It felt wonderful to return to the Bandstand in Glasgow’s West End, keeping everything crossed that the weather would behave despite the moody, dark clouds looming overhead. As the local fans filed into the arena – which boasts a charming, intimate amphitheatre vibe – there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air.
The cosy stage was absolutely brimming with gear, accommodating both the ten-piece support act, The Great Pleasure, and Level 42’s own impressive equipment setup. With so much talent and tech squeezed into the space, it was clearly shaping up to be a fantastic evening of live music.
Getting things started were The Great Pleasure, who kicked off their set with “Angeline”. Their sound is a refreshing blend of jazz fusion mixed with various soulful influences, and they certainly knew how to command the stage. The band mentioned how lovely it was to play such a local gig, as they live just a mile away from the bandstand. While I wasn’t initially familiar with their discography, their energy was infectious. Standout tracks like the brilliant “Do You Wanna Fight?” really grabbed the Glasgow crowd’s attention. They are definitely a group to watch, leaving the stage to a warm and well-deserved reception.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for: Level 42. Thankfully, the Glasgow weather was still holding steady as the lights dimmed and the intro music swelled. The band emerged to a roar of approval, with Nathan King and the legendary Mark King taking their positions to a hero’s welcome from the audience.
Launching straight into the superb “Heaven In My Hands”, followed by “To Be With You Again”, they provided the perfect opening to the show. As Mark greeted the city, it was clear he was in world-class form. It’s always a privilege to watch his iconic thumb-slap bass technique, which remains the driving heartbeat of the unmistakable Level 42 sound.
You could tell from the smiles on stage that the band was genuinely feeding off the energy of the Glasgow crowd. This connection reached a fever pitch during “Running in The Family”, as the entire arena joined in for a massive, heartfelt singalong.
Fans of all generations were up on their feet, dancing and singing along to every word. The acoustics were spot on, and Mark’s vocals sounded remarkably crisp – just as powerful as they did back in the eighties. Looking around, the sea of vintage tour shirts proved just how long these fans have cherished the band’s journey through the eras.
A true highlight of the night was the classic “The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up). ” From the front row to the very back of the amphitheatre, the audience was moving in unison, fully immersed in the groove of such an iconic track.
The setlist was a powerhouse, featuring “Children Say”, “Love Games”, and the fantastic “Something About You”. Level 42 are masters of entertainment, delivering a blistering performance that resonated with everyone in attendance. They brought the main set to a close with “Lessons In Love” and the timeless “The Chinese Way”. Though they exited the stage without a final goodbye, the crowd knew they weren’t done yet; sure enough, they returned for a high-octane encore of “Hot Water” to cap off the night.
As the final notes echoed through the Kelvingrove Bandstand and the crowd filtered out with beaming smiles, Level 42 proved once again why they remain one of Britain’s premier live acts. It was a joyous celebration of jazz-funk mastery, filled with timeless hits and exceptional musicianship. The evening proved that great songs – and those legendary bass lines – simply never go out of style.
The group is currently in peak form and sounding better than ever. Their visible enjoyment on stage was mirrored by the rapturous applause from the bandstand audience. Though there wasn’t time for every single fan favourite, the Glasgow crowd left feeling completely satisfied after such a brilliant performance by Mark King and the rest of the band.
If you get the opportunity to catch them on this tour, don’t hesitate – you certainly won’t be disappointed by a band at the very top of their game.
Photographs & Review by James Edmond Photography
