From: Level42-request @ worldmachine.com (Level42 Digest) Subject: Level42 Digest V99 #32 _ ____ _ ____ _ _ ___ // //__ // / //__ // /__// __// //__ //__ \\_/ //__ //__ // /__ D I G E S T Level42 Digest Volume 99 : Issue 32 988 subscribers Today's topics: Andrew Goodwin Bill Leslie-Miller Sheperds Bush Gig - My 2p Worth!! Mark Walsham Re: Level42 Digest V99 #29 Helen McLelland It's a string of nackered old hits Steve Robson Can I meet the Digest ? Alex Green Earth Wind & Fire: New Greatest Hits J Shuford The Gigs Matthew Robins Shepherd's Bush Kay Anthony Times Review Nigel Collier video wanted Lisa Devlin Canneloni and the Bush... Matthew Harvey Support Band/ Swimming / The Shame of it ;-) igotan Fw: Shepherd's Bush Paul Dougherty the other Leicester gig... BHConrad Wolverhampton Ken Maple Wolves gig! david jacobs ------------------------------ Subject: Andrew Goodwin From: "Bill Leslie-Miller" Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 11:11:44 -0000 Andrew apparently all the digesters who went to Shepherds Bush did spot a chap in an Oxford United hat.....why do you think everybody ignored you ?? Everybody thought you'd got lost and were queueing for the wrong turnstiles. hehe Bill Miller ------------------------------ Subject: Saturday's Gig From: "Mark Walsham" Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 12:48:24 -0000 Just got back to my Pc, and thought I'd post a review of the gig on Saturday night! First off, it was freezing cold waiting outside, but I got there early, and was at the start of the queue, everyone in the crowd was friendly, and couldn't wait to get inside. Anyway, 2 hours of standing around, and in we went! I got a place at the front centre as well! First disappointment was the absence of any merchandising! The support act were quite good, and contrary to other posts recently, they were not rubbish, nor did they stay on stage too long. At one point, they were playing and there was an awful lot of talking going on, which I thought was a bit rude. I know we were all there to see Mark, but even Level 42 had to play support at some point. If you could attend one of the early gigs where L42 were playing support, would you be happy about people talking through their set? I think not. The highlight of the support act was when the bass player "ORO??", tried to slap his upright bass, and at this point the whole crowd just wanted him to play some funky bass, but after much encouragement by the crowd, he quietly declined. Off they went to polite applause. After a while, the lights dimmed and on came the band, god it was good to see Mark again after a long time. I wont go into the set list, as it will spoil it for others later on in the tour, but you will not be disappointed! Someone posted that Mark seemed to be not so interested in the old L42 stuff, well, all I can say is it didn't show on Saturday night, and he seemed to really get into it! Many posts have been made concerning Lyndon, the keyboard player. He really did struggle in quite a few places on Saturday, and seemed to want confirmation from Dominic/Mark that what he was playing was alright (or not). I suspect that on some of the tracks, he had a midi sequencer running, so he only had to 'fill' parts of it. In saying all of this, he was trying and did manage some Lindup'esq sounds. It is very difficult to fill another's shoes, and we should bear that in mind, but I agree that the performance was below par. Seemed ok on the new stuff, but flaky on the old. On the other hand Nathan was superb, managing to get the solo's, and more importantly the rhythm guitar sections very authentic. The drummer was tight and good also. Mark, what can I say, apart from the fact he was fantastic!! The crowd were really up for it, and it was obvious that Mark sensed this, as on many occasions, a wide grin was to be found on his face! He appeared to very much appreciate the loud and vocal crowd, making him play that little bit better (is this possible?). One song for an encore is not enough! I remember back to 1990 at Hammersmith when there were at least 2 encore's!! Just before Mark left the stage, he asked if anyone would turn up if he toured again the April, silly question! Let's look forward to then! I have a whole camera full of pics, which I pick up today from the developer, if they are any good, then I post another and maybe we can share them. Mark. Answers On A Postcard Please, I'd Like To Know What You Believe? Dudeman @ tocatz.globalnet.co.uk ------------------------------ Subject: Re: Level42 Digest V99 #29 From: H.McLelland @ elec.gla.ac.uk (Helen