Gig preview: Level 42 at Doncaster Racecourse

WHEN you've had a hard day at the races, you want to relax with some great music, and on June 4 at Doncaster, we can do just that.
Level 42Level 42
Level 42

Ladbroke’s Derby Day, which pays homage to the Epsom Derby, will have an extra attraction to keep people at the racecourse after all the horses have run, rested and gone home, for in the evening, there is to be a special concert by 80s music sensations Level 42.

Level 42, still fronted by bassist Mark King and original keyboard player Mike Lindup had a unique style, heavily steeped in jazz-funk, and King’s ‘thunder thumbs’ style of bass playing earned him and the band many plaudits.

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Hits such as ‘Something About Love’, ‘Running In The Family’ and the No3 smash ‘Lessons In Love’, stamped the band’s presence in the decade and they went on to sell over 30 million albums worldwide whilst enjoying an enviable string of chart hits.

“We’ve been quite busy, really,” says King. “We were in the Far East recently and played at the Singapore Jazz Festival. Also, later in the year we’re playing the North Sea Jazz Festival and going to Curacao in South America, and then we’ve got a major UK tour in October; as well as some summer festivals.”

King is no stranger to the equine world. “I was once in a consortium which owned a race horse.” He laughs. “It wasn’t easy – it’s like finding out you have a b*****d son and having to put him through college.”

But he will be having a bet or two.

“I look forward to having a bit of a flutter. I’m not a big gambler, but once in a while is OK.”

And he lets me into his secret.

“Always go for your favourite colour.”

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As for the band’s appearance on stage, King says: “We’ll be on stage as long as we’re allowed to be and we’ll be coming up with all the hit records that everyone wants to hear like Lessons In Love and Something About You.”

“And,” he adds, “hopefully the summer will have kicked in by then.”

This is not the first race meet that King has played at.

“we have done Royal Ascot and we’ll be doing more. They’re always great fun and the years fall away when you get on stage.”

In addition to all the live shows, the band will be recording new material.

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“Yes, that’s right,” he confirms. “We’ll be going in the studio making an EP for the October tour.”

Level 42 will be appearing at the Doncaster Racecourse on Saturday June 4. The gates open at noon and tickets start at £25, available from the box office on 01302 304200 or by visiting http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/

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