Mark Chadwick – South Parade Pier
Mark Chadwick from the Levellers is in top comedic form throughout the night as he welcomes us all to a “Dystopian trip at a tea room in West-Worthing“. Although, of course, the frontman says so in jest, knowing full-well we’re in fact in not so sunny Southsea. Just along the coast from the Levellers home in Brighton.
Mark’s also keen to point out he’s not Jim Davidson, having spotted the poster for an upcoming show on the way in. “I found him funny when I was 12, now I think he’s a bit of a twit”. Just a slightly more polite way of putting things into context than when it comes to his opinion on the governments handling of the pandemic. As well as its current impact on the entertainment industry as a whole.
After all, Mark Chadwick on South Parade Pier had been postponed 3 times due to the ever-changing covid-rules. Meanwhile, the postponed 2020 Levellers tour in support of their latest album “Peace” has become even more of a logistical nightmare.
Live review: Mark Chadwick
Beats and Swing Present: Mark Chadwick (Levellers)
Alas tonight, it’s just one Leveller, armed with a couple of acoustic guitars ready to play an array of greatest hits from his main band. Along with one or two other tracks thrown in for good measure, including a “war trilogy” and the rare tune from his solo career.
The Levellers themselves have always been associated with political activism albeit with the education, experience and insight to back up their opinions. So given the Levellers sometimes anarchic stance, it’s no wonder Mark Chadwick doesn’t seem too keen on tonight being an all-seated affair.
Yet, despite the encouragement to dance around while chained to our tables, in general the crowd respected the guidelines on social distancing. Although when it came to the no-singing rule, it may have been a slightly different affair.
As when it came to classics such as “Beautiful Day” and “One Way”, who could resist a good ole sing-song? Although, to quote the frontman, “If any of you think this is the new normal, you can BEEP off“.
That said, South Parade Pier with the help of Beats and Swing have got the current situation spot on. Tables are spaced out further than guidelines dictate and the table service is better than struggling at the bar to get served.
However, despite not being able to rub shoulders with strangers this was the most gig-like concert I’ve been to in 15 months. The atmosphere was buzzing, everyone in high spirits with several familiar faces dotted around the room.
As for the weather outside, shame it wasn’t as dry and warm as earlier in the week. Otherwise, I can well believe Mark would have been on the beach following the gig, playing to an unofficial after-party.
