mach joined them for tours between 1984 and 1988 and contributed to studio recordings during this timeframe.

1985–1987: Global recognition (World Machine and Running in the Family) and original lineup changes

By 1985, Level 42 had established a definitive mainstream pop/rock identity with the album World Machine. Mark King's energetic bass playing combined with keyboards from Lindup and Badarou crafted hits such as "Something About You" and "Leaving Me Now", both reaching the UK Top 20 and entering the Top 40 charts in the Netherlands. "Something About You" also became their sole US Top 10 hit, climbing into the Top 5 in Canada and placing within the Top 20 in Italy and New Zealand. Although "Leaving Me Now" peaked at No. 15 in the UK, it saw limited chart impact internationally.

Critics widely praised World Machine as an exemplary mid-80s pop album. However, during its creation, tensions between Phil Gould and King emerged over creative differences and personal matters, causing Gould to briefly leave. While drummer Gary Husband was considered as a substitute, these issues were ultimately resolved, allowing the band to experience their most commercially successful period.

In early 1986, they released "Lessons in Love", which became their highest-selling single. It topped charts in Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and South Africa, secured top rankings across Europe, and reached No. 12 on US charts. That year also saw Level 42 supporting Steve Winwood on tour.

The momentum from "Lessons in Love" carried into their 1987 album Running in the Family, which further polished their pop sound despite Phil Gould’s increasing dissatisfaction. Singles including "To Be With You Again," "It's Over," and the title track enjoyed strong international chart success. The album itself entered the Top 10 in several countries.

At their commercial peak, Level 42 performed at the Prince's Trust concert in June 1987 with Eric Clapton guesting on guitar. During this period, King and Lindup collaborated with prominent musicians such as Ben E. King, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr.

Despite their achievements, internal pressures led to significant lineup changes. Boon Gould departed late in 1987 after touring with Madonna, citing fatigue and a desire to focus on family life; he nevertheless continued providing lyrics for the band. Paul Gendler served as a temporary replacement during tours supporting Tina Turner.

In December 1987, Phil Gould also left amid ongoing personal conflicts with King and dissatisfaction with the band's increasingly pop-oriented direction. Neil Conti of Prefab Sprout was brought in to fulfill remaining tour dates.

1988–1989: The second formation (Staring at the Sun)

Following the tour, Level 42 appointed Gary Husband as their permanent drummer, who then suggested Steve Topping for the guitarist role. However, tensions arose between Topping and Mark King, resulting in Topping's exit in early 1988 after initial recording sessions in Dublin. The majority of Staring at the Sun was produced without a stable guitarist; rhythm guitar duties were managed by Dominic Miller or an uncredited King. In April 1988, the band brought in lead guitarist Alan Murphy, a respected session player renowned for his work with Kate Bush and Go West.

Released in 1988, Staring at the Sun achieved a peak position of number 2 on the UK charts and secured top ten rankings throughout Europe. It featured the successful single "Heaven in My Hands" (UK #12), which also reached the top twenty in multiple countries. Boon Gould contributed as co-writer on numerous tracks alongside King, Lindup, and Badarou; Gary Husband earned his first songwriting credit with King on "Tracie," a song dedicated to King's childhood love. To promote the album, the band embarked on a four-month European tour culminating in six sold-out shows at Wembley Arena, which were recorded for their second live album, Live At Wembley (released in 1996).

Although momentum continued following the departure of the original members, tragedy occurred when Alan Murphy—unaware he was living with AIDS—experienced a rapid health decline after contracting pneumonia and passed away on 19 October 1989. Murphy had joined Level 42 to continue his musical career despite his illness after internal difficulties with Go West.

Shaken by this loss, Level 42 took a year-long break to recover. To satisfy their Polydor contract and commemorate their tenth anniversary, they released Level Best, a greatest hits collection, at the end of 1989. During this pause, Mike Lindup launched his solo debut Changes, which featured Dominic Miller, Pino Palladino on bass, and Manu Katché on drums.