McLelland) Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 13:33:22 -0100 Hi There Just thought I would write to say I enjoyed the Sheperd's Bush gig but thought Manchester was more spontaneous and enjoyable. In London, there were the usual suspects that shoved their way to the front but didn't necessarily look as if they were great fans. I agree with the guy that said the some people just wanted to carry out the old chant right through the music without listening to the band. It was bloody annoying. Andy (the other half) and I got to the .... and Firkin at around 6pm opening time (what unsociable pub hours you have in England) but didn't really see an obvious digesters crowd. We left before 7pm to pick up our tickets at the box office and felt somewhat deflated that we hadn't met people. By the time the gig ended we felt it was too late to try and get in on the act of the digesters - although they sounded as if they were enjoying themselves. We did meet Tom - one of the disabled fans who is not on the digest but was at Manchester and Croydon and again I thought it was a shame he doesn't get the opportunity of the daily digest. Maybe in April, it would be better if there was a more obvious meeting point so that the less well known digesters could get involved. Helen PS. Steve whyte - Do you think King Tuts Wah Wah Hut or the Barrowlands in Glasgow would be good for Mark ? I remember seeing Mike Lindup in King Tut's during his Changes tour but it is a fairly small venue whereas Barowlands is a lot bigger. Question is - Would Mark consider Up Scotland ? (people who have been to Saturdays gig will understand this) ------------------------------ Subject: It's a string of nackered old hits From: Steve Robson Organization: Cadence Design Systems Date: Mon, 01 Feb 1999 13:50:57 +0000 > Subject: thanks and welcome > From: TSNPUB @ aol.com > > Is it just me or is that FM-radio call-sign sounding bit followed by > Rhodes piano interlude in Changing the Guard the best part of the song? My wife mutered something about "...was that a jingle for Radio 2?" so you are not alone in this. I'd like to ask a technical bass question now: At Shepherds Bush, Mark played a blue bass and a red bass and I thought the red one sounded much much much much much much much much better than the blue one. What were they both? Oh yes, and why was it that there were so many tall b*ggers? Couldn't see a damn thing most of the time. Will have to get tickets for the shelves or ashtrays next time. Leave the moshpit for the diehards. Does anybody admit to the "Up Holland" banner? Steve UNIX admin MITS Europe e-mail: srobson @ cadence.com Cadence Design Systems Tel: +44 (0)1344 866523 or +44 (0)7771 941264 Bagshot Road Fax: +44 (0)1344 869329 Bracknell BERKSHIRE Web: http://www.cadence.com RG12 0PH UK ------------------------------ Subject: Can I meet the Digest ? From: "Alex Green" Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 15:31:16 -0000 Hi everyone, I was at the Shepherds Gig Empire and I was sitting there on the Level 1 Balcony thinking "I wander how many people from the digest are here"? So I was wandering if Mark plays in April that maybe I could meet up some of you ? As I said before the gig was amazing it made me go home and blow the dust off my bass that has been sitting in my case for the pass year (I'm very rusty). Mr Pink was played the fastest I've every seen/heard it being played. I can't believe Boon and Gary was there in the bar, I remember not going to the bar because "it was to much hassle" aaahhhhh!!! I heard one bloke say on the way out "That was just like the World Machine days". The first time I saw Level 42 was at Hammersmith Odeon in 1990 and the Level 42 was very big (as in band members), I was 18. And to see Mark at Shepherds Bush in a small venue and as a 4 piece must have been what it was like in the early days. Living UP Alex Green ------------------------------ Subject: Earth Wind & Fire: New Greatest Hits From: J Shuford Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 08:37:22 -0800 (PST) MicroKids: There's a new Earth Wind & Fire greatest hits collection out. Just came out sometime in 1998. 17 tracks, pretty much all of their big stuff, heavily focused on their most commercially successful period (1975-1980), all remastered. Great collection. In the booklet there are various pictures of EWF performing life, including one of Verdine White (bassist who worked with L42 on the Standing in the Light Album, as you will recall) hooked up to some cable and "flying" across the stage while thumping the bass. