Who are ‘The Levellers’

The Levellers are an English rock band that emerged in the late 1980s and became one of the most popular folk punk bands of the 1990s. Their music is characterized by a blend of punk rock, traditional folk, and acoustic instrumentation, with politically and socially conscious lyrics.

The band was formed in Brighton, England, in 1988 by Mark Chadwick (vocals, guitar) and Jeremy Cunningham (bass), who were later joined by Charlie Heather (drums), Jon Sevink (violin), Simon Friend (guitar, vocals), and Matt Savage (keyboards). The Levellers took their name from a political movement in 17th century England that advocated for social and political equality.

The Levellers released their first album, “A Weapon Called the Word,” in 1990, which reached number 27 in the UK charts. Their second album, “Levelling the Land,” released in 1991, was their breakthrough album, reaching number 14 in the UK and selling over a million copies worldwide. The album featured hit singles such as “One Way,” “Far from Home,” and “The Game.”

The Levellers continued to release successful albums throughout the 1990s, including “Levellers” (1993), “Zeitgeist” (1995), and “Mouth to Mouth” (1997). They scored hit singles with songs such as “Just the One,” “What a Beautiful Day,” and “Fantasy.” They were also known for their high-energy live performances, and they regularly played to large crowds at festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading.

Over the years, The Levellers have sold over six million albums worldwide, making them one of the most successful independent bands in British history. They have also been politically active and outspoken on a range of issues, including environmentalism, animal rights, and social justice.

In addition to their music career, The Levellers have also been involved in various charitable and activist causes. They have supported organizations such as Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. They also founded their own charity, the Levellers Charitable Trust, which supports grassroots organizations working for social and environmental change.

Despite their commercial success and critical acclaim, The Levellers have remained true to their roots, continuing to produce socially and politically conscious music that speaks to their fans. They remain one of the most popular live acts in the UK, and their music continues to inspire and engage audiences around the world.

The Levellers album ‘Together All The Way’ is out now.