1990–1992: Third and fourth formations – Guaranteed album, Allan Holdsworth and Jakko Jakszyk

In 1990, Level 42 signed with RCA Records and unveiled Guaranteed. While Dominic Miller performed most rhythm guitar parts, Gary Husband invited Allan Holdsworth to contribute guitar work, notably on "A Kinder Eye". Husband expanded his involvement by playing keyboards and co-writing numerous songs alongside King, Lindup, and Badarou. He also penned "If You Were Mine," included on the "Guaranteed" single release. For lyrical development, Mark King collaborated with Drew Barfield and George Green. Although well-received in the United States, the album experienced less success in the UK despite reaching No. 3 on the charts; its title track attained No. 17 as a single.

In December 1990, Level 42 performed several concerts at London's Hammersmith Odeon to complete previous obligations. This lineup featured Allan Holdsworth (invited by Husband), additional musicians Lyndon Connah (keyboards, percussion), backing vocalist Annie McCaig, and the horn section from Guaranteed (John Thirkell and Gary Barnacle).

Following Guaranteed and its supporting tour, the band searched for a permanent guitarist. Assuming Holdsworth was uninterested in joining full-time, they enlisted art-pop guitarist Jakko Jakszyk—former leader of 64 Spoons and collaborator with Tom Robinson and Sam Brown. Though not involved in Guaranteed recordings, Jakszyk appeared on the album cover, took part in promotional activities and tours, and contributed to two B-sides ("At This Great Distance" and "As Years Go By"). However, due to "record company politics," he never officially became a full member.

The lineup consisting of King, Lindup, Husband, and Jakszyk began composing new tracks including "Fire" and "Free Your Soul," but these compositions were ultimately shelved amid further changes within the band and have not been released.

1993–1994: Fifth and Sixth Formations (Including Phil Gould's Brief Comeback), Forever Now Release, and Band Dissolution

At the start of 1993, Level 42 saw the departure of Gary Husband, which led to the return of founding member Phil Gould as drummer and chief lyricist for the 1994 record Forever Now. Jakko Jakszyk did not participate in the album’s recording; instead, all guitar parts were performed by American session musician Danny Blume (incorrectly credited as "Danny Bloom").

Although the reunion with Gould received positive critical attention, it was short-lived. Jakszyk rejoined the band for live promotional activities, but Gould appeared in only one promotional concert and did not join the subsequent tour, with Gavin Harrison—known for his work with Porcupine Tree and King Crimson—taking over drumming duties for live performances. Midway through the Forever Now tour, the group announced plans to disband after completing their remaining shows. Level 42’s final performance took place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 14 October 1994. Although live recordings from this era exist, they have never been officially released.

1996–2000: Mark King's Solo Endeavors

In 1996, Mark King signed a deal with Virgin Records and released the solo single "Bitter Moon," featuring Lyndon Connah on keyboards. This was followed by his solo album One Man, which included lyrics penned by Boon Gould. Despite these efforts, the album did not achieve commercial success.

King embarked on solo tours presenting new compositions alongside Level 42 classics. By 1999, he performed at London's The Jazz Café under "The Mark King Group," accompanied by Husband, Jakszyk, and Connah. After Jakszyk left, Nathan King—Mark’s brother—joined as guitarist. The ensemble later evolved into "Grupo Mark King," incorporating saxophonist Sean Freeman.

In August 1999, a private reunion brought together three-quarters of Level 42’s original lineup. Subsequently, in 2001, King, Mike Lindup, and Phil Gould reunited on stage for the first time in ten years during Lindup’s wedding.

2001–2005: Revival of Level 42 (Seventh Lineup)

Despite releasing two solo albums, Mark King found that demand for Level 42’s music remained strong. Toward the end of 2001, he secured rights to use the Level 42 name from Mike Lindup, who agreed to participate in recording sessions but opted out of touring. King then reassembled Level 42 using members from his current live band: himself, Husband, Connah, Freeman, and Nathan King.

Their first official concert after a six-year hiatus was held on 12 July 2002 at The Circus Tavern in Essex. The group concentrated on touring and performing their classic hits rather than producing new material.

On 13 February 2005, Mike Lindup made a brief return for a London performance. That year also saw several reissues including two Rockpalast DVDs from the early 1980s and two CDs: The River Sessions, a live recording from 1983, and a compilation titled The Ultimate Collection II. This compilation featured "Genius Of Love," a collaboration between Italian-American producer Hardage and Mark King that incorporated a sample from Level 42’s "I Want Eyes."