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, I really can't tell what era this is from. EWF went away from the dashikis for a time, then came back to them. Anyway, pretty amusing. If you have a few bucks and you liked EWF as a wee one, I'd recommend this album. Shuf ------------------------------ Subject: The Gigs From: Matthew Robins Organization: the University of Greenwich Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 16:56:40 GMT Hi all, Blimey the tour was so good Mark even got a decent review. Whatever next?! It's much deserved anyway. Can members put any other reviews up on the digest if and when they see them? >A big HELLO also to Matt - The Tattoo Man - are you sure you >won't be changing your mind about the tattoo !!!! Hi Anthony. Alas not. It was the biggest moral dilemma I've ever faced, fulfil an ambition of years, or not break a promise to Mark. The last of the signature faded away late Sunday. Sob. >The venue wasn't jam packed with people. But after driving from East London to Shepherds Bush on Friday lunchtime, I was told they had sold out. Oh well. Plenty of discussion about Lyndon and Nathan so far, but huge credit must go to the drummer (sorry, can't think of name) who remained really faithful (at Croydon anyway) to the Level 42 records. I don't want to start another round of Gary vs. Phil, but he kept it tight and simple just like Phil, and it sounded great. Roll on April. Matt ------------------------------ Subject: Shepherd's Bush From: Kay Anthony Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 18:32:17 -0000 Another great gig - especially memorable as I met Boon and Gary Husband afterwards. I hope my photos come out ok. A big hello again to Raymond ( you know who you are !! ) and also to Bilal - met you at last ! See you in at the possible April gig in London ( I hope !! ) Best wishes Ant ------------------------------ Subject: Times Review From: Nigel Collier Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 19:04:01 +0000 The review in the Times yesterday (Feb 1) was one of the best I've read (thanks Bill Miller). That's not only because it was complimentary about Mark but it was well-written by someone who clearly has some experience and knowledge of the subject and - more importantly - knew the wider story about mark's solo stuff and how that all fits in with the scheme of things. The author picked out the most important and significant themes to come out of Mark's tour - he seemed to gauge the mood of the tour so well, sensing the same air of "trepidation" and acknowledging that Mark 'gamble' had paid off as a success - much to everyones' relief - it seems Mark was right all along. He also showed that he at least was familiar and respectful of Level 42's material old and more recent, and he also knew the band members and what parts they played in the band's sound and success. Quite apart from showing that he knew his stuff - he just wrote really well, enthusitastically and described the crowd's involvement nicely. This is such a contrast to the idiots who've reviewed L42 before and have made so little effort to research their material or really made time to think of any original point they were trying to make - instead substituting all this content with shallow put-downs. Great stuff - begs the question 'where the hell was the promotion?!' Changing the Guard =============== I'm just going to blow my trumpet for a moment if you'll permit me the indulgence. Early last month I scribbled down my thoughts of what Changing the Guard was all about after Byrdman had posted a similar thread. I wrote of the following lines: >*So don't you tell me that there's no more I can do >*I built a castle from the dreams of idle wasters >*And I'm on the ramparts looking down at you > >He's also saying here that if you really can't appreciate the new direction >then that's too bad. I don't think this is >pride or arrogance on Mark's part, rather he's saying that he's been there >and done it (you haven't) and he knows his own mind and he's happy that >he's right. I was listening to Winman's excellent CD he gave me at the Leicester gig which includes an extensive One-Man Tour interview with Mark on Leicester Sound radio where Mark says this: "we were 21 years of age and you haven't done a great deal...it's all out there waiting for you so...be cool...don't just dismiss what an old dude at 40 years old has got to say because I tell you what, y'know, we have been there and seen it and done it...and I've got a lot more interesting things to talk about now, if anyone would listen. (tongue in cheek) So I can write better songs!" Regards Nigel "...friends all over the world, none in this country but all