Level 42

Internationally popular British funk-rock quartet fronted by Mark King and Mike Lindup, best known for their hits Lessons In Love, Something About You, The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up), Love Games and Hot Water. They were formed on the Isle of Wight. Though their membership has fluctuated throughout the years, the original and perhaps best-known lineup consisted of Mark King aka "Thunderthumbs" (vocals & bass), Mike Lindup (vocals & keyboards) and brothers Boon Gould (guitar) and Phil Gould (drums).

Though their membership has fluctuated throughout the years, the original and perhaps best-known lineup consisted of Mark King aka "Thunderthumbs" (vocals & bass), Mike Lindup (vocals & keyboards) and brothers Boon Gould (guitar) and Phil Gould (drums). After the success of the Running in the Family album, the Gould brothers left the band, citing musical differences and nervous exhaustion. King and Lindup continued, picking up replacement artists in Gary Husband on drums and former Go West and Kate Bush guitarist Alan Murphy. Murphy sadly passed away after suffering from an AIDS related illness in October 1989. The band released their then swansong album, Forever Now, in 1994.

At the end of the 80s, Mark King was recognized as one of the best bass players in the world having pioneered the 'slap and pull' technique, treating the bass as a percussion instrument. His style and virtuosity still are hugely influential, considering he also sang while he played very difficult basslines.

Following the formal breakup of the band in the mid-90s King later performed with a new lineup under the Level 42 moniker, before he and Lindup reunited to record Retroglide in 2006.

As of 2012, King and Lindup are still touring with personnel of Pete Ray Biggin, Sean Freeman and Nathan King completing the current lineup.