Live at the Forum

The guy who put the slap in pop during the 80s

Mark Raymond King (born 20 October 1958) is an English singer, songwriter, and musician. He is the lead vocalist and bassist of the jazz-funk band Level 42.

Quick Facts

Tour era: Purple Rain Tour
Release format: Single-show digital and physical collection
Band context: Full Revolution lineup

Lore & Background

King was born and brought up in Cowes, Isle of Wight. He began his musical career as a drummer at age nine, learning guitar at 11. In 1974, he met future Level 42 bandmate Phil Gould. King moved to London at age 19 and formed Level 42 in 1979 with Phil Gould, Mike Lindup, and Boon Gould. He learned bass guitar after lying about his ability to get a job at Macari's music store.

Reader's Guide

King's bass-playing style is largely based on continuous sixteenth notes, using a combination of thumb slaps, pops, hammer-ons, and fretting hand slaps. He helped develop and popularize the slap and pop style in the 1980s. He has used Jaydee and Status Graphite basses, and co-developed the Status KingBass in 2000.