Another Level, the British R&B group that swept the nation in the late 90s, has left an indelible mark on the pop landscape. But what makes their story truly captivating is the tale of their rise and fall, and the personal journey of one of its members, Dane Bowers. In this article, I'll delve into the group's history, explore the reasons behind their breakup, and examine the impact it had on Bowers' life and career. I'll also discuss the group's recent attempts at reunion and the challenges they faced. Finally, I'll reflect on the broader implications of Another Level's story and the lessons we can learn from it.
The group's success was a testament to their smooth R&B sound and heartthrob good looks. They paved the way for the likes of Blue and became a phenomenon in the UK pop scene. But their rise to fame was cut short by a pivotal moment that robbed them of the chance to achieve global stardom. Bowers, in an exclusive interview, admits that the timing of their breakup is the one big regret he has from that chapter in his life. He explains that they had just signed with Clive Davis, a legendary music mogul who had an unrivalled roster of legends, including Bruce Springsteen, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, and Billy Joel.
Davis, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, was perfectly positioned to make Another Level into megastars. The group, consisting of Bowers, Wayne Williams, Mark Baron, and Bobak Kianoush, was on the cusp of breaking America, a market that was not as receptive to R&B at the time as it is now. Bowers reflects on the irony of their situation, noting that they were a massive breakthrough in the UK, just as the trend was shifting away from R&B. He feels that they could have gone a lot further with Another Level, and that their breakup paved the way for other groups like Blue to achieve success.
The group's breakup was not without drama. A clash of egos drove a wedge between the members, and Williams quit the group, before being joined by Kianoush. Bowers, who had already started pursuing a solo career with True Steppers and Victoria Beckham on the track 'Out of Your Mind', felt that the group's end was inevitable. He reflects on the challenges of managing personalities and the pain of breaking up, even if it was for the best.
Fourteen years after the group fell apart, Another Level was given the opportunity to reunite as part of ITV2 reality show 'The Big Reunion'. Bowers was keen to pursue the reunion, but Williams ruled himself out, while Baron was unable to take time away from his lucrative commercial property job. Bowers formed a new supergroup with fellow boyband stars, but the reunion attempts were fraught with difficulties. Despite the challenges, the group did reunite as a trio in 2021 for the Kisstory Festival, but the relationship broke down once again.
Today, Another Level continues to perform live with a new look line-up of Bowers, Baron, and their friends Shaun Hoyte and Greg Costa. Bowers admits that he has moved on and is not interested in pursuing a reunion with the original line-up. He reflects on the lessons he has learned from the experience and the importance of moving forward. Bowers' personal journey is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of an artist, and his willingness to embrace change and pursue new opportunities.
The clamour for 90s and noughties pop music has never been so strong. Boyzone recently headlined two nights at Arsenal's Emirates stadium, while Mis-Teeq are playing an anniversary gig at Wembley Arena this month. Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, aka Boyzlife, and Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton have also put out new music that has made Radio 2's playlists. Bowers reflects on the impact of Another Level's music and the enduring appeal of 90s and noughties pop. He notes that the group's music continues to resonate with fans, and that their legacy is an important part of the pop landscape.
In conclusion, Another Level's story is a fascinating one, filled with both triumph and tragedy. Bowers' personal journey is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of an artist, and his willingness to embrace change and pursue new opportunities. The group's legacy is an important part of the pop landscape, and their music continues to resonate with fans. As Bowers reflects on his past, he looks forward to the future with optimism and a sense of purpose. His story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always the potential for growth and transformation.
