I’ve never responded to a UA-cam video before, or even looked at the comments (I imagine anyone who reads this will hope I never do so again…) However, having thought about it, I thought I’d put my own thoughts down about this, I hope nobody minds, and I’m totally cool with it if anyone/everyone disagrees. I flew from London to NYC to see Beat at The Beacon last weekend, and was grinning from ear to ear throughout, it was a completely joyful and celebratory performance. I’d purposefully avoided all clips and discussions until after I’d seen it, and I had been lucky enough to end up with tickets in the centre, 2 rows back. An amazing experience that I will never forget. I also saw KC in ’84 (the first time I saw them, but certainly far from the last). Tbh I was on the young side to fully appreciate it, but I've them many times since, and of all the live albums I would say I play "Absent Lovers" the most, which is from this period. Was the Beat show a “better show” than KC? Absolutely no, not in the slightest. It amazes and even disappoints me that this gets raised. The two bands may share half of the members, and all 6 musicians involved are virtuosos, playing the same songs, but culturally they are opposite ends of the scale, and their performances cannot be compared in this way. A King Crimson gig was an intense experience, they had a darkness to them, and an unmatched ferocity. Fripp is the key to that, his playing was so relentless it bordered on violent at times. Compare that to joyful and celebratory feel of Beat, which is emotionally the opposite. And I came out of both feeling on top of the world. The intensity and power in a KC gig was something like that of a classical concert, with the joy of Beat feeling more like how jazz connects with me. It seems that Fripp and Bill Bruford set the tone for this culture within Crimson, which has been described as being “British” in tone, where Steve Vai and Danny Carey make this an all-US line-up, with these cultural results. There was a ‘tension’ in a KC gig, which was fantastic. There is a lack of tension in a Beat gig, and that’s fantastic. The word “better” does not belong in this conversation. I keep reading that Danny Carey “brings power” to the show. He does indeed, but he doesn’t bring power to a place where it didn’t exist previously. Bill Bruford had power to burn, when he chose to use it. Bill’s range was vast, but he hit hard when the music required it. I’ve seen Tool enough times to be super confident and very excited by how Danny would interpret the drum parts, and he didn’t disappoint, but it’s recency bias to believe that there was no ‘power’ there before. I’d also say that Bill was more of a showman than Danny, as Steve Vai is more of a showman than Fripp. Danny is entirely hidden behind his kit, which rises up around him. Bill, due to his lack of cymbals, was very visible. He also had racks of percussion mounted on racks behind him which he would play standing up, running around, hitting things. Bill was a visible part of the show, as well as the drummer. Steve Vai has impressed me beyond words. It is such an act of artistic bravery to throw yourself over the edge as he has, taking on music in such a radically different style from that which he is comfortable with. It’s a privilege to see someone on the high wire like that, without a net. You can see how he’s working really hard up there, but he’s done a magnificent job of reinterpreting Fripp’s lines rather than repeating them, allowing him to make it work for him in his own stye, throwing in some signature Vai licks to boot, and seems to relish the creative freedom he's given to add his own flair. He’ll get more and more comfortable as this stuff gets more and more drilled in. I hope he's enjoying it, I’d love to see more of it. Is Beat actually King Crimson? Could be, just a very different King Crimson. There are bands out there without any original members after all…Personally I’d prefer it if they stayed Beat, because I think Beat’s identity is a thing of value in its own right and doesn’t need the Crimson legacy/baggage to validate it, or weigh it down. I’d love to hear what they would create, and I’d prefer it not to have to live up to or be compared with KC.
This is so lovely! Thank you for sharing and presenting your experienced opinion. I'm so glad it caused you to say all this "out loud." The video is meant to provoke thought and discussion. These are questions that've been in my head since seeing Beat. I absolutely loved it. Wish I could have had the experiences you've had and I'm so so glad you flew from London to see them. And that you enjoyed the show so much!
@@MakeWeirdMusic your video certainly did that, and I've enjoyed your other coverage leading up to the tour, seeing how important your transcription of the music has been to the band learning these songs. Without your work, we may not have Beat, or least, a far less authentic one, if that makes sense. Keep up the good work. I may not comment again, but I'll be following along 🤘
I’m glad that everyone in America can see this, but it absolutely has to come to UK. KC, Fripp and prog are quintessentially English and would be criminal for UK to be overlooked
@@jonnykk1 as an American fan going back to the original Discipline shows here in New York (which absolutely should not be compared to this, and I really don’t think this is any sort of improvement upon that original team…. I’m sure the Beat guys would agree)- and I absolutely agree with you, this tour should and must tour the UK. Back to the soil from which it originally sprang.
I’m pretty sure Robert Fripp said in the past that “King Crimson lives in different bodies at different times” meaning Crimson is about the spirit of the musicians that play it more than the egos… y’dig?
One thing that Critical Fans need to know is this project was Blessed by Fripp, Adrian went to Fripp with the Idea to go on tour with the original band back in 2019, and Fripp said he was not interested but Adrian could do it if he wanted to, Adrian asked Bill Bruford and he declined as well so he was free to pick the other two players. This is a Legit KC Project, blessed by the man itself.
to add a tiny bit - based on a recent interview with Belew, the talks included Fripp playing for quite a while. It was when Fripp pulled out that he told Belew that he should absolutely do it if he wanted to.
And what did Fripp do after Belew left?? He returned to 1970s KC sound with big hand Mashup 40 years later. Without Adrian singing his 1980s lyrics. The Power Trio Plus Tony Levin and special guests. Vai/ Sateiani duo could have been great choice. That young girl drummer played with Foo Man Grohl great choice too
It will be a cold day in hell before you tell me what I'm a fan of. Respect the art, ya ding dong. or don't. Crimson needs no gatekeeping, we 'fans' (if you will only let us in) know. I'm hoping you're just trolling.
I've always a huge Yes, Rush, type of prog rock fan and was never exposed to KC. After I read about this tour I was introduced to a lot of KC and am blown away by what they created. I saw Belew twice play with Bowie in the early 90's and had no idea he was a part of KC. It's so much fun to be introduced to new music in my 50's. I am flying from Central America to see them in Toronto next week. Thanks for the video.
I hope they film this lineup for a BluRay release. It was fantastic and fun to watch. They were having fun up there...lots of smiles. Sure there were a few moments where they got a little out of sync here and there, that music is not easy!! Vai and Carey brought some great freshness and character to the songs.
I suspect they'll be getting set up for a video recording later in the tour , once they are comfortable with the material. Vai looks like he's working hard up there - trying to keep up with this music. That in itself is a joy to see, as Vai does specialise in making "Vai-music" appear effortless. I applaud his willingness to grow and be part of this ensemble - and why wouldn't he - what an amazing group of musicians. The whole band is amazing... what a treat for audiences to witness. I do hope they consider coming to Australia.
