I had a surreal experience sharing a gin and tonic with two ’80s pop legends on a flight.
Heading to Amsterdam for a solo birthday celebration was the perfect escape after enduring a hectic period at work. The excitement of traveling to the land of clogs, windmills, and Formula One driver Max Verstappen was palpable as I settled into my flight. Little did I know that my journey would take a surprising turn as I found myself sharing a drink with two iconic figures from the 1980s music scene.
As we took off, the stewardess approached me, inquiring about my choice of refreshments. Opting for a gin and tonic, I felt a sense of liberation and joy, ready to unwind and enjoy the moment. Much to my surprise, as I sipped my drink, I caught the attention of two gentlemen seated nearby. It soon became apparent that these were not your usual passengers – they were members of Level 42, one of the most renowned bands of the 1980s, headed to a performance in the Netherlands.
Level 42 was a musical powerhouse, blending pop, rock, and jazz-funk to create a unique sound that captivated audiences worldwide. With over 31 million albums sold and six top 10 singles in the 1980s, the band had left an indelible mark on the music industry. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of their hit album “World Machine,” the band was embarking on a tour across the UK and Europe, including a headline show at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Seated next to me were Mike Lindup, the band’s keyboardist, and Mark King, the bassist and founding member. Additionally, Nathan King, Mark’s younger sibling and guitarist, completed the trio, bringing his own unique flair to the group since joining in 2001. While I was a child when Level 42 was at the height of their fame, I discovered their music later on and was struck by their timeless hits like “Something About You” and “Lessons In Love.”
Engaging in conversation with Nathan, I expressed my admiration for the band’s music and was delighted to hear about their upcoming gig at the Dijkpop Festival in Andijk. Their dedication to returning to the UK on an overnight ferry after the show highlighted their commitment to their craft and their fans. As a token of appreciation, I offered Nathan the remaining bottle of gin, a small gesture to show my gratitude for their music and humility.
Meeting Mike and Mark, I conveyed my genuine appreciation for their contributions to music and the impact their songs had across different generations. Their warmth and gratitude made me feel truly honored, and our conversation even drifted to football, with Mike revealing his support for Tottenham Hotspur.
As we prepared to land, we captured the moment with a selfie, a memento of an unexpected encounter that would become a cherished memory. Despite the lack of recognition from other passengers, I felt privileged to share a drink and conversation with these music legends. Their down-to-earth nature and genuine appreciation for their fans made this birthday adventure truly unforgettable, leaving me with a remarkable story to recount to friends and loved ones upon my return home.