Level 42 Tickets

British jazz-funk pioneers Level 42 have captivated listeners for over four decades with their signature fusion of jazz, funk, and pop. From their roots on the Isle of Wight in 1979—when bass virtuoso Mark King joined forces with Phil and “Boon” Gould—to becoming one of the most influential 1980s pop-funk bands, Level 42’s journey is defined by innovation, technical mastery, and irresistible grooves.

Formed as a jazz fusion outfit, Level 42 quickly distinguished themselves with thumb-slap bass riffs, intricate synth solos, and dynamic rhythm sections. Early singles like “Love Meeting Love” and “Love Games” broke into the UK Top 40, introducing mainstream audiences to the band’s virtuosic musicianship and setting a new standard for jazz-funk pop. Their commitment to blending genres laid the groundwork for future hits and cemented their reputation as true jazz-funk legends.

With each successive album, Level 42 refined their sound and broadened their appeal. Standing In The Light cracked the Top 10, showcasing a polished pop sensibility layered over complex funk grooves. Landmark records such as True Colours (1984) and the multi-platinum World Machine (1985) delivered enduring classics—“Something About You,” “Leaving Me Now,” and “Lessons In Love”—that transcended the decade to become pop fusion anthems. Collaborations with icons like Eric Clapton and George Harrison, and a coveted support slot on Madonna’s world tour, underscored their status as one of the defining acts of the 1980s.

After a brief hiatus in the mid-’90s, Mark King spearheaded a resurgence of Level 42 in 2002. The critically acclaimed album Retrograde (2006) marked a triumphant return, blending contemporary production with the band’s classic jazz-funk roots. Since then, Level 42 has embarked on worldwide tours—rocking major festivals, intimate venues, and sold-out arenas—demonstrating that their funk-infused rhythms remain as relevant and exciting today as when they first burst onto the scene.

With a catalog spanning more than ten studio albums, countless live recordings, and a legacy of chart-topping hits, Level 42 continues to influence a new generation of musicians and fans. Their seamless integration of jazz sophistication, funky basslines, and pop accessibility ensures that the band’s timeless sound will resonate for decades to come.