I first met Phil at my first LEVEL 42 gig 40 years ago on 3rd April 1981 and having met him about 30 times since, I have just had the pleasure of doing an exclusive interview with him too. Top bloke.
Hi Julian, do you think Mark will get together with Wally and do another album. Is this something you could ask him? it sounds like Phil may want to be involved. One last proper Level album.
Love phil hes one of my top drummers . I can understand why he wants to stear away from the past . Because he so honest and he does not need no one but hes own music and playing . He had a massive break from playing drums . And hes back doing what he loves . Brilliant.
Something About You was released seven months before I started drumming, and Toto's I'll Be Over You four months after. So there was this overlap where Jeff Porcaro and Phil Goild were on constant rotation on VH1, and on the radio. To this day, both are HUGE infliences. I believe Phil would have possibly been a tremendous drummer to oversee Jeff Porcaro's throne after his passing. Thank you, Phil!
I saw Level 42 live last night for the first time and although they were absolutely amazing it would have been even better to have seen them with the Gould brothers as part of the band...even though its not possible now that Boon is sadly no longer with us
I'm convinced that even if Phil's sorely missed brother Boon was still alive and well, I don't think either of them would've ever rejoined 'Level 42'. As far as they were concerned, that was their past and they had both moved on to other things. Also, I don't think that Mark and Phil's musical differences would've ever been resolved amicably. When the band issued their UK Top Ten hit single 'It's Over' in 1987, it really WAS over for that classic original line-up. Ahh...well. That's bands for you.
True. However, Boon also co-wrote eight of the songs on Level 42's 1988 album 'Staring At The Sun' (even after he had left the band), as well as co-writing all of the songs on their 2006 comeback CD 'Retroglide'. He also played the guitar solo on the song 'Ship' and co-wrote most of the songs on Mark's solo project 'One Man' (1998). What's more, Boon did the guitar solo for the song 'Ship'. Mark's younger brother Nathan did the rest of it.
I quite like Shakatak, too. They were another good band working in that genre. Skakatak emerged during the same era as Level 42 and were also signed to Polydor.
It is actually a tragedy and then maybe not .... The band went on to triumph, artistically and financially ... And the brothers Gould left themselves with "artistic integrity", by their own perception, and little money ... What could be better than delivering what your fans love? .....
The very thing that Phil first really brought to attention is what ive been thinking for oh so many years & thats writing new material... Ive always praised & been astounded at the work ethic of Level 42 as im their ongoing years they toured insanely , especially during the 80s... As everyone whether solo act or band had to put the Tour time in during that decade if they wanted to last past that decade from the 80s into the 90s & then into another & its very difficult to shake off the foot prints you have left behind & again , i think , the 80s was thee last decade that was insanely non stop with new solo acts & bands being discovered/signed & then thrown into the meat grinder that is or was the Music Industry in the 50s up to the end of the 80s Though there was still a musical movement in the 90s it didnt compare to the sheer innumerable amount of acts signed & put out their to work for their money & many might argue the old adage of " Quality Over Quantity " & in some respects quite a few at first werent going to make it after the 80s had passed but this was my opinion in the early 80s to about 1987 & i could see that there was not a small part of solo acts & bands that arent goung to make to theres a huge amount of solo acts that werent going to make it any longer once the 80s was over as many of them , even some of the biggest bands at that time , just werent going to br able to pass the 80s test by still making it in the 90s & hence why every decade more often than not sees all of those acts just nose dive & are gone as for this specific comment the 80s was their time to shine but change was around the corner & most if not all of those acts never made it out of the 80s & into the 90s & honestly its quite difficult to mention that in the UK how managed to put that decade behind them & try & to go through it all again & go up against the new kids & its actually laughable to think that young solo acts & bands in the 80s that tried to make in the 90s were classed as ancient yet their age gap wasnt that much but the shift towards the what was coming out in the late 80s was the same as ot was for those coming out of the late 70s & then to make it in the 90s With respect to Mark but Phil/the late Boon & Wally , to me , were the best song writers & although Phil & Boon would write songs for Level 42 after they left proved that those 3 were the Hit Makers & thats not a slight to Mark as he wrote better songs when collaborating than just on his own... I can name only 2 from the UK that continued to keep making studio albums & trying to keep going into the new uncharted sounds of the 90s but Level 42 werent 1 of them... Yes both albums " Guaranteed " & " Forever Now " were great Level 42 Albums but those were in 1991 & the last 1994 & though the " Retroglide " album came out in 2006 it was met with & whimper & dont a bang & thats difficult to admit to a fan from the beginning & the only band that i joined their " Fan Club " Level 42's strength after the 80s bubble