This guy was basically a drummer and an excellent guitar player. One day he picked up the bass guitar and literally developed his own percussive thumb-slap technique in a few weeks and became one of the best bass player in the world. He is also a proficient singer and a damn good songwriter. With Mike Lindup they were top players in the field. Mark King has definitely marked his place among the Hall of Fame of all times great musicians! He is really the King of slap bass!

@DimitriPelletierYoutube

6 ай бұрын

King of slap bass? You’re thinking of Marcus Miller. King is up there though

@seltaeb9691

5 ай бұрын

I've yet to see him actually playing the drums.

@marcelarojaszeballos7403

4 ай бұрын

Mark is a genious of The music because he plays bass, guitar, and besides he sings great!!!

@user-gw3rs5zx7g

2 ай бұрын

I think & will always know Mark King is a Bass player. Not any off these other things. Mark can Play - Absolutely Amazing & encouraging for other Bassist starting out too learn. Mark is very inspiring on Bass - I should know I've learnt Mr Pink & Lessons in love + other Songs. Thank you Mark King. Vernon

@user-gw3rs5zx7g

2 ай бұрын

10 years ago I saw Level 42 with Mark King on Bass do Lessons in love. My whole Body went WOW - I never learnt any instrument but me hearing Level 42 play Lessons in love changed my whole life. I made a Decision I'm going too learn Bass Guitar & play like Mark king Bassist does. Its been 8 years with Practice on Bass watching Mark play Bass - My 1st Song I learnt in a week was Lessons in love. I got the Running in the Family CD - & learnt all the Songs. I love playing Running in the Family + Lessons in love. Thank you Mark King of Level 42 your my inspiration & teacher for Bass. Vernon

This is insane and to think he can play like this whilst also singing and chewing gum! The man is a living legend, long live the King 🥰

Mark.. Don´t know if you see this . . .You are the reason i play bass to day - Thanks for inspire me the last 30 years. ! You are amazing bassplayer and you can really make me laugh - love your humor. Thanks for all your music and humor. Many bass greetings from Denmark

@michaelrawson6261

9 ай бұрын

Same here.

@wingchunelsner

7 ай бұрын

same here

there are many bass players in the world, but Mark wrote beautiful songs with level 42 and hard bass lines. Nobody will be comparated to him. the one.

@greatwhite61967

4 жыл бұрын

Let's not forget the late great Boon Gould along with Phil/Mike & Wally Badarou adding to the overall writing of songs... .....

@petehotton4740

4 жыл бұрын

Of course not

@BruceLee-zd9bw

4 жыл бұрын

What makes Mark King very special is, he plays so many intricate bass lines, yes he sings at the same time too. Extraordinary skill to have, and not many people can do it as well as he can. He is very naturally gifted, and a once in a lifetime talent.

@greatwhite61967

3 жыл бұрын

@@BruceLee-zd9bw Yep the stars were definitely in alignment that night as you hsve to have some much raw natural talent to ne able to go from drums and straight on to bass guitar... Now i was fortunate enough to pick up the bass it all ick into place for me but i.sure as hell didnt go straight into recording not long after i.picked the bass up, sure i auditioned for the first proper band i was in only 1 month after picking the bass up & during our phone call i was asked to learn a list of songs they gave me & i had tk know them within 2 weeks & then we'd all meet up & go to where this band were practising for my audition & i passed & was on my journey with my first band within a month of picking that instrument up... Many will no doubt continue to say thst " well the bass is easier play " but was many many many decades ago & no doubt those same people will have come across the uploads of bassist playing their own bass lines or covers but the difference is the way many basdist can play now, as of course you have slap style along with great finger style playing (which Mark doesnt get enough praise for) & many Bassists that I've continued to seen on KZread that continue new ways to play their bass guitar or more than 1 bass at the one time... Wanting to play bass rather than it being forced on you all changed in the mid 70s as those innovators inspired many generations to play bass along with all the new amazing faces that came out in the 80s onwards & those new bass player's from the 80 onwards would go on to inspire the next generation & it just kept going & there was a time that more often than not there were more people wanting to learn to play bass rather than the electric lead & rhythm guitar... In ligt of this still ongoing coronavirus outbreak stay safe and healthy wherever you are in ths world... A Happy New Year For Everyone for 2021 once it's just passed 12am at where you stay & All The Best... .....

