Living In Brighton: Mark Chadwick
Diana Frangi meets Mark Chadwick of The Levellers
For rollicking, exciting, folk-tinged music with edgy political and social lyrics that gets everyone dancing, there’s no-one better than Brighton’s own widely-feted group, The Levellers.
Whether it’s headlining at Glastonbury, going on sell-out European tours, travelling to their British gigs, it is said, by boat (puzzling isn’t it?), they have occupied a unique niche in entertainment since forming in the 1980s. If there is a cause worth fighting for, The Levellers can be relied on to be there – once they’ve finished downing their pints – from the Criminal Justice Bill to green issues and hands off the raves.
For a band notorious for avoiding the music press, it is an eye-opener to learn they had more gold and platinum selling albums in the 1990s than any other UK band in that decade.
They’ll be back in Brighton on Monday 11 May at 8pm at the Parlure Spiegeltent. It’s time to support some local talent.
How did you get your break?
We made it ourselves, doing lots of shows, saying stuff people wanted to hear that hadn’t been done before.
Why did you choose the name?
The parallels interested us between us in the late 80s, and the Levellers of the English civil war in 1640s, known as the first British socialists. Also there is a park in Brighton called The Level where we used to attend (then play) free festivals and we liked the fact that it means ‘to make equal’.
What career achievement has given you the most satisfaction?
Probably headlining Glastonbury, that was a big one for us as fans, but most lastingly our studio/centre Metway Studios in Brighton is the most satisfying.
Are you happy with the way Brighton has developed in recent years?
Yeah, not bothered. There’s too many new expensive buildings going up and lying empty… bad. But load more people of different races/nationalities than there was, which is good.
How would you solve the financial crisis?
Destroy middle management as a concept. Tax on income (including investments) and nothing else. Inject cash as necessary. Back off from America, move closer to Europe. It ain’t rocket science.
Do you have any favourite pubs and eateries in Brighton?
My house.
Have you seen any good shows lately?
British Sea Power doing ‘Man of Aran’ at Duke of York’s, Brighton. Also the film, Let The Right One In at Duke of York’s.
Fantasy Dinner Party
Who would you invite ?
Audrey Hepburn (looks),
Errol Flynn (japes),
Che Guevara (mind), Alistar Crowly (bull),
Peter Cook (humour),
Tony Benn (politics),
Will Self (brain).
Where would you hold your party?
Bardsleys fish and chip shop (Baker Street), because you can get a pint of Harveys from The Mitre next door.
What food would you have?
What do you think at a fish and chip shop!?
What would you talk about?
Sex and swine flu.
Is there anything you would want to ask them?
Can you pass the vinegar?
Who would you go home with?
Hepburn… needs no explanation.
