Quality of the highest level

Classic - Level 42 frontman Mark King on stage at Birmingham Symphony Hall.

After being warmed up by acoustic three-piece The Mercury Men, the audience knew they were going to be in for a good night.

After being warmed up by acoustic three-piece The Mercury Men, the audience knew they were going to be in for a good night.

And as the stage lights dimmed before Level 42 frontman Mark King took centre stage with his guitar in lights, the auditorium went wild. The crowd got on their feet to scream and clap, as the stage shook with the force of the support.

The 80s pop-funk band still maintain a wide base of fans spread over generations.

And when the lights glared to signal the stage was set for the band to perform a string of classic hits like Take Care of Yourself, Running in the Family, Forever Now, Human After All and Romance, it was clear to see why.

After around two hours of performing, the band packed up their guitars and left the stage before returning minutes later to a chorus of cheers.

A 15-minute encore of pure adrenaline followed, with performances of Lessons in Love and Sons and Daughters, to which the entire crowd joined in.

The audience helped to create the perfect atmosphere, and the band performed like they hadn't aged a day since they shot to fame two decades ago.

By Stuart Clements