@BruceLee-zd9bw

3 жыл бұрын

@@greatwhite61967 Fair play to you, and yes, way back on the day years ago, things were much harder then, as there wasn't the online help with tuitions etc. You did well in regards to the audition and playing in a band within a month.👍👍 As you said, that just makes Mark King even more special. All the best my friend.👍👍🙏

He is just the master, a true legend of bass!

@stefonwilliams9790

3 жыл бұрын

Yes he is a Legendary Bassists

Having met MARK about 35 times since my first LEVEL 42 gig in April 1981, I can tell you he is a great and funny guy to chat to.

@oddities-whatnot

2 жыл бұрын

You could have easily said he was a great and funny guy without bragging about supposedly meeting him 35 times. Do you think that impresses others on here ? Your comment just says that you need others to give you confidence. I dont ever feel the need to tell people, especially strangers on here about my life experiences, I dont need the attention to make me feel good about myself.

i could watch this all friggin day. the man is just brilliant.

I'm very late to the party , but at 63 , very new to Level 42 & Mark King , I've been binging ,for weeks now , totally amazed at his musicianship & character, his playing is some of the best I've ever heard & I'm a big fan of St anley Clarke & many of the jazz greats

No base player has ever manged to come close to Mark's talent. What a treat this is and so generous to let us peak into his private zone now and then. Thank you Mr King.......

Good grief. Power, control, and such musicality with every note. An all time great.

Ten years late to the party but... Just superb. Quality musician and showman... Long may the King reign!

I absolutely love watching pro artists getting a kick out jamming just filming themselves at home like a total amateurs jamming away. It's very human and humbling to watch them do vids like this. B

@mirak63

7 жыл бұрын

well, they had to practice at home like everyone

@InfiniteRhombus

7 жыл бұрын

he has said he will do anything for money, i think we could just toss him 5k and fund the whole season of youtube episodes where hes just playing ridiculous stuff like this

@nottjohn9418

2 жыл бұрын

I cannot put into words how good this is.

02:47 “I always find that 2 balls are better then 1.. for many things in life” - The wise Mark King

What a thoroughly nice man and extremely talented to boot. I could listen all day.

I am in total awe...I'd love to be able to play with that degree of fluency and ease...such a joy to watch someone perfectly enjoying what they do....and I'd love that bass...!!!!

Wow! Mark King is a beast! Serious talent and seems like one cool cat. I'm beyond impressed!

With 40 years experience, it's one thing being technically brilliant and a virtuoso but something else to have these attributes and *really* enjoy what you do; as Mark clearly demonstrates. Superb.

@jondee442

9 жыл бұрын

***** Does any one know what tuner he's using? I'm after a decent mic "cordless" tuner, I've used a couple of cheap cordless ones in the past but they're not much cop!

@Spoif

9 жыл бұрын

Apparently Mark has been previously known to use the BOSS TU-2; but don't know if it is cordless (or if it's the one used in the video). I have used a Korg AT-2 for years. It's a D/A hybrid unit which has served me very well... and can be used corded or cordless.

@mootbooxle

8 жыл бұрын

+Jon Don Just looked like a standard Boss chromatic tuner to me!

Mark King has amazing energy. I think his playing is distinguished not from the slap style itself, but by the fact he can play his sub divisions accurately and on 'the grid' at tempo, (or in more general terms to a click). I see players hitting their basses, but so often they're playing behind the click, and in rather short meaningless bursts. King is and has always been so thorough and enduringly precise, at multiple sub divisions. Great unique skill to my mind!!

What an awesome video Mark! So cool that you share this with all bass enthusiasts!❤

Anybody else notice that a brand new set of strings stay in tune thru 10+ minutes of Mark King slapping? I'm sold on double ball ends.

He's a groove machine!! That was great, up close and personal. Feels like I just spent 16 minutes hanging out with Mark! Thanks for the tour and performance Mark!! .30 on the G string? Wow!!

How to re-string, tune spot on, and play the bass in 2 mins! Mark showing us all how it's done with no effort at all - lol. Many thanks to Mark for taking the time to make the video and give people the little insight. What a guy!

It amazes me how Mark remembers all the cords and never misses a beat..

Mark King is ridiculous; his talent borders on the absurd. I've admired this guy for years. What a treat it would be to actually have the opportunity to watch him play in person.

Such a cool guy-- a perfect example that the best don't need an ego

Mr. King, you absolutely live up to your last name. You truly are the king of bass players. I just get lost in watching you play. Please never stop.

The man is awesome........and a career in the media must surely follow when he hangs up his Bass he comes across so very very well.

Love Mark King. Was fortunate to meet in person at a small gig in Annapolis in 2012. Such an incredible talent and a real gent.

mark king quote: 2 balls are better than one in many things in life.