had burst was the large collection of Hits they amassed along with songs or instrumentals that were never released but became cult hit with Level 42 fan's & this has served them well over 4 decades & i honestly dont know how Mark & when Mike came back into the band again that they still managed to tour so many many dates in many countries in the UK & Europe & i feel bad for America as i cant remember the last time they toured in America but & when i've seen American Level 42 Fans say in comments why arent you touring America I've always tried to explain it to them in comments that if i was them " as in Level 42's " the time in America would have to be shorter than in the UK & Europe & though they know they have fan's in America i could only assume that to Tour in America now wouldnt be finacially viable & they probably would lose more than they gained by touring in America now as compared to decades ago... Im not a tour promoter but im guessing it would have to be in a few large stadiums that were in specific parts of America so that all the fans would have to travel to these 3 large stadium tours but as we all know America is a large country & for many it wasn't going to suit them from the distance to trying to get time off work to go & see them & then the distance fans would have to travel simply came down to how can the now Level 42 do this & " How can they tour like that as too many cities in America would need to be booked in smaller venues & make that finacial viable & something worth doing now " This is why , i think , Level 42 have no choice but to only tour in the UK & Europe as lets not forget they did tour America like crazy but over all the fan base wasnt big enough to keep touring their as many fans have no idea what it takes to plan a Tour & even after Level 42 have finished touring the UK & Europe which usually sees them take a break but then they have to start all ovet again at least 1 year plus prior to touring to arrange & be able to get venues in Cities all over the UK & Europe & to this day i still dont know where the get the energy & the will to keep playing songs they have played easily a thousand times & still br up for going out on tour & playing their vast collection of songs... Id loved to see Level 42 release a new album but i think tol much of their time is spent trying to rest but also while taking time off they have to arrange their next tour as they usually tour either every 3 to 4 years & as much as id loved to hear a new album , this is just my ooinion , i dont think that were Level 42's head is at & they can easily play sell out venues across the UK & in Europe but tgeres always that " You Never Know " element to add into the factor that playing new music along with their back catalogue of songs might just happen but id have to be soon as none of us are getting any younger & my worry is more to do with IF they will still continue tour tour as i missed their last tour in my City in tge UK as i was too ill to even think of leaving my house & im hoping i can get at least 1 more live gig from them but we just have to wait & see what happens but one thing you cant blame Level 42 of is being lazy as they toured insanely when they were younger & would give younger bands a run for their money as they still have that drive to play to audience's is a blessing we just cant take for granted... Heres hoping they tour again but if not Thank You to Level 42 for the music & Live Shows that so many of todays generations have missed out on & as each Tour ends we can but hope Level 42 will tour again at somepoint in the future as you just cant get enough of them... In light of this still ongoing coronavirus and its variants stay safe and healthy wherever you are in this world... .....
As Phil says, L42 haven't released a new album for what is 16 years now. Why would he want to re-join what has become a heritage band. As much as I love them it pains me to say that.
Whilst its good that Phil doesnt need to trumpet his achievements I have a problem with musos feeling slightly embarrassed about what they did in the past and have the attitude of "I dont want to talk about that era" or "I dont cant feel the desire to even mention that I was in Level 42 to a dentist etc" if thats really how they genuinely feel then they should stop cashing in any past royalty cheques if they dont want to be associated with a band. My opinion. Sorry if it offends but you hear it time and again from past members of successful bands. They'll gladly take the money but if you want to speak to them about the past they will cut you off. This happened to me with a famous artist and all I said was I enjoyed their playing in such and such band. He turned on me and basically ignored me - and no I wasnt interrupting his dinner either. Hypocrite deluxe.
Clearly proud of the music he's created and association with the band, he holds up a box set, and has bought copies for his children. He's an artist, a musician and like many he's in it for the music not the fame, or certainly not perhaps what became the reality of fame. Which is why he left (re: formulaic production) It sounds like you had a bad experience with a meeting of a musician and I'm genuinely sorry for that, it sucks. From the interview, apart from feeling embarrassed (playing it down) I can't see Phil ignoring a fan tho he might feel a little awkward towards preconceived 'rock star' conceptions especially if it was adorational, and in my eyes that's cool, perhaps a genuine human response, compared to signing and handing out photos? With regards to royalties, the guys got to live and support his family. Like a footballer his peak earning potential *may* have been over a short period.
