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.