@InfiniteRhombus

7 жыл бұрын

"ill do anything for money" is also another quote though this was about why he had so many signiture models across so many companies. Fender, alembic, status, etc.

OMG - This is awesome! I am always happy to see my heroes from my youth (born '73) who still got the stuff! I was always a Level 42 fan - and the way that Mark King was instrumental in placing his instrument in the forefront! So many Level-hits: if you ask people to whistle them, it will be the bass line, and NOT the lead vocals! Thanks for posting

Mister...eeeeeh sorry... Master Mark King is not from this planet, but i'm so glad he chose to stay here on earth to share his amazing talent with us.

No lessons in love required here, Mark. We love it! :)

This is just bloody fantastic, thanks very much for posting this.

Hey Mark, how wonderful to see you as well and as talented as ever or even more. What a beautiful studio, you have so many things in such a small place but that you take the juice like nobody else. I am an admirer of you from the 80s, when magic touched us all with the music of those unforgettable times

One of my favorite bass players! He always makes it look so easy! I've been a huge fan for years!

That's why I love Mark, he's freakin normal, they do exist lolol😘

I used to love listening to l42 nusic after leaving school around about 1988 .. and every now and then hear them on the radio and enjoy it bringing back old memories .. its good to see Mark is still involved in music and not lost the touch at all by the looks of it .. really enjoyed this video .. thanks

Just imagine if he really went sack out and showed off 😂 He's immortal. One of the great superbassists of our time. Enough said.

@nostreamavailable9090

4 жыл бұрын

Never mind Chuck Norris, they should write memes about mark 'thunderthumb' king.

FRIGGIN' AMAZING bass player, talented, creative & all around nice guy, the works thanks for posting this !!

I love how he's still so down to earth and funny. Haven't heard that story about how he started playing a short-scale Gibson. That would explain a few things...

Je suis époustouflé à chaque fois que je vois cette vidéo, la prestation de basse est pour moi démentielle, ce type est unique au monde

What a great guy! Thanks Mark for creating this video. It means a lot to many of us.

keep it up Mark, you are still and always will be the greatest bass player of all time this vid does help to show the remarkable talent that God gave you.

@justaroundthecorner2883

3 жыл бұрын

How does he compare toJohn Entwistle ?

Love that transition into the chugga chugga section at 13:27 - so cool!

Totally amazing playing - I have no words ❤

The Jimi Hendrix of the bass. No more needs to be said. Patrick Diegan signing out.

@mikemcquaide5727

6 жыл бұрын

I thought your name was Sean???

@tomspotley5733

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah Sean!? Who is Patrick?!

@TheRealMrBeard

2 жыл бұрын

Identity theft is not a joke, Patrick!

the way he manages to bring so much slap not only in jazz funk but also in pop songs that fits so perfectly with the melody is simply the "Mark" of a young genius.

"I find two balls are better than one, for most things in life." oh my god I love how he said that straight-faced.

Mark is the King of bass. Humble, and friendly, too. He loves the fans and does not take us for granted.

Inspirational enthusiasm from a long time great. Having some fun and sharing it.

mark you are a legend, bought all your stuff in the 80's, one cool dude/band.

I love it when he stops playing and the bass line keeps going brilliant !

Absolutely Awesome Mark King thank you.

Nice to see the human side of a world class musician.

Hi mr king, i'm french and play bass since 25 years... I see 10 live of level 42 ... All thé Time it was magic... Thank you so much for all

Wow. Jaw drops. Glad I’ve seen Mark live a couple of times 🙏🏻

Genius ! Mark was playing bass before he was born ! Nothing's better than this... Love it, you're the best Mark. Regards from Belgium.

Omg WHAT a character 😂 ….incredible footage, true professional. Obviously still LOVES it ❤

Your my super IDOL Mr.Mark King. Thank you for sharing this video.

Amazing performance - that is why he is my most favorite of all time❤️

Great to see you having so much fun Mark! God bless your magical talent...x

Jeez is mark good. He seems like a good guy too

Topman!!! Mark...as ex bass player with what was left of Billy J Ks Dakotas in the 70s just marvelled at your style. been a fan ever since. You blow us all away!!! Love and peace. Beetlejon!!!!....OZZY!

best bassy in my lifetime. thank you Mark King!

damn can he ever play... been watching Mark King videos for the last hour... can't get enough.

That is just part of the reason M King is and will always be my all time musical hero!!!!!!!!! OUTSTANDING! GOLD DUST!