@@RonRbc That's not really true. Perhaps more true to say that this band is focused on playing material that wasn't written as a vehicle for one guys solo guitar playing. Truth is Vai could probably have toured as 'Steve Vai' with a tape recorder playing a backing track because his audience are only there to listen to the lead guitar. But the musicians in Dave Lee Roth were as good as Vai let alone Zappa. It's not like Vai did the 'Aristocrats' thing that Guthrie Govan has - in that context I'd agree, but I don't think he's hired chumps to play the backing - I just think his audience doesn't care enough about their playing to know how good they are nor is the music constructed in a way to highlight their playing.
“If you can fly across the earth to see this band I would do it”… Well, I flew from London to NY last weekend to see them and I have no regrets - absolutely magical evening! I go to a lot of concerts, and it’s very rare to see four musicians of such caliber just enjoying what they do. You’re right to describe it as joyful - that’s exactly what it is!
@@MakeWeirdMusic Don't expect a direct yes or no. It takes some pressure off, among other things, off his friendship with Adrian. In 1974, he suggested to EG management to let KC continue without him, with Bruford, Wetton and Ian McDonald. But they weren't interested in a KC without him.
I remember hearing this tour was quickly selling out and so I didn't really even investigate it. I just checked, and they are playing near me in less than 24 hours, and I now have a ticket. Thanks for this video! prompting me to actually check.
40 years ago I heard Sleepless somehow and purchased the LP; now I've finally heard some version of that band live. It was a great show, of course it was too loud (ie I'm too old) but not so loud as to be painful or detract from enjoyment of the music. Thanks again for prompting me to not miss this tour.
I've been a KC fan for many, many years. Having said that, I agree with your comments. I thought the BEAT show in PHX was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. Of course, Robert's creations are of a unique and singular place, but having this music carry-on for a younger and new audience is such a gift.
I drove from Kansas City to San Diego to see Beat. It was the first date announced so I jumped on a ticket in case it was a one off. Denver would have been closer lol. Worth it.
I was so lucky to see the original KC in their tour of Discipline in a small club in Indianapolis. I have never recovered. They blasted out of the block with Thela Hun Ginjeet. After the last note, my partner turned to me, his hair blown straight back, eyes bugging out of his head, and yelled "WHY DIDN'T YOU WARN ME?!!" It was beautiful. Can't wait to see this iteration in Seattle next month.
I had a similar experience when I took a good friend and musician to Thrak in 1996. They started playing the title track and he just burst out, "What in the actual fuck is this!!!" It's a moment you never forget. I brought him to Orlando for the Beat show and it was the same thing all over again, this time getting to watch Vai from the 2nd row. It was his birthday present, but I was the one who got the gift.
I saw them in NYC and I rate it in my top 5 concerts I’ve ever seen. Probably top 2 or 1. I hope they sell a video of the entire show so I can watch their performances again and again. Steve Vai really shines too. I love how his playing absolutely respects what Robert Fripp created, while making his playing very “Vai” like. Not an easy thing to do and he checked his ego at the door.
Fun fact: I was working late one night in Glasgow, Scotland, and my local radio station Radio Clyde played 'Sleepless' (Bob Clearmountain mix) and I was hooked immediately. I was 18 back in 1984! So mow after 40 years I am going to see them (Beat/Crimson) in Toronto and now in Vancouver too and maybe other places. You are exactly correct in all your points, and it would a dream to get them to Europe and elsewhere, these fellas will not be around for every, and I am sure they are having the biggest of blasts. It looks like it. I am very happy they got this idea off the ground, and thank you for covering them!
(EDIT-I loved this video!) I've had a 40+ year career playing jazz music from the 1920s. The greatest challenge is making it YOURS. With every tune you start by having simply to learn it; it's repertory. In time you learn to wear the shoes of the original creator, and play THEIR instrument NOW. When you're doing it right, people are treated to a new performance of new music that just happened to have been played 80-100 years ago. Beat is doing exactly that. From all the videos I have seen, it's not repertory. It's not a tribute band. It's not 80s KC. It's Beat. All of the things you mention are there, the nostalgia, etc, but it's still fresh and new. It's not KC, It's Beat. I'm digging it not only because it's effing awesome, but because I'm enjoying watching these musicians (all of whom are gods to me) go through the same process I know so well. Better than KC? Oh God...all I can say, is thank the maker music isn't a contest, and we don't actually have to worry. I saw 80s KC and it was sublime. I've got tickets for Beat in a few weeks and I know it's also gong to be transcendent. Both of these things exist, and that is all that matters. I was initially crushed to miss out on tix to early shows, but I'm starting to realize how lucky I am going to be seeing them after they've had a few nights to let the mojo grow. Isn't it awesome that we've had the material these guys have played over their careers? Isn't it awesome that they decided to revisit this material, WITHOUT stifling it with slavish attention to originality? And that we get to see real musicians playing real music, warts and all? Nothing tickles me as much as watching musicians surprising each other. This was true of 80s KC and also true of Beat. Again, isn't it awesome? But lastly-never forget. Music is NEVER a contest. Awesomeness will always be awesome.
I totally agree! So glad you resonated with it. Learning music is life-changing. I’m also glad it’s not a competition, but it’s a great platform for discussion. :) I’d love to see some of your performances! Email me a video or two.
I'm happy for Adrian Belew, because he has the attention that he deserves. I was a bit sad that he wasn't on the last incarnation of King Crimson. I hope that they would try further albums like "Thrak", "The Construkction of light" and the last album too. I'm pretty amazed by Danny Carey
I am an old man. I am a bitter man. I missed seeing most of my favorite bands back in the seventies. But a few years ago, I caught Kansas doing 'Leftoverture' in the Tallahassee mall, and saw Beat at the Hampton Beach Casino last month. We had great seats, both bands killed it and the tickets were less than fifrty bucks. Rock on, old dudes
It's so weird, I'm not a fan of Steve Vai's music (not a critique, just not my thing) and I was umm... concerned when I heard he was filling in on guitar. Not because I thought he wasn't capable, just that his style is so radically different than Fripp's, I wasn't sure what the result would be. Saw Beat live and I thought Vai was absolutely phenomenal. Wasn't overly flashy, was true to each part and added the perfect amount of his own flare and feel. He obviously put a lot of work into nailing everything. One of the best shows I've ever seen, every King Crimson song I'd ever want to hear live and honestly thought that I never would.
I attended the 80’s performance of this music and was blown away then. I attended the Napa Beat show, and was blown away, and in fact so much so that I am going to see them again in November in San Jose. Was one performance better than the other? No. Different? Yes. Both amazing. OMG, go experience Beat!
I was lucky enough to see King Crimson a couple of times in the 80’s and once in the 90s when Adrian was still in the band. I know it sounds like blasphemy, but the BEAT show I saw in Phoenix was the best King Crimson show I’ve seen. Danny Carey brings an extra level of power to Bruford’s drum parts, and Steve Vai’s guitar parts breathe a fresh interpretation into these amazing songs. It’s pointless to compare Vai to Fripp, their styles are different, but overall I found BEAT to be actually MORE enjoyable than the King Crimson shows I’ve seen.
