A tough look back in new Levellers film

By their own admission, The Levellers were at the top of their game during the 1990s before almost disintegrating in a train wreck of drink, drugs and creative drought.
The Levellers.The Levellers.
The Levellers.

But after a few years in the wilderness they re-invented themselves as a self-managing collective with their own studio, label and music festival, and in the process became unexpected survivors of the UK’s famously fickle music industry.

Now the band are taking a tell-all documentary, which focuses on their early days, on the road. Their new tour, which comes to Leeds Town Hall on Friday February 27, features a screening of A Curious Life followed by a full live acoustic performance.

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The film is directed by Chumbawamba frontman and friend of The Levellers, Dunstan Bruce, and narrated by bass player Jeremy Cunningham.

The band handed complete editorial control to Dunstan to ensure the film didn’t gloss over any uncomfortable issues.

“It was hard having to accept that as a band we all have to take responsibility for our actions,” said Jeremy.

“I was a heroin addict for a long time and it’s hard to face up to that.

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“The film is not a celebration of the band – it shows us being very flawed. We just hope it will reach a wider audience.”

The band aim to make the show an immersive experience, moving seamlessly between the film and their acoustic set, which will feature songs from their recently released Greatest Hits, alongside many other live favourites.

Tickets are priced at £23 and £20 and are available book online at www.leedstownhall.co.uk or from the box office on 0113 224 3801.

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