I was a big fan in day and still he amazes me how fast he plays with such clarity! its almost unimaginable what he does!

this is without doubt the best video on youtube.

Loved this. Mark should do these regularly - a podcast from Mark's house.

mark u are a legend and thxs for sharing your passion for the music with all of us. I see u in croydon a few years ago and u was amazing. hope to see u in concert again soon

Ha Ha ,, just imagine..... Mrs King shout up the stairs,," MARK!!!!,,,, turn it down a bit,,, X factors just started".. I am glad to see that Mr King is still havin fun, and entertaining us all after all these years. Thanks for posting the vid.

Fantastic!! Thanks for being there Mark..!!

Level 42 had never been my type of music but i always loved listening to it ;) And Mark King is such a great, decent, no nonsense musician.

Seeing them in October on the 'Sirens' tour in Oxford!!! cannot actually wait, saw them many years ago in Bristol, they were awesome......but have got better with age!!

I love Mark King and Level 42, I have done that many years back. But I always have that "skiing" feeling to "Hemsedal Ski Resort in Norway! when I hear him/them:)so Lovely!

Beast of a bass player and down to earth. Im deffo booking tickets for the next gig after watching this

I've always loved this funk/jazz element to Level 42. Particularly reminiscent of their earlier stuff. Keep it up Mark - you are the God of Slap Bass!!

Fantastic Mark!! I had wondered where you'd wandered off to for YEARS man!! So glad to catch up and hear the craziness that you're slappin' around. Thanks amigo . . . . Mind is blown . . . gotta go for patching . . . .

Mark's a great guy, incredibly accomplished but humble and pleasant at the same time. GO Mark!!

I really love this video!!!

Wow , we all lived through your great music ! good to see you around !

I went to see him with Level 42 back in the 80’s at their peak. It was brilliant.

Mark has one of the best bass collections going. Mark, your cool.. Keep it up!

THIS is why Mark King is my all-time hero. Mind blowin. Thanks Mark.

Gorgeous bass. Great design.... Mark, you are truly a one of kind. Keep doing what you do.

His name is program. King is King. Noone is like him. A real prodigy, indeed.

thanks mark for presentation your studio and the great performence...you are still the king!!!!!!

Incredible, love that bass jam; EPIC!

great to see Mark King still doing the business, a really fabulous musician and funny guy. Love the bit starting at 11.15, very prog rocky in a good Steve Hillage style. I always though A Physical Presence was very prog jazz funk, lots of solos and long instrumental bits. I think Mark you have another calling Sir! Keep up the good work mate. God bless.

"Two balls are better than one" -- in the back of my head Sterling Archer yelled "phrasing!"

I am so glad I found this video.

高校生のとき中野サンプラザで見て、あまりの衝撃でプロのミュージシャンになりたい夢が飛びました。 かっこいい。

@jhn4485

6 жыл бұрын

三村圭一 Simply the Best!!!

My favorite bassist idol since 1985, thank you Mark!!!

Great memories of wonderful concerts. Maestro at play!

wow - thanks for uploading. I'm just a sloppy guitar player myself, but Mark King was and still is a real hero for me on the bass.

Mark you are the Man …. Great vid.

What's fantastic video! I've searched KZread for info on Mark's string gauge and especially the story about the tape on his thumb and was stoked to find a vid of him going through it all himself! It was like hanging out with the man himself for 15 mins :D Mark, if you're reading this - you're inspiring, man! Even after 30 years! Also a genuine, nice guy. Salutations from Western Australia!

I've been a Mark King/L42 fan since I was 14. I'm 41 now. I felt like it was just me and Mark hanging out at the studio for a while, lol. That was cool. WE are so lucky to know this musical phenom named Mark King.

Mr. King - Where do I begin??? Growing up with Level 42 ( (I graduated 1983), I have ALWAYS loved that Band. Amongst many great others (Rush, for instance), I've never thought of Level 42 as a "technical band" - if I may say so. Now I see what you've hidden from us (recordingly), and am SO impressed... I would give anything I have to watch you jam in person. And, I'm not even a Bass enthusiast at heart. I must say though, that I am impressed with Dr. Funk - while great - he can't hold a candle to you. So, why the "holding back"? Why has it taken me 40 years to realize how great you are? You're simply an amazing man, musician and person. Please don't stop enlightening us to your amazing career. So Kindly, Rob

Fabulous!!! thank you for bringing me into your temple, Mark! You are indeed the slap bass Master :-D