@@MakeWeirdMusic BEAT show felt like a cover band to me, had nowhere near the impact of the KC shows I have seen, despite the skill in vai & carey (I thought Vai was able to fit the bill way better than Carey who sounded like an odd man out at many points in the show, despite the immense talent that man is on his instrument- my only qualms with Vai's performance was the reworked part in Frame by Frame). Vai's personal style solo injected into The Sheltering Sky was incredible, but that was a pretty exceptional part of the evening...not par for the course. I feel like the shows I have seen with belew/levin/mastelotto/gunn have provided me with tighter, punchier, and smoother performances of songs like frame by frame, red, thela hun ginjeet, and indiscipline that more aptly resonate with the vitality of that music
I was at that show too! It was my 5th time seeing KC (mostly). My fist KC show was Starless at Ford Auditorium in Detroit, MI. My 19 year old son joined me, but unfortunately was too young to go to the recent show in Scottsdale. The joy of the presentation in this show at Celebrity was palpable. I strongly advise that anyone unsure of going get over their reservation and get tickets as soon as possible. It was well worth it.
First of all, I’m really digging this page. Second, I saw King Crimson in 1982 in New Haven. Fantastic show and I consider myself lucky to have been there. That said, I will be at the show in December in Connecticut. I can’t wait for it. I love the review here, and the band playing three albums that I love dearly just makes it all that much better.
My wife was at that 82 show at Toads. She met Robert and Ade after the show. On the street. She was beautiful and they chatted her up a bit. I was very jealous. Of her seeing the show.
I agree wholeheartedly! I saw a YT video (with crappy audio, of course) of Beat performing one of my favourite pieces of music ever; The Sheltering Sky, and Steve Vai's re-interepretation of Fripp's parts, and his incredible expression on the guitar litereally, really, had me in tears. O.M.G... Can't wait for Beat to come to Europe. Somewhere on the Iberian Peninsula would be nice, but i'm willing to travel further to see this band. Just can't afford to fly to the U.S.A.
As one of the four producers of the Buenos Aires King Crimson shows in 1994 that brought the band back together again, I must say I very much enjoy and agree with all your comments. Unfortunately I don't have the economic wherewithal to fly up to the States and see a show! Or to bring them back down to Buenos Aires to play... But definitely make sure you go see this band, the music is divine and so are the artists who perform it....❤❤
I missed the Phoenix show (regrettably), but your comment about them returning in December is great news! Love your synopsis, sir. Maybe I'll see you in December!
I’m seeing them the 27th in Albany! I already know the experience will be nothing short of life-changing. Adrian and Tony brought something so special to King Crimson, so for them both to be involved in this feels like the stars aligning
saw them in Clearwater, FL. Definitely a great show. Vai is not Fripp and Carey is not Bruford. But they are legendary musicians that honor this music with their interpretation.
Agreed! I saw them in the eighties during the discipline tour, they were incredible and now with this lineup, it’s fresh like you said and I think they’re awesome
I’m seeing them in Boston on Friday and I’m stoked. 80’s Crim is my jam. But I also saw them (and bootlegged them) in Boston in ‘84 in the 8th row, and nothing will ever “Beat” that! No need to compare, it’s all great music, we should celebrate this great band!
Robert Fripp has changed his mind many times about the future of King Crimson. I can easily imagine him changing his mind about his assertion that "King Crimson has ceased to exist" - for this lineup, allowing them to refer to themselves as King Crimson (if they wanted to do so).
I've heard Fripp in interviews talk about "The Business of King Crimson" where he goes out on tour, but he has to worry about hiring musicians, booking venues, logistics, coordinating schedules, etc. He seemed very happy to be joining Toyah on her last couple of tours where he likely doesn't need to do all of that and can just play guitar. I saw Beat last week with my teenage son who is a fan of Steve Vai and likes King Crimson's Red album, but is otherwise not a fan and he thought it was incredible and he has started diving into the back catalog of the band. I was fortunate to see the band live as the double trio version in the 1990s and the early 2000s quartet and the key to King Crimson is the live improvisational energy where you don't know exactly what is going to happen and the danger surrounding that. We are living in a world where so much live music relies heavily on backing tracks so that the musicians don't even have to play and its still a show (Kiss, Motley Crue, etc) but that can never beat something like "Beat" where its 4 musicians at the top of their game playing crazy, intense, and dangerous music. If Robert Fripp retires the band name but blesses former Crimson musicians to keep making and playing the music, I'm perfectly fine with that.
disagree wholeheartedly....Robert Fripp wouldn't have let this band go on the stage in the shape in which I just saw them this past Saturday. Great show, no doubt....but the DISCIPLINE is not there.....the rhythm was not rock solid, and there was none of the groove penetrating these 80s songs the way most of them were designed.
I can not easily imagine that at all. Fripp coined the name Beat. That should tell you enough. They are pretty good, but not even nearly as good as KC in 1981.
Having attended all three KC 80's shows [and Beat last week] all I can say is that all were great. None better than the other...all DIFFERENT. Also with Robert Fripp in the lineup it's whole different thing. I loved what Via and Carey bring to this music! Thanks for the video to get discussion going as meaningless as it is.
It's important to remember that Belew wrote and co-wrote a lot of this music so it also belongs to him as well as Fripp and Crimson. I saw the Phoenix show. It was very entertaining. They were obviously having a great time and the energy was infectious. I loved how they were not taking themselves so serious and just playing some of the most intricate music from the 20th century. Adrian and Tony have been magnificent every time Ive seen them and this was particularly so because it was so fun. I was blown away by Steve and his ode to Fripp without copying him, what an undeniable talent. Danny was such a powerhouse! it was incredible to watch him play. It's a top five lifetime show for me. Go see it.
Spurred on by the numerous yt vids from the u.s. tour I now cannot wait for this show to come to the u.k.. Vai’s playing has added such a unique & fresh element to this sound, but I keep getting distracted by Levin’s incredible heavy lifting, both rhythmic and melodic. It’s such a sight to behold, that I simply must see it for myself.
My only “hesitation” with the BEAT tour was timing and finances. The stars have aligned and I’ll soon get to see this band twice. :) Incidentally I flew from central NY to San Francisco and saw the 2003 tour at the Warfield. (And also Boston on that tour.)
@@Martha-jl6eu She will! She’s been listening to KC, Frank Zappa, Genesis, David Bowie and - of course - the Beatles since she was four. And she’s overjoyed at seeing two Zappa guitarists at the same time.
@@bertramgibbs9159 Well Zappa and Fripp hired the best, didn't they? Your wife gave you and your daughter tickets to a wonderful future memory. :) It's great that the Beat band seems to get tighter with every show! Enjoy!