over the world" - Tony Hancock, The Radio Ham http://www.ncl.ac.uk/~nnac/ ------------------------------ Subject: video wanted From: "Lisa Devlin" Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 19:11:15 -0000 Hi all, Could I please beg, borrow or steal a copy of a Princes Trust concert on video from someone? Im not sure which year it is, i think 1989, but anyway its the one where they were the House Band and they started with Heaven in my hands, Mark has on a brownish coloured suit. If anyone has a copy of this and could help me out I would be eternally grateful - naturally all postage costs and expenses will be paid for! Many thanks Lisa ICQ# 14616790...chat me ------------------------------ Subject: Canneloni and the Bush... From: "Matthew Harvey" Date: Mon, 01 Feb 1999 12:42:41 PST OK, time for a small rant. It's Monday, I awoke late and with a hangover, Hotmail is going slower than a wet Sunday with no F1 or Football, and I've just eaten the worst Spinach and Ricotta Canneloni I ever had in my life..... I was at Shepherd's Bush on Saturday and had a fantastic time. Enough of the criticism already!!!!! I would have hung around with the other Levelheads to meet MK etc but my other half has had back problems recently and had to spend half of the gig sitting at the back of the hall, hence not fighting my way thru the hordes to worship (!) from a closer distance. As it was what I watched was a great performance from a guy who is not only possibly a little out of practise at live gigs after such a long absence but whose confidence has probably taken a few knocks over recent years - remember "The Pier" when he was trying THEN to get backing for a solo project - and whose record company are threatening to pull out on him even 'though they have offered little singles. But for a friend's boyfriend who is a Digester and who e-mailed me the tour details I would have had no clue as to the existence of the tour (I rarely read the digest in detail as the majority of contributors are so anal! - Guys, it's just music at the end of the day, albeit fantastic stuff, so lose the anoraks OK?)or no support in promoting the tour or the album and subsequent The comments MK made about April suggest to me that he is just easing his way back into performing live and touring again, and I hope he doesn't take these so-called critiques too seriously or we may never see him again. Be grateful for what many felt was a never to be seen again opportunity, and thank God for small mercies and small, intimate venues like the Shepherd's Bush Empire. Yours, clutching can of worms and tin-opener, Matt Harvey PS Chris, need you to talk to Mr Volo ASAP!!! PPS If anyone has Mark's ear can I suggest if he has any tracks with some slap that were left over from the album that he put them on a future B-side, assuming Eagle records don't fly the nest..... ------------------------------ Subject: Support Band/ Swimming / The Shame of it ;-) From: igotan @ ombomb.demon.co.uk Date: Tue, 02 Feb 1999 22:16:32 +0000 >From: "GREAT BRITAIN SUPPORTERS CLUB" >Good support band by the way (can anyone remember who they were?) Great Scott IIRC >From: "Byron Wong" >Is Mark singing "swimming with THE sky" or "swimming WI...TH sky" Swimming with Sky (the track title) I'm sat here tonite trying to mix up a minidisc of the tracks from the gig (for my own personal usage, natch:), and horror of horrors, I've only just realised I no longer have any CD's that have Kansas City Milkman on it..Oh the shame , the horror...better go shopping tomorrow ;-) To the bloke who was sat in the balcony level1 row 1 on the right(looking out from the stage) at the SB gig ... I was sat right behind you :) At least the crows was loud enough that you couldn't hear my bad singing :) Dave Crowson http://www.ombomb.demon.co.uk/ ------------------------------ Subject: Fw: Shepherd's Bush From: "Paul Dougherty" Date: Tue, 2 Feb 1999 00:31:19 -0000 I think it must be said that last night was the best night. If people have been mentioning the let-downs of the past week, comparing with Manchester, then last night was when it finally all came together. The performance was virtually flawless, it's a shame the crowd (even despite its size) was not as enthusiastic - everywhere I looked there seemed to be people talking amongst themselves, only paying attention when the louder songs were performed... or maybe they just couldn't hear themselves! After seeing them perform at Manchester, and then last night, it should be true what Mark said afterwards - they'll be truly fantastic by the time they're back in England. It would seem that the general opinion has been covered elsewhere, so I'll mention some other stuff... Spotted! - Gary Husband (extremely pissed! and trying to flog copies of his *new album?