I think you could possibly be talking about Paul Weller and his old band 'The Jam' in your comment, although I could be completely wrong there. While I love Weller's music and respect him as a songwriter and musician, I've heard that he can also be a bit of an obnoxious prick with his fans at times. Like any type of celebrity, it's the fans who make them rich and successful in the first place. Without them you are just another struggling musician. The bottom line is that if they can't handle the fame aspect of it and disrespect their loyal fans like that, then they shouldn't even be in showbusiness in the first place, however talented they are.
Tragically, Boon was unexpectedly found dead at his home in Dorset, England on Monday 29th April 2019. He had apparently suffered from depression for most of his adult life and he'd recently been diagnosed as being bi-polar. His death was as a result of suicide by hanging. He was just 64 years old. A huge loss. R.I.P Rowland Charles 'Boon' Gould (1955-2019).
I knew and jammed with Phil and Boone when we were about 14 years old ! Phil's a great musical talent and lovely chap.
Phil Gould is a legendary drummer in my book. Absolutely phenomenal feel, groove and pocket. He's earned his place at the top table.
Phil Gould is a great drummer, he was definitely Level 42’s best drummer and always will be. 😀👍
I first met Phil at my first LEVEL 42 gig 40 years ago on 3rd April 1981 and having met him about 30 times since, I have just had the pleasure of doing an exclusive interview with him too. Top bloke.
Hi Julian, do you think Mark will get together with Wally and do another album. Is this something you could ask him? it sounds like Phil may want to be involved. One last proper Level album.
Really enjoying this interview. Phil is a great drummer and seemingly a nice modest guy with it.
Great interview, and Phil's response to whether he would go back to Level 42 is kind of what I expected. Class act, though.
Love phil hes one of my top drummers . I can understand why he wants to stear away from the past . Because he so honest and he does not need no one but hes own music and playing . He had a massive break from playing drums . And hes back doing what he loves . Brilliant.
And mine
Something About You was released seven months before I started drumming, and Toto's I'll Be Over You four months after.
So there was this overlap where Jeff Porcaro and Phil Goild were on constant rotation on VH1, and on the radio.
To this day, both are HUGE infliences.
I believe Phil would have possibly been a tremendous drummer to oversee Jeff Porcaro's throne after his passing.
Thank you, Phil!
Wonderful interview, really insightful
To answer for your kids “I Want Eyes” is in my top 3 of Level 42 songs period!
I started playing Bass because of this band and always wanted Phil to hold the groove for me....
I saw the last Level 42 tour with Phil Gould tour with them. They've never been the same since he left...
No, they have possibly been better :-)
Excellent drummer
Phil has one of the best grooves in music history!
The first few albums were fantastic.
Awesome interview!! Thanks
Well Phil let them know that we want new L42 music!
A new Level 42 album is what we're all waiting for. I think Pink Floyd has been more prolific in the last 20 years!
Love Phil Gould.
I saw Level 42 live last night for the first time and although they were absolutely amazing it would have been even better to have seen them with the Gould brothers as part of the band...even though its not possible now that Boon is sadly no longer with us
I'm convinced that even if Phil's sorely missed brother Boon was still alive and well, I don't think either of them would've ever rejoined 'Level 42'. As far as they were concerned, that was their past and they had both moved on to other things.
Also, I don't think that Mark and Phil's musical differences would've ever been resolved amicably. When the band issued their UK Top Ten hit single 'It's Over' in 1987, it really WAS over for that classic original line-up. Ahh...well. That's bands for you.
Great interview, great questions 👏🏽
Some questions are cringy..
He and his brother the late Boom, left in 1987, but Phil wrote and played on Forever Now from 1994.
True. However, Boon also co-wrote eight of the songs on Level 42's 1988 album 'Staring At The Sun' (even after he had left the band), as well as co-writing all of the songs on their 2006 comeback CD 'Retroglide'.
He also played the guitar solo on the song 'Ship' and co-wrote most of the songs on Mark's solo project 'One Man' (1998).
What's more, Boon did the guitar solo for the song 'Ship'. Mark's younger brother Nathan did the rest of it.
A fav Level 42 song of mine is, "Leaving Me Now".
Any story from Phil on that song?