I just saw this tour on September 28th in Clearwater at the Ruth Eckerd and thought Vai was fantastic. He was active and animated where Fripp was stoic and stiff. I hope these guys do another album all of their own.
I did see the Beat tour. First, the thing about King Crimson is there were so many versions of Crimson (the original line up (Sinfield, Greg Lake, Giles and Ian McDonald), the Wetton version, the Belew version and the version after Belew. So, Beat is just another version of King Crimson. In each of these versions of Crimson, different people wrote the tunes. The songs "In the Court of the Crimson King", "Starless" and "Frame by Frame" were not written by the same band. The only constant in all these versions of King Crimson was Robert Fripp. Frankly, I was thrilled to hear these old songs performed by these 4 musicians on the Beat tour. I loved the variations these excellent musicians came up with. They celebrated and respected the old songs while putting their own stamp on them. So, if you want to see 4 musicians who are incredibly talented, each in their own right, check out the Beat tour! Do it because you may never get another chance to do it after this tour is over, who knows. It would be very nice if you brought your kids as well. If just one kid watches the Beat tour live and can no longer put up with autotune, it will be worth it.
@@Martha-jl6eu Yes, of course, I understand what you mean. My favorite album of those times is Islands. Sinfield's poems are extraordinary. At the time, I bought this record for a lot of money. It was extremely difficult. I was born in the USSR. But it's great when music brings people together. Especially one as beautiful as King Crimson
@@ianbrown3304 in 1983 I was 18 and playing in a Genesis cover band, lead guitar. I love Adrian so much. I think he’s one of the most down to earth people in the music business.
Agree with your comments. I saw the Beat Phoenix show as well, it was amazing. I also saw the Scottsdale King show you mention. I thought they were both amazing. I also plan on going to the closing BEAT show in CA. Thanks for the review and I have subscribed! Cheers,
These are definitely four fantastic musicians, but I don't think it should be called King Crimson without Robert Fripp in the lineup. I do prefer the live performances of the 1984 KC tour. I've probably worn grooves, if that's possible, in my copy of the Absent Lovers (Live in Montreal 1984) CD. I think it's fantastic that Beat is reviving the music of 1980's KC, but I think it lacks a bit of the oomph of the '84 shows. Still great stuff though. Carey and Vai are great choices. I'd love to hear Danny Carey teamed up with Lifeson and Lee on a Rush reboot. I think his style is perfectly suited to Rush's music. All of the preceding is just IMHO (and since you asked) 🙂
I saw the Charlotte show, and it was ridiculously good! I've seen KC 4 times and enjoyed this show every bit as much. Steve brought Robert's parts to the stage so brilliantly and in his own style, Danny was so powerful and thoughtful in his interpretation of Bill's drum parts, and Adrian and Tony may be 40 years older, but let me tell you...they have lost nothing! World class musicianship at its' finest. And you can see they were all having a blast!!
OK, I'll take the bait (and am going to Richmond tonight). I saw the actual Beat tour, and it was utterly breathtaking. This band is amazing, and sounds exactly like "on paper" would indicate: funkier, deeper American grooves, more blues, more overtly emotional playing. However, it's not King Crimson. The insanely stiff, British precision of Fripp's patterns with Bruford's aggressive mathematics (Fripp's playing also dials Bruford's time in) is INTENSE in a way the heavier grooves of Beat is not. Fripp vs Belew in terms of vibe was part of the coolness and drama of the original band. Robert would say he doesn't have to be in KC, that KC is something that arises, given certain conditions. But IMO, one of those conditions is Robert Fripp, lol. Fripp's vibe and direction is essential to the music. Vai is a "better" guitarist in the abstract sense, and I love the guy. But his looser, more romantic, virtuosic style doesn't quite deliver the strange angle on reality that RF brings to the material. I'm grateful to be able to experience this music again, but as a time traveler from 1982, I gotta say my piece.
Fripp told Vai to be himself (as if there was other options). If Discipline and the subsequent albums were Crimson, this is too as Belew is the primary ingredient. I'd agree more as it relates to earlier iterations of the band.
King Crimson is probably my favourite band. Everytime they come to Mexico I go. I totally support that bands play their music. It would be absurd not to listen to Beethoven just because Beethoven is not playing it. Said that, Beat is not King Crimson, Beat is Beat. Actually I think the band that created Discipline, Three of a Perfect a Pair and Beat is also not King Crimson, and Fripp knew it, that is why he originally intended to use another name. For me, King Crimson ended with Red. Then came some Fripp projekcts, that incidentally he also called King Crimson for the most part.
I'm in AU and have been following all the shows on youtube. I thought there was a quantum leap at the Warner show. It was as if there had been a really great band meeting or something. Adrian seemed noticeably freed up and in the flow. The beacon show had a balls out character to it - the band being energised by the raucous NY crowd. At the Keswick, Steve emerged from the hat for a while which was a new and engaging vibe. Remember during the ProjeKcts phase there was KC east and KC west . . or some such?
I so agree with everything you've said. It would be different if Steve wasn't such a great player and a "guru" level guy in his own right and if he didn't have such a great respect for Robert Fripp then maybe there would be some room for criticism. I say no, to complain about some of the best music ever played by anyone is just complaining for the sake of complaint! Great video!✌️&💙
Adrian wrote the overwhelming majority of the Songs on this tour! Sure, the others contributed but Adrian is the leader and originator of much of this music! ❤️🔥
Rubbish. Elephant Talk started from Tony's groove, FxF started with Robert's guitar ideas and Adrian wrote melody and lyrics over that, Matte was Adrian writing a song over Fripp's guitar chords, Indiscipline started as a drum solo, Fripp and Bruford basically already had Discipline before Adrian joined, etc. etc. Adrian wrote the vocal melodies and the lyrics. Fripp, Levin and Bruford were the substance, Adrian was the cherry on top. Sure, Hearbeat, Model Man, Man with an Open Heart, Dig Me, those were pure Adrian. Through the years, I've come to skip them. Any band could have done those.
I saw the 4th show in ANAHEIM, then 3 weeks later...DC, PHILLY . THEY ARE ON FIRE! BUT...SLOW YOUR ROLL- YOUNG MAN. I am 65 yrs old, saw them ALL!! Bruford & Fripp are Half (or more) of the composers of this original perfect music. Crimson 1981 was originally gonna be called Discipline.
No disagreement from me! And I’m glad you got to see them all!! I am envious, to say the least. The composers’ work is done. I originally had written the script to say “Is Beat better than King Crimson?” But I realized that was really quite silly, so I changed it to “Beat is a better live show than KC.” And I think that still applies from a musical entertainment perspective.
