Jazz-funk fusion icons Level 42 added to Live At The Abbey concert series

The band will headline Delapré Abbey on Thursday, July 15 and will be joined by Tony Hadley.

Level 42 are the latest act to be revealed for the outdoor live music series at the venue after former X Factor winner Olly Murs was announced last month.

The band formed in 1979 and remain a powerhouse of British music.

They helped define an era with chart-topping hits like Lessons in Love and Something About You. They have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.

Last year, they headlined Royal & Derngate in Northampton as part of a tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of their album World Machine.

It was a record that changed everything for the band and set them on the path to super-stardom.

It was on this album Level 42 arguably nailed the sound and the style that made them one of the biggest groups in the world at that time.

They refined the funky pop fusion that had grown from their jazz roots and it showed the band’s progression in style and confidence that would lead to their massive Running In The Family album which was released in 1987. Their last studio album Retroglide was released in 2006.

Olly Murs will headline Live At The Abbey on Sunday, July 18, following a sold-out arena tour last year which celebrated 15 years of his decorated career,

Talking about the forthcoming dates, Olly said: “I’ve loved having a year at home, but I’ve got itchy feet now.

“I’m ready to get out of the house, back on the road and back where I belong…on stage.

“Next summer I’m bringing the tunes, the energy and a proper party across the country.”

Murs rose to fame on The X Factor in 2009 and has gone onto release eight albums – his most recent being last year’s Knees Up.

Five of those records topped the UK Albums Chart.

He is best known for hits including Troublemaker, Dance With Me Tonight, Please Don’t Let Me Go and Heart Skips A Beat which all topped the UK Singles Chart.

A pre-sale for both gigs opens on Thursday, November 12. Fans can sign up for it via https://www.yoursummerlive.co.uk/northampton.