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. Level 42s World Machine 40th Anniversary Tour here: https://www.level42.com/ Find out more about how to help us to keep the conversation going: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.