I really appreciate this philosophical take on Beat / King Crimson. I am not a diehard own all the albums Crimson fan (I know a bunch though), but I am a fan of the genre and these musicians and of course I appreciate the genius of Fripp and his music, etc (I'm a drummer myself so I also appreciate what it takes to perform such music). It's a refreshingly positive way to look at the legacy of music and musicians.
No matter how you mix Bloody Mary always taste the same. Unless you add Tequila that is Sreve Vai. Playing original version of Fripp solos. The Power Trio was first KC cover band. Honor Adrian Belew recreating some of his solo career catchy songs
Beat looks amazing, but tickets to my local show are $300. I saw King Crimson several years ago, and I think I paid $65 and stood right up front. I just can’t, man.
I lucked out. My birthday was right around the time when they announced the tour so I asked my family for nothing but tickets for this tour. I looked at the tickets later and I was shocked. But even then I heard that on the day of the show you can get cheap tickets! Keep trying friend, it's definitely worth it regardless!
Just saw them last night in Toronto. Had a profound effect on me. One of the single greatest concert experiences of my life, and I was lucky enough to see the 2010s Crimson thrice. There was something special about Beat. Really felt like King Crimson to me!
Beat certainly was no "cover band"! Steve Vai was a fucking "two-headed monster"! He not only did a yeoman's job playing (and embellishing!) Robert's solos, but I never thought I would see another guitarist who could replicate Adrian's solos. Every member of this band killed it. And the chance to hear long-unplayed songs like "Waiting Man," "Thela Hun Ginjeet" (with tape effects), the REAL, "non-sung" version of "Indiscipline," Heartbeat," "Elephant Talk," and incredibly moving versions of "Sheltering Sky" and "Sartori in Tangiers" make it a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience, unless you catch the tour multiple times like I am. 😉
Well If You are going to have a New Version of Belew and Levin plus 2 then Vai fills should be his own version of Fripp's solo. Why is Adrian Only singing his lyrics?? Not a Cover Band hmm. The Power Trio is the best.
Happy to come with my own relatable feeling after seeing this modern (of the past 10 years) lineup for Gong-here 9 years after Daevid Allen’s death-and that band WAS Gong. I was blown away. They honored the legacy of Allen and the band as a whole, while also performing VERY-Gong newer material they’d written. Love your take. Appreciate you.
This is rather silly. But then, can I blame you, never having seen the 80s band live? If you haven't seen that band in its first year, you really can't imagine how good it was. Because the last two years, it just wasn't that good anymore. During the sessions for the album Beat, Belew and Bruford blew up the band. It died there and then. (Hence: Requiem.) After that, it was four individuals honouring their contractual obligations. In 1981, RF had regularly improvised during tunes such as Discipline and Frame by Frame. (And I have some 40 recordings of shows from that year alone.) Never did that again after the sessions for Beat. I saw them twice in 1981, on May 15th, three days before they went in the studio to record Discipline, and once more on October 12th. When I saw them a third time on September 7th the next year, I felt slightly disappointed. Couldn't put my finger on it then, but RF's and Sid Smith's writings helped me see why. Anyway, concerning this current band and the latest KC: Belew gave RF a hard time when he wanted to play material "that he had written". Because Belew never quite could accept he hadn't been invited. So Adrian put a lot of pressure on RF not to play material basically from 81 to 03. In the meantime, Mr. Belew does one nostalgia trip after the other. Zappa, Bowie en TH are all revisited. But as far as I know, he never even went to see the latest KC in the 7 years it toured the world. He might not even have listened to any of its records. And that coming from a man who declared in 1981 that KC was his second favourite band, after The Beatles. So Robert was far more generous when he encouraged Adrian to do this (after having declined an 81 reunion several years earlier), coined the name and offered a soundscape for the walk-on. So now this Beat thing. I've seen dozens of clips from day 1 onward, already have two boots of whole shows of above excellent sound quality, and I've noticed Adrian's playing is sloppy here and there and the perfect opposites that RF and AB were on guitar, is not there now. Because Vai, who is a magician, I've seen him live with FZ twice in 81 and 82or3, is not as opposed to Belew as Fripp was. Fripp could howl too, but far more linear, I'm not sure how to put this, but aside from his obvious fantastic technique, he sounds closer to Belew in a sense, not as far from Belew as Fripp did. And that makes the spectrum smaller. And anyway, we've all had 40+ years to get used to the sounds these lads were producing, but just try for a second to imagine what it was like walking into Paradiso, Amsterdam on Friday, May 15th 1981, band called Discipline, ticket price 12,5 Dutch guilders, and then after the support (Lounge Lizards), these guys come onto the stage and play a 6.5 minutes long version of Discipline. Then: Red! KC is back!! I shiver even thinking back 43 years. That evening changed my life. First time hearing synth guitar. First time seeing and hearing Simmons, likewise Chapman stick. This Beat thing is not even half of that, because it was new in every sense then. It can never even come near being that fresh ever again. Who (besides you) cares what your wife thinks? Besides all that, the conceptualist of KC has always been RF. Robert is the heart of King Crimson. So they have the engine: Tony. But not the heart. Robert. Bruford, Levin and Fripp were the substance. Belew was the cherry on top. I've been reading some guys suggesting they come up with original material. Well, let them try. But they'll never come up with a piece even remotely like Discipline, i.m.h.o. the best piece the original band produced, its trademark/blueprint, whatever, and Beat are not even playing it. I suspect because it's too hard to learn in only a few months for one or two of its members. Steve has already said in an interview it would take him years to learn to play L3 like Robert, and you yourself have some experience with Fracture, so you know what I'm talking about. So he can get away with playing the intro to L3 the way he does, but somehow that just might not work in the piece Discipline. So if they ever come to play here in Holland, I'm seriously considering not going. All my objections aside, a forest of lit-up phone screens between the stage and me would definitely spoil it.
Yes, I agree it’s silly, but I thought it’d be fun to start the discussion. Your KC experiences are incredible and I’m so glad you had them. I wish I could have lived through that time (and earlier, given my sincere love for Gentle Giant), but alas… I can see how Beat isn’t half of what KC was at the time, but my “hot take” is that Beat puts on a better show. There’s no competition here, of course. Anyway, great comment, loved reading it. But do consider going. The forest of screens wasn’t too bad and the music made me forget all about it.
