Mark King

Review - Level 42 - St David's Hall, Cardiff


Arguably the best bass guitarist on the planet, Mark King was again in the Welsh capital to thrash out the hits of Level 42.

A regular to the City with his household funky-jazz band that hit the early 80s and 90s is still got the notes both in voice and that trademark bass sound.

The high energy evening was set by Johnny Hates Jazz, who went down a storm with the audience that were looking for a good night out, and yes most of the guys had grey hair.

And for a 35 minute set a near full crowd were ready and waiting for the main act to arrive to take the evening to the next level.

The theme of sirens, sounds with blue/white flashing lights were taken up a couple of notches as King and his 6 piece band were ready to rock the hall.

The more classics tunes came towards the end third of the gig, Something about you, To be with you again, Lessons in Love, It’s Over, The Sun goes down, The Chinese Way, Hot Water and Running in the family     

With 6 top ten hits under their belts King belted them out admitting that he was tired during his 1hr 40 stint/, ‘I’m knackered, I’ve been doing this for the last 40 years,’ he joked. 

But as long as King keeps producing this magical 80s production and tempo he can go on for another 40 years.   


By Mark Bloom