* for a tenner) Spotted! - Paul Crockford (loitering around at the back ;-) ) Spotted! - Jakko (ditto...) Spotted! (although not by me, unfortunately) - Boon. I saw some autographs that others had got :-( It seems there was a bit of a reunion last night - I got some photos of the above, which I'll get scanned. Now, at Manchester, I was asked by John and Dan in London to get Mark to say Hi to them, as I've mentioned before. So after the gig last night (incidentally, for those who were fortunate enough to see Mark inside afterwards, or those who gave up waiting and left, he finally came out just before midnight. The security guys had tried to put us off by saying be wouldn't be coming out. Then they said he'd be out about 2am. Not believing him, we waited... 1 1/2 hours!) we eventually caught Mark as he came out (he was probably not expecting us all to be there - he was 'off to catch the ferry'). Dan asked him to sign an additional flyer for John, who had decided not to go (IDIOT!) 'Put something offensive' said Dan... And so he wrote: "To John, Twat Mark King" We didn't notice until afterwards, and couldn't stop laughing for ages! (I've asked for a photocopy...) NOT what we expected... Tim Vincent (Blue Peter) was there, by the way. He seemed to be quite disappointed when someone recognised him! Anybody else (famous or not-so-famous) spotted? I'm sure there's something else I was going to say... Never mind... Roll on April!!! (Cor, one minute it's March, the next it's April!) Paul ------------------------------ Subject: the other Leicester gig... From: BHConrad @ aol.com Date: Mon, 1 Feb 1999 19:33:37 EST I went to a concert the other night in Leicester, but Mark King wasn't there! Don't worry, this was Leicester, Massachusetts, usa :) I think it's pronounced 'Lester', too; so I got the joke the other day. anyway, this is off-topic, but I'm looking to join a christian rock band (the one that I went to see), here in MA. more later. [playing drums] good news that Mark may tour in April. I'll see if i can make the trip! later dudes, Bruce ------------------------------ Subject: Wolverhampton From: "Ken Maple" Date: Tue, 2 Feb 1999 10:24:28 -0000 Why on earth does Mark seem to have such a downer on himself? At the end of the show he said, "Sorry about the voice - crap wasn't it?" No mate - it was spot on. ------------------------------ Subject: Wolves gig! From: david jacobs Organization: JayDee Guitars Unofficial Site Date: Tue, 2 Feb 1999 02:31:25 -0800 Peoples! What can I say? - What a truly marvellous gig! I was a bit concered with the security, as they were not allowing cameras in! - I got around that by hiding it somewhere they wouldn't look!!! Mark was on top form again - despite being run down with the flu! - He kept apologising for it, but he still sounded way better than I ever remember!! The band were superb, I thought! Lyndon was great, and he got some major applauses - which he was very happy to get, I think! Nathan was superb throughout, and I hope that we'll see and hear more from him! I also felt the drumming was very good, and was almost a perfect rendition of Mr P Gould in 'It's Over'. It was great to meet more digesters - a big hello to you all (you know who you are) - and also to the ones that I didn't get around to meeting! I'm a bit miffed that I never got to talk to Mark - we did run around to his car, just before he left and saw him get in - but some strange person just kept asking him "DO you remember me from Birmingham?" - Mark just said " No, sorry" - as if to say, go away butthole! I was going to say "Thanks for a superb show" etc.... but Mark just said goodbye, and hope you don't catch my flu! - Then he drove home! I'm sure we'll have many more info on this gig - but I just felt that I'd put in my two penneth worth! Lisa (Mrs Pink) - we need to chat about that tape - speak to you soon! Jennifer R - Nice to meet you at last! - Would have been nice to chat for longer - maybe next time?!!! Mr & Mrs Mueller - great to meet you at last! Adz, Bill M, Don, Winston, Lolita, and everyone else - it was too brief - can't wait for the next UK tour, hope you can make it over! All best everyone! Dave p.s - Keep visiting my site, as I've got some interesting stuff coming! http://members.xoom.com/man_of_funk ______________________________________________________ Get your free web-based email at http://www.xoom.com SPECIAL OFFER: 250 Web Site Templates, Only $29.95! - http://orders.xoom.com/email