@@MakeWeirdMusic All the "show" I was interested in was seeing Fripp's fingers move, and Levin's, and how did Belew make all those weird noises? at the time still desperately trying to figure out the Chapman stick. Standing by the edge of the stage, so only BB's head was visible, not been able to figure out a lot of what he was up to. We only had magazine (Musician (Fripp's diaries!), Guitar Player) interviews at the time, no internet! There was no show to distract from enabling us to view the musicianship. Just a crimson red curtain behind the stage and white light and no dried ice/smoke effects. After seeing Genesis in 78 with six revolving mirrors, lasers and "smoke" all over the place, it was quite a relief to be honest. But seeing KC four more times, in 95, 96 and recently in 2025 and 2018, has made everything come full circle for me. Even half of Court, Lizard, Larks', Red, basically every album was touched upon, except ToaPP, from which Beat are doing 7 tunes now, three of which I always skip anyway lol. Like I said, I have trainloads of live recordings from every Crim line-up and this really feels like Adrian doing yet another nostalgia trip, nice for those who missed it. Even Adrian thought at the time Beat was stronger than Discipline, but has since come to see Discipline was the better record. And ToaPP was just an afterthought. There's some good music on it, but not as good as it could have been, had AB & BB stuck to RF's way of working throughout. Btw, there's always something we wish we could have been to if we had been younger. I saw them in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam in 2018. If only I had been older than 12 on 23/11/73... Fracture was actually recorded there and then, except the bass drum and the doubling of the return of the moto perpetuo, right?
Thanks for sharing your insight and your experiences with Discipline and KC in the early eighties. I saw them live in 84 at their last concert in Montreal. Even though history tells us the band was past its prime by then it was still a transcendent experience for me to see it all performed live. My first exposure to the 80’s lineup was their performance on the TV show Fridays. I didn’t recognize half the instruments, couldn’t figure out how the sounds were being made and why one person was sitting down while the other was bouncing around thrashing their guitar. But I liked it. A lot. It was completely new, and I’ve continued to search out music that confounded me and surprised me the way the music on the Discipline album did. It’s hard to find it. I’m lucky I got to see the OG as they say and even though I’m enjoying the Beat videos and I love to hear the songs performed live, it doesn’t come with the excitement of something completely new. I’d like to find something like that, to challenge my expectations of what music can be and trigger another expansion of my musical universe. They are rare events and we can only keep a keen ear out and make room for them.
seeing this thread has made me intrigued me to search for early 80s recordings. looks like the detroit show in november 81 is as far back as i can go on youtube. it really does have a different energy hearing them in a smaller venue with the music so new. i can never imagine what that synth guitar sounded like live
I've seen both versions. I enjoyed both to a ridiculous level. Steve gets huge kudos for being able to pull this off in a way works great while not stepping on Fripp's contributions. Well done!
I’m glad this music got a chance to live again. As I left the show, I thought “this is the end of an era.” I can’t imagine cover bands playing this stuff in the future. Go see it while you still can.
I went to the Detroit show last night and after the first set of the band getting dialed in to the venue it was absolutely amazing. Second set started with Adrian vocalizing for the board to bring in the tone he wanted. Awesome set. Have a good time enjoying this Crimson lineup. Via is covering detailed progressions of the original work with slight tones that is Via himself adding to the originals works that I know well. The drummer is on it heavy and to the point. It was a great show and I think they get better with every show they play. What a great time. The Masonic Cathedral theater was packed to the gills. Well worth it in every respect.
Before you start hating, understand I'm a HUGE fan of this band/project, and a KC fan since the early '70s. But when this band can CREATE something as mind-blowing as this music was in the early '80s, we can make comparisons. There's a world of difference between playing 40 year old music and this.
Well half the current band actually did create the original music 40 years ago, plus, the current lineup also creates a lot of the music because so much of it is improvised. Steve Vai was playing things that Fripp never did and Danny Carey played stuff Bruford never did. These performances are not "note-for-note." That's why Vai said they are more of a Tribute band, than a cover band. I would never think that a jazz group (for example) is not great because they play "covers" or in their parlance "standards." What the group does with the material, how do they improve upon the material, that is the mark of greatness. That being said, I would love it if these guys put out an album of original material.
I think it would have been a good idea to pitch Beat as a semi official Projekct particularly as it would appear that there is no other likely continuation of live KC performance. We understand that the guys have some level of approval from Robert Fripp but I dont get the feel that it is embraced 100% as the real deal. I hope that does not limit their appeal and that they can extend the tour to other countries.
So I saw every 80’s KC tour. My wife, much younger than me (yeah, lucky me) went to the triple drummer show pre covid and loved it. She loved the Beat show too. This was the Beat tour. It was amazing. I loved what Steve and Danny brought to the show but in my heart it isn’t KC and guess what? It doesn’t even matter. I’m not over thinking anything. Loved it completely. Glad Adrian brought this together.
I saw Beat here in Florida and it was an amazing concert, it blew my mind and my ears! I want to see it again for sure! Thanks for the video, great stuff.
The King has risen once again! Having not attended any concert (just watched on YT), but seeing how Beat has progressed and improved, now that they have a month of shows under their fingers... wow they are a force. You are correct sir. All dates are sold out near me, but I will find a way.
It's half of King Crimson with a very good guitar player and drummer. Neither of them are on the same level as who they replaced (they'd agree) but it's still excellent and a very rare and interesting thing.
I don’t think Robert or Bill would deny that Steve and Danny are “on the same level.” It’s just in different direction. These two guys are at the top of their respective games and bringing their best.
@@MakeWeirdMusic Let's put it this way I can't think of two better replacements. It was legitimately great and very few players would even try it. For the sake of brutal honesty though Bill and Robert can just do things others can't do. If that even matters
Saw KC a couple of times in the 80's - great shows and my wife actually liked it - "they sound like an orchestra". But I'm seeing these guys in late October, and I am really looking forward to hearing a different twist on those songs simply because change is part of what Crimson is. As long as that change is competent, lol.
The 80s KC was my first exposure to the band. I’ve seen Adrian play songs from it when I’ve seen him live, and even though he was in part responsible for the material, it tended to sound like a cover band. I think the addition of musicians with their own identities helped transcend the cover band problem. No shade to Danny, but Steve stood out as being willing to honor the original music while striking out in some unexpected directions. I’m sure some of that was to work around Robert’s impossible guitar parts. 😂
True. I saw KC around 2000, and the one thing I really remember is Adrians extraordinary joyful performance. Having been only the frontman then, he now is the spirit of all.
I saw the band last week, and I had the same exact reaction you did. My first King Crimson show was at Central Park, when Lark's Tongues in Aspic first came out, and it was astounding. Absolutely the best sound I've ever heard in any concert, and completely brilliant performance. But Crimson has always been a very serious band, with serious ambition, where this band is all about having fun playing crazy music. I can't think of a band (except NRBQ) who I've seen in years who have as much joy and sense of fun on stage. And it definitely spilled into the audience--we all had enormous grins on our faces (something I always thought was limited to NRBQ--who else would play a Sun Ra tune next to a Johnny Cash classic?). Fortunately, we don't have to choose: we can always pull out the originals and enjoy that version or listen to the new band--an embarrassment of riches!
There is no way to compare watching videos of concerts to the actual live experience. I saw KC live at First Avenue in Minneapolis in 1984 and to this day, I still consider it the greatest show I've ever been to (and I've been to hundreds). Fripp, at that show, certainly did not prefer to "be in the dark". He, along with Bruford, Levin and Belew was at the top of his game, playing mind-blowing guitar parts. He even smiled at times!