2006–2012: Retroglide, Continued Touring and Lineup Adjustments

In February 2006, after a twelve-year gap without new studio material, Level 42 announced their album Retroglide. Although presented as a band project, the record was predominantly produced and recorded by Mark King at his home studio with contributions from Gary Husband, Lyndon Connah, Sean Freeman, and Nathan King.

Retroglide also featured input from former members Boon Gould—who provided lyrics and a guitar solo on "Ship"—and Mike Lindup, who returned as a guest musician adding keyboards and vocals. The track "Ship" marked the first collaboration involving all four original members since 1986; however, Phil Gould remained uncredited. Notably absent from this album were contributions from Wally Badarou, breaking a long-standing tradition.

In May 2006, Mike Lindup rejoined full-time as keyboardist, replacing Lyndon Connah. The band supported Retroglide with a European tour later that year. In August 2007 they performed their sole UK show at the Arundel Festival before embarking on a twenty-date UK tour in 2008.

Drummer Gary Husband departed again in 2010 due to commitments with John McLaughlin, leading to Pete Ray Biggin stepping in as his replacement. In 2012, Level 42 toured across the UK and Europe celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of Running In The Family, playing the full album along with hits and an acoustic segment featuring Mike Lindup on accordion. Boon Gould made a guest appearance during their concert in Bristol.

2013–present: The "Sirens" EP series and renewed focus on modern dance pop

On 20 and 21 September 2013, Level 42 introduced three fresh tracks—"Where's Yo' Head At," "Too Much Time," and "Sirens"—during performances at London's Indigo O2 Arena. These songs were part of the six-track EP Sirens, which the band released on 31 October 2013 through their own label, Level 42 Records. The EP, mixed by DJ John Morales, also featured "Mind On You," "My Independence Day," and "Build Myself a Rocket," the latter including backing vocals by Marlee, daughter of member King. Musically, the project built upon the soundscape established in Retroglide, incorporating elements of contemporary R&B and dance electronica.

On 3 December 2013, Level 42 revealed plans for 'The Sirens Tour,' a series of 30 concerts across the UK and Europe beginning in October 2014. During the summer of 2014, they headlined festivals such as Let's Rock Bristol and Rochester Castle. Their festival circuit continued into 2015 with headline spots at 'Let's Rock The Moor' and 'Carfest,' alongside two London Indigo2 shows that showcased an expanded brass ensemble.

In 2016, the band embarked on a tour covering the UK, Europe, Curaçao, Chile, and Argentina to promote the Sirens II EP.

On 1 May 2019, Boon Gould, a founding member of Level 42, passed away at his Dorset residence at age 64.

Level 42 made their North American debut on 4 July 2019 by performing at the opening of the week-long Festival d'été de Québec (Quebec City Summer Festival).

Musical style

Level 42's sound is a fusion of jazz-funk, sophisti-pop, dance-rock, new wave, and synth-pop. The group is particularly recognized for frontman Mark King's signature slap bass technique, which pairs with King's rich tenor voice and keyboardist Mike Lindup's high tenor and falsetto harmonies.

Awards and nominations

Award	Year	Nominee(s)	Category	Result
Brit Awards	1988	The band	British Group	Template:Nom
Silver Clef Awards	2023	Mark King	Icon Award	Template:Won

Members

Main article: List of Level 42 members

Current lineup

• Mark King – bass guitar, vocals, percussion, acoustic guitar (1979–1994, 2001–present)
• Mike Lindup – keyboards, synthesizers, piano, vocals (1979–1994, 2001–present; not touring from 2001 to 2006)
• Nathan King – guitar, backing vocals, rap segments, percussion, acoustic guitar (2001–present)
• Sean "Skip" Freeman – saxophone, backing vocals (2001–present)
• Pete Ray Biggin – drums, percussion (2010–present)
• Dan Carpenter – trumpet, backing vocals, percussion (2013–present)
• Nichol Thomson – trombone, backing vocals, percussion (2013–present)

Discography

Studio albums

• Level 42 (1981)
• Strategy / The Early Tapes (1982)
• The Pursuit of Accidents (1982)
• Standing in the Light (1983)
• True Colours (1984)
• World Machine (1985)
• Running in the Family (1987)
• Staring at the Sun (1988)
• Guaranteed (1991)
• Forever Now (1994)
• Retroglide (2006)

External links

• Level 42 – official website
• Pete Ray Biggin – official website