Great musicians are great musicians... not gods
I want that CD box set!
Best jazz/pop band. Probably the only one in that genre?
I quite like Shakatak, too. They were another good band working in that genre. Skakatak emerged during the same era as Level 42 and were also signed to Polydor.
People should treat you as they find you
It is actually a tragedy and then maybe not ....
The band went on to triumph, artistically and financially ...
And the brothers Gould left themselves with "artistic integrity", by their own perception, and little money ...
What could be better than delivering what your fans love? .....
I suppose with the driving force of level42 is mark king,regardless of what he will never stop
without doubt the gould brothers era was level 42s most succesful era
The very thing that Phil first really brought to attention is what ive been thinking for oh so many years & thats writing new material...
Ive always praised & been astounded at the work ethic of Level 42 as im their ongoing years they toured insanely , especially during the 80s...
As everyone whether solo act or band had to put the Tour time in during that decade if they wanted to last past that decade from the 80s into the 90s & then into another & its very difficult to shake off the foot prints you have left behind & again , i think , the 80s was thee last decade that was insanely non stop with new solo acts & bands being discovered/signed & then thrown into the meat grinder that is or was the Music Industry in the 50s up to the end of the 80s
Though there was still a musical movement in the 90s it didnt compare to the sheer innumerable amount of acts signed & put out their to work for their money & many might argue the old adage of " Quality Over Quantity " & in some respects quite a few at first werent going to make it after the 80s had passed but this was my opinion in the early 80s to about 1987 & i could see that there was not a small part of solo acts & bands that arent goung to make to theres a huge amount of solo acts that werent going to make it any longer once the 80s was over as many of them , even some of the biggest bands at that time , just werent going to br able to pass the 80s test by still making it in the 90s & hence why every decade more often than not sees all of those acts just nose dive & are gone as for this specific comment the 80s was their time to shine but change was around the corner & most if not all of those acts never made it out of the 80s & into the 90s & honestly its quite difficult to mention that in the UK how managed to put that decade behind them & try & to go through it all again & go up against the new kids & its actually laughable to think that young solo acts & bands in the 80s that tried to make in the 90s were classed as ancient yet their age gap wasnt that much but the shift towards the what was coming out in the late 80s was the same as ot was for those coming out of the late 70s & then to make it in the 90s
With respect to Mark but Phil/the late Boon & Wally , to me , were the best song writers & although Phil & Boon would write songs for Level 42 after they left proved that those 3 were the Hit Makers & thats not a slight to Mark as he wrote better songs when collaborating than just on his own...
I can name only 2 from the UK that continued to keep making studio albums & trying to keep going into the new uncharted sounds of the 90s but Level 42 werent 1 of them...
Yes both albums " Guaranteed " & " Forever Now " were great Level 42 Albums but those were in 1991 & the last 1994 & though the " Retroglide " album came out in 2006 it was met with & whimper & dont a bang & thats difficult to admit to a fan from the beginning & the only band that i joined their " Fan Club "
Level 42's strength after the 80s bubble had burst was the large collection of Hits they amassed along with songs or instrumentals that were never released but became cult hit with Level 42 fan's & this has served them well over 4 decades & i honestly dont know how Mark & when Mike came back into the band again that they still managed to tour so many many dates in many countries in the UK & Europe & i feel bad for America as i cant remember the last time they toured in America but & when i've seen American Level 42 Fans say in comments why arent you touring America I've always tried to explain it to them in comments that if i was them " as in Level 42's " the time in America would have to be shorter than in the UK & Europe & though they know they have fan's in America i could only assume that to Tour in America now wouldnt be finacially viable & they probably would lose more than they gained by touring in America now as compared to decades ago...
Im not a tour promoter but im guessing it would have to be in a few large stadiums that were in specific parts of America so that all the fans would have to travel to these 3 large stadium tours but as we all know America is a large country & for many it wasn't going to suit them from the distance to trying to get time off work to go & see them & then the distance fans would have to travel simply came down to how can the now Level 42 do this & " How can they tour like that as too many cities in America would need to be booked in smaller venues & make that finacial viable & something worth doing now "
This is why , i think , Level 42 have no choice but to only tour in the UK & Europe as lets not forget they did tour America like crazy but over all the fan base wasnt big enough to keep touring their as many fans have no idea what it takes to plan a Tour & even after Level 42 have finished touring the UK & Europe which usually sees them take a break but then they have to start all ovet again at least 1 year plus prior to touring to arrange & be able to get venues in Cities all over the UK & Europe & to this day i still dont know where the get the energy & the will to keep playing songs they have played easily a thousand times & still br up for going out on tour & playing their vast collection of songs...