100% agree with you. Obviously, a UA-cam video does not capture a live performance. But I’ve also been to lots of concerts and I have enough of a sense to know when the band is on fire. KC was on fire frequently! What a band! But Beat feels like it just flows effortlessly (except for a few moments where I disagree with Adrian’s timing on stuff that seemed to throw the band off). KC had some odd dynamics and politics.
Beat was incredible. Ages between 60-80 years and those players were all so on point. It was one of the best performances I’ve seen. Absolutely loved some of the ways Vai did Fripps parts as well. The leads from both Vai and Belew all so creative and played with so much expression. I heard someone in the, that had probably never watch king crimson videos, didn’t even know Belew was a lead player.
I was at the friends & family show in Seattle as well - Great fun! We have tickets for BEAT in Chicago. Really looking forward to it. Thanks for the supportive and insightful review!
I saw the Lark's Tongue ensemble many a long year ago and the 2018 King Crimson tour. I revere Adrian Belew and Tony Levin, but it doesn't matter how good Beat are (and they are wonderful) they will never be 'better' than King Crimson. They may reach the same stellar heights. Thanks for the video!
I fully agree with both your points. Beat performs better on stage (more fun and more energy); Beat IS King Crimson, that's for sure. Now, to fully realize these two points, we want a new BEAT = KC album! Bob Fripp can join if he wants.
Anthony - I have tix for the upcoming LA show and am looking forward to seeing the band perform songs I saw KC play 2x in the 80s. I can’t quite get to calling them another iteration of KC, but I’m totally fine with calling BEAT a “ProjeKct”. Part of my rationale is that RF was part of all KC iterations, but not all ProjeKcts. Besides, RF has played with Steve Vai previously and nominated him as the only suitable candidate for his parts. AND, RF blessed Adrian’s efforts to create the band… even going so far as to suggest the band’s name! Have seen videos of BEAT playing and have been duly impressed. As you point out, they’re having great fun with classic KC material versus playing like an 7/8 piece classical ensemble. I love both approaches and hope others open their minds to have a good time and as RF urged “Rock Out”! - chip
I’ve never responded to a UA-cam video before, or even looked at the comments (I imagine anyone who reads this will hope I never do so again…) However, having thought about it, I thought I’d put my own thoughts down about this, I hope nobody minds, and I’m totally cool with it if anyone/everyone disagrees.
I flew from London to NYC to see Beat at The Beacon last weekend, and was grinning from ear to ear throughout, it was a completely joyful and celebratory performance. I’d purposefully avoided all clips and discussions until after I’d seen it, and I had been lucky enough to end up with tickets in the centre, 2 rows back. An amazing experience that I will never forget.
I also saw KC in ’84 (the first time I saw them, but certainly far from the last). Tbh I was on the young side to fully appreciate it, but I've them many times since, and of all the live albums I would say I play "Absent Lovers" the most, which is from this period. Was the Beat show a “better show” than KC? Absolutely no, not in the slightest. It amazes and even disappoints me that this gets raised. The two bands may share half of the members, and all 6 musicians involved are virtuosos, playing the same songs, but culturally they are opposite ends of the scale, and their performances cannot be compared in this way.
A King Crimson gig was an intense experience, they had a darkness to them, and an unmatched ferocity. Fripp is the key to that, his playing was so relentless it bordered on violent at times. Compare that to joyful and celebratory feel of Beat, which is emotionally the opposite. And I came out of both feeling on top of the world. The intensity and power in a KC gig was something like that of a classical concert, with the joy of Beat feeling more like how jazz connects with me. It seems that Fripp and Bill Bruford set the tone for this culture within Crimson, which has been described as being “British” in tone, where Steve Vai and Danny Carey make this an all-US line-up, with these cultural results. There was a ‘tension’ in a KC gig, which was fantastic. There is a lack of tension in a Beat gig, and that’s fantastic. The word “better” does not belong in this conversation.
I keep reading that Danny Carey “brings power” to the show. He does indeed, but he doesn’t bring power to a place where it didn’t exist previously. Bill Bruford had power to burn, when he chose to use it. Bill’s range was vast, but he hit hard when the music required it. I’ve seen Tool enough times to be super confident and very excited by how Danny would interpret the drum parts, and he didn’t disappoint, but it’s recency bias to believe that there was no ‘power’ there before. I’d also say that Bill was more of a showman than Danny, as Steve Vai is more of a showman than Fripp. Danny is entirely hidden behind his kit, which rises up around him. Bill, due to his lack of cymbals, was very visible. He also had racks of percussion mounted on racks behind him which he would play standing up, running around, hitting things. Bill was a visible part of the show, as well as the drummer.
Steve Vai has impressed me beyond words. It is such an act of artistic bravery to throw yourself over the edge as he has, taking on music in such a radically different style from that which he is comfortable with. It’s a privilege to see someone on the high wire like that, without a net. You can see how he’s working really hard up there, but he’s done a magnificent job of reinterpreting Fripp’s lines rather than repeating them, allowing him to make it work for him in his own stye, throwing in some signature Vai licks to boot, and seems to relish the creative freedom he's given to add his own flair. He’ll get more and more comfortable as this stuff gets more and more drilled in. I hope he's enjoying it, I’d love to see more of it.
Is Beat actually King Crimson? Could be, just a very different King Crimson. There are bands out there without any original members after all…Personally I’d prefer it if they stayed Beat, because I think Beat’s identity is a thing of value in its own right and doesn’t need the Crimson legacy/baggage to validate it, or weigh it down. I’d love to hear what they would create, and I’d prefer it not to have to live up to or be compared with KC.
This is so lovely! Thank you for sharing and presenting your experienced opinion.
I'm so glad it caused you to say all this "out loud." The video is meant to provoke thought and discussion. These are questions that've been in my head since seeing Beat. I absolutely loved it.
Wish I could have had the experiences you've had and I'm so so glad you flew from London to see them. And that you enjoyed the show so much!
@@MakeWeirdMusic your video certainly did that, and I've enjoyed your other coverage leading up to the tour, seeing how important your transcription of the music has been to the band learning these songs. Without your work, we may not have Beat, or least, a far less authentic one, if that makes sense. Keep up the good work. I may not comment again, but I'll be following along 🤘
@@AndyHood if you never comment again you’re going out on top ❤️
@@AndyHood thank you! ❤️
@@benkelly7182😀❤🙏
My wife enjoys the KC shows because there are no lines at the women’s restrooms during intermission for a change. 😉🤣🤘🏻
LOL! My wife enjoyed that too
You are not joking!
Lmao word
Every show 2014-2021 ,”really miss Adrian” was overheard in men’s room at all ten concerts
I thought I was the only female there
Everybody in Europe wants to have Beat touring here!
