01 November 2023 (gig)
02 November 2023
There’s definitely something about Level 42 that makes you want to start Living it Up, just like we did back in the 80s.
And their gig at the Cambridge Corn Exchange was no exception, with the fans treated to a band still at the top of their musicianship, even after four decades of performing.
Ramping up the energy before their set were Liverpudlians, The Christians, billed as a support act but main act performers in their own right, so a double whammy for the Cambridge crowd.
Garry Christian’s soulful voice took the audience back to the 80s with great renditions of Harvest for The World, Ideal World, Born Again and Hooverville. Joking to the crowd, Garry, clad in his trademark flat cap, said the rigours of the tour were “killing” him as he was “touching 70”.
Not that you’d know, as the passing of the years haven’t diminished the power of Garry’s vocals, giving a strong performance to a packed out and appreciative audience.
Level 42 entered the stage to a brass band fanfare, air raid sirens and a Thunderbirds countdown, bringing a real nostalgic opening, and setting the bar for a fully-loaded high-energy set.
It was a real treat for the audience of 80s kids to see original members Mark King and Mike Lindup, as well as Mark’s brother Nathan King, up on stage, delivering hit after hit from their four-decade career and cementing their reputation as a top class live band.
Their brass section added even more energy, especially with the choreographed dance moves and humour, almost an act in themselves. Drummer, Pete Ray Biggin, with his light-up drumsticks for the grand finale, reminded us of a young Phil Collins, having the energy. expertise and the trademark Genesis beard!
The band performed a succession of their much-loved hits including Running in the Family, The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up), and Love Games, with all of the chosen songs matching the energy of the night. Whilst it would have been great to have heard some of their slower tracks, such as To Be With You Again and It’s Over, we can see why the band wanted it to keep the energy up-tempo.
Mark King wowed the crowd with his legendary slap-bass technique, giving solo performances as well as jamming with band members, including memorable moments with keyboard and vocal wizard Mike Lindup and drummer Pete.
This jazz-funk fest reignited those 80s days of the casuals, epitomised by the Miami Vice/Jan Hammer vibe of music and fashion. Mark certainly channelled the Tubbs and Crockett look in his vibrant multi-coloured shirt.
Level 42 closed their main set with a couple of belters – Something About You and Lessons in Love, ramping up the audience before returning to the stage for their encore with extended versions of Heaven in My Hands, The Chinese Way and Hot Water.
All in all a special night of pure class and brass. We always knew Level 42 were great live musicians back in the day, but this gig took them to another level.