Id loved to see Level 42 release a new album but i think tol much of their time is spent trying to rest but also while taking time off they have to arrange their next tour as they usually tour either every 3 to 4 years & as much as id loved to hear a new album , this is just my ooinion , i dont think that were Level 42's head is at & they can easily play sell out venues across the UK & in Europe but tgeres always that " You Never Know " element to add into the factor that playing new music along with their back catalogue of songs might just happen but id have to be soon as none of us are getting any younger & my worry is more to do with IF they will still continue tour tour as i missed their last tour in my City in tge UK as i was too ill to even think of leaving my house & im hoping i can get at least 1 more live gig from them but we just have to wait & see what happens but one thing you cant blame Level 42 of is being lazy as they toured insanely when they were younger & would give younger bands a run for their money as they still have that drive to play to audience's is a blessing we just cant take for granted...
Heres hoping they tour again but if not Thank You to Level 42 for the music & Live Shows that so many of todays generations have missed out on & as each Tour ends we can but hope Level 42 will tour again at somepoint in the future as you just cant get enough of them...
In light of this still ongoing coronavirus and its variants stay safe and healthy wherever you are in this world...
.....
As Phil says, L42 haven't released a new album for what is 16 years now. Why would he want to re-join what has become a heritage band. As much as I love them it pains me to say that.
This man has pocket !
Whilst its good that Phil doesnt need to trumpet his achievements I have a problem with musos feeling slightly embarrassed about what they did in the past and have the attitude of "I dont want to talk about that era" or "I dont cant feel the desire to even mention that I was in Level 42 to a dentist etc" if thats really how they genuinely feel then they should stop cashing in any past royalty cheques if they dont want to be associated with a band. My opinion. Sorry if it offends but you hear it time and again from past members of successful bands. They'll gladly take the money but if you want to speak to them about the past they will cut you off. This happened to me with a famous artist and all I said was I enjoyed their playing in such and such band. He turned on me and basically ignored me - and no I wasnt interrupting his dinner either. Hypocrite deluxe.
Clearly proud of the music he's created and association with the band, he holds up a box set, and has bought copies for his children.
He's an artist, a musician and like many he's in it for the music not the fame, or certainly not perhaps what became the reality of fame. Which is why he left (re: formulaic production)
It sounds like you had a bad experience with a meeting of a musician and I'm genuinely sorry for that, it sucks. From the interview, apart from feeling embarrassed (playing it down) I can't see Phil ignoring a fan tho he might feel a little awkward towards preconceived 'rock star' conceptions especially if it was adorational, and in my eyes that's cool, perhaps a genuine human response, compared to signing and handing out photos?
With regards to royalties, the guys got to live and support his family. Like a footballer his peak earning potential *may* have been over a short period.
I agree mate. I've heard many really famous and recognisable musicians and actors complain about being recognised, they want their cake and eat it.
Paul Weller............
I think you could possibly be talking about Paul Weller and his old band 'The Jam' in your comment, although I could be completely wrong there.
While I love Weller's music and respect him as a songwriter and musician, I've heard that he can also be a bit of an obnoxious prick with his fans at times.
Like any type of celebrity, it's the fans who make them rich and successful in the first place. Without them you are just another struggling musician.
The bottom line is that if they can't handle the fame aspect of it and disrespect their loyal fans like that, then they shouldn't even be in showbusiness in the first place, however talented they are.
He definitely filled out in his face and body..,
Thanks for that. Very helpful.
Wait, what happened to his brother?!
Boon passed away couple of years ago... as far as I know it was self chosen. He's playing guitar at the great gig in the sky....
Tragically, Boon was unexpectedly found dead at his home in Dorset, England on Monday 29th April 2019.
He had apparently suffered from depression for most of his adult life and he'd recently been diagnosed as being bi-polar.
His death was as a result of suicide by hanging. He was just 64 years old. A huge loss.
R.I.P Rowland Charles 'Boon' Gould (1955-2019).
Last time I was this early it was still only two weeks to flatten muh curve
Eh??? What's all that got to do with Level 42?
Sottotitoli in italiano scarsi e lentissimi..., a parte questo..., level 42 great band... 💪