Level 42

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall was the place to be on Friday evening as Level 42 delivered a night of nostalgia and poor groves as they played all the tracks from their seminal 1985 album, World Machine.

Roachford entered the stage first, with a nice mix of the old with the new, the former featuring Only To Be With You and the big hit, Cuddly Toy. Roachford were not here just to set the scene and had the crowd on side from word go.

And so, to Level 42. The 40th anniversary World Machine Tour provided a glimpse into the bands illustrious hit-filled career, but with tunes that seem contemporary and have certainly stood the test of time. The crowd were not content to languish in their seats, with many on their feet from the off.

World Machine, played in order, flowed perfectly with early highlights of Something About You, the politically charged Coup d'Etat and Leaving Me Now, with the sublime keyboard and piano skills of Mark King long-time musical companion, Mike Lindup. After the beautiful Eyes Waterfalling, from the 1982 album, The Pursuit of Accidents, it was hit after from To Be With You Again, Running in the Family, a sublime Starchild with Mike Lindup showcasing his amazing vocal skills to their biggest hit Lessons in Love.

It was hard to draw your eyes and ears away from the incredible bass skills of Mark King, but while he is a virtuoso, he is no primo uomo, happy to have his moment in the spotlight only to step back and let the rest of the incredible musicians gather some acclaim, including his brother Nathan on guitar and Pete Ray Biggin on drums with a rig that has to be seen to be believed.

By the time of three song encore featuring Heaven In My Hands, The Chinese Way and Hot Water the crowd where well and truly on their feet with many dancing at the front of the stage, brought an incredible night of music to a close with the crowd calling for more.

Level 42 had delivered a set from a career-defining album that covered all the bases and transported us all back to the 1985. I suspect even those taken along with ardent fan partners would have not been able to resist the call to dance, or at least groove in their seat, supplemented by the amazing level of funk and beats.

The first thing about any Level 42 concert you will remember is the loud and exciting intro, each tour it changes and is always a variation of the Thunderbirds theme, the band arrive on stage with Mark Kings Bass guitar shining its lights into the audience.

Now, be prepared for some banging Brit Funk Pop musical majesty. The setlist these days is a mixture of their well known chart hits, some 80s album tracks and some very early stuff, there is usually a surprise in the middle of the concert – last time it was an accoustic set, in 2014 we can expect some new stuff from the Sirens album also.

Usually with fantastic graphics, a L42 concert never leaves you short-changed with fantastic tight musicianship from the band, Mike Lindups keyboard skills are as good as any i have heard, Pete Ray Biggin is shaping up to become a world class drummer, with Kings Brother Nathan on lead guitar and sax man Sean Freeman, the band give value for money and always get the venue up on their feet dancing and applauding. Also Mark's humorous interludes make you feel welcome and comfortable.

They usually tour every other October, the next one in 2014, and play medium sized venues 2-4000 seaters, also regulars at The Albert Hall, The IndigO2, and summer festivals all over Europe. Go see em, you won't be disappointed.

Well what can I say, as always absolutely awesome and feeling totally entertained. The Blow Monkeys were great and setting it up nicely. Mr Mark King as always sounding amazing, crowd luvving it. I love the way that they all look like they have fun on stage. By the end I was on my feet clapping, dancing and singing along, absolutely roasting, no voice and sore hands, but all so worth it. Hearing everyone leaving saying how awesome it was. See u in 2 years boys for more fun.

have seen level 42 at llandudno hammersmith and barcelona and absoloutley great only snag played it a bit safe not enough new material although pete biggin more than made up for it but would have liked to hear more like the gig at indigo event where they really pushed themselves as a unit but hey ho now waiting for the next gig so keep it going boys and when is the next gig uk or europe

Manchester opera house was buzzing. I was just taken aback as mark king slapped the bass. Overall a brilliant gig. Bonus was i met them and had photos. Really nice people. I would recommend seeing them live. It will leave you spellbound. As a bonus the blow monkeys support them.

Mark & Mike and the team were outstanding. First time i’d heard some older tracks played live like “Heathrow” & “A Good Man In A Storm”.......brilliant. Mark knows how to work the crowd....bloody marvellous.
Our Dutch friends have got a real treat coming their way.

A night full of funk and beats. Another group I've seen over the last few years from the 80's and they still have it, top gig. Can't wait till the next time to dance along to classics from my school days

Absolutely Brilliant

Mark King can kick some ass with his magic thumb

Mike Lindup can kick some ass with his magic fingers

And the brass section are completely and utterly nuts

Great performance, Great atmosphere, we have seen them many times this was one of their best. Can’t wait for the next time they perform at the Royal Albert Hall in 2020.

Brill night level 42 were amazing and mark king knows how to wow their fans .kept us on our feet ..music was great and i only wish they were on for longer.