I’m glad that everyone in America can see this, but it absolutely has to come to UK. KC, Fripp and prog are quintessentially English and would be criminal for UK to be overlooked
Americans never travel when there is a European war going on. Normally wait about 3 years.
@@jonnykk1 as an American fan going back to the original Discipline shows here in New York (which absolutely should not be compared to this, and I really don’t think this is any sort of improvement upon that original team…. I’m sure the Beat guys would agree)- and I absolutely agree with you, this tour should and must tour the UK. Back to the soil from which it originally sprang.
Come to Europe ASAP!
and in south america too!
I’m pretty sure Robert Fripp said in the past that “King Crimson lives in different bodies at different times” meaning Crimson is about the spirit of the musicians that play it more than the egos… y’dig?
I dig!
Ditto
Indeed he did. He even mentioned this to us at our last Guitar Circle/ Guitar Craft week in Argentina.
Gets my vote.
@@MakeWeirdMusic Dig it, but don't bury it?
One thing that Critical Fans need to know is this project was Blessed by Fripp, Adrian went to Fripp with the Idea to go on tour with the original band back in 2019, and Fripp said he was not interested but Adrian could do it if he wanted to, Adrian asked Bill Bruford and he declined as well so he was free to pick the other two players. This is a Legit KC Project, blessed by the man itself.
to add a tiny bit - based on a recent interview with Belew, the talks included Fripp playing for quite a while. It was when Fripp pulled out that he told Belew that he should absolutely do it if he wanted to.
And what did Fripp do after Belew left?? He returned to 1970s KC sound with big hand Mashup 40 years later. Without Adrian singing his 1980s lyrics. The Power Trio Plus Tony Levin and special guests. Vai/ Sateiani duo could have been great choice. That young girl drummer played with Foo Man Grohl great choice too
Ahem ... ProjeKct! :-)
I'm not angry at all. The show blew my hat off. Vai's interpretation of sheltering sky was beautiful, it brought the house down. 10/10
Vai has made that song his own, while nearly perfectly nailing Fripp's sound on it.
I was wondering what Vai could bring to this version of KC and didn’t really see him fitting and boy was I wrong.. as exemplified on sheltering sky.
If you are not upset than you’re not a Crimson fan
@@funnyfacemanbrono true Scotsman
It will be a cold day in hell before you tell me what I'm a fan of. Respect the art, ya ding dong. or don't. Crimson needs no gatekeeping, we 'fans' (if you will only let us in) know. I'm hoping you're just trolling.
I've always a huge Yes, Rush, type of prog rock fan and was never exposed to KC. After I read about this tour I was introduced to a lot of KC and am blown away by what they created. I saw Belew twice play with Bowie in the early 90's and had no idea he was a part of KC. It's so much fun to be introduced to new music in my 50's. I am flying from Central America to see them in Toronto next week. Thanks for the video.
How I envy you. At the age of 50, discover the ocean of music.
I hope they film this lineup for a BluRay release. It was fantastic and fun to watch. They were having fun up there...lots of smiles. Sure there were a few moments where they got a little out of sync here and there, that music is not easy!! Vai and Carey brought some great freshness and character to the songs.
I suspect they'll be getting set up for a video recording later in the tour , once they are comfortable with the material. Vai looks like he's working hard up there - trying to keep up with this music. That in itself is a joy to see, as Vai does specialise in making "Vai-music" appear effortless. I applaud his willingness to grow and be part of this ensemble - and why wouldn't he - what an amazing group of musicians. The whole band is amazing... what a treat for audiences to witness. I do hope they consider coming to Australia.
@@findJLF I heard someone say that Beat was the first band since Frank Zappa where Vai's bandmates are all as good as he is.
@@RonRbc That's not really true. Perhaps more true to say that this band is focused on playing material that wasn't written as a vehicle for one guys solo guitar playing. Truth is Vai could probably have toured as 'Steve Vai' with a tape recorder playing a backing track because his audience are only there to listen to the lead guitar. But the musicians in Dave Lee Roth were as good as Vai let alone Zappa. It's not like Vai did the 'Aristocrats' thing that Guthrie Govan has - in that context I'd agree, but I don't think he's hired chumps to play the backing - I just think his audience doesn't care enough about their playing to know how good they are nor is the music constructed in a way to highlight their playing.
yes BluRay = great idea !
“If you can fly across the earth to see this band I would do it”… Well, I flew from London to NY last weekend to see them and I have no regrets - absolutely magical evening!
I go to a lot of concerts, and it’s very rare to see four musicians of such caliber just enjoying what they do. You’re right to describe it as joyful - that’s exactly what it is!
Would fly to London to see the Abba thing and I'm not even a fan
Lucky guy
Robert always says it’s about the music. The music plays the musician. Those who know him and spent time with him know this.
Exactly! I don't know how he'll react to this video, but I *hope* he agrees with me.
@@MakeWeirdMusic Don't expect a direct yes or no. It takes some pressure off, among other things, off his friendship with Adrian. In 1974, he suggested to EG management to let KC continue without him, with Bruford, Wetton and Ian McDonald. But they weren't interested in a KC without him.
I remember hearing this tour was quickly selling out and so I didn't really even investigate it. I just checked, and they are playing near me in less than 24 hours, and I now have a ticket. Thanks for this video! prompting me to actually check.
Way to go, Charles. That’s how you do it. Very glad you’re going.
You won’t be sorry. Bring earplugs if you have sensitive ears because the feedback from Belew’s guitar is intense.
@@charlesclark3840 you wont be sorry!
40 years ago I heard Sleepless somehow and purchased the LP; now I've finally heard some version of that band live. It was a great show, of course it was too loud (ie I'm too old) but not so loud as to be painful or detract from enjoyment of the music. Thanks again for prompting me to not miss this tour.
I'm going to see them again this week.
I've been a KC fan for many, many years. Having said that, I agree with your comments. I thought the BEAT show in PHX was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. Of course, Robert's creations are of a unique and singular place, but having this music carry-on for a younger and new audience is such a gift.
So glad you loved it, Kelly. Glad I got to see you there!
At this point, it is definitely a ProjeKct, right? It’s as good as you can hope for.
That's how I'm looking at it. Just with less improv. :)
I totally agree that Beat is a new incarnation of King Crimson. This lineup is half of the original 80’s lineup.
Hahahaha!! No Fripp means no Crimson.
it's too loose
Belew brings light in whatever project he appears.
I drove from Kansas City to San Diego to see Beat. It was the first date announced so I jumped on a ticket in case it was a one off. Denver would have been closer lol. Worth it.
I saw them once. My face hurt afterward from smiling. I’m going again next month.
Totally agree. My mom, son, and I were smiling all night.
dude i hella want to spend more money that i dont have and see them in SJ AGAIN
@@anthonycardott3541 here is some money 💰
I saw Beat in Fort Lauderdale. It was the experience of a lifetime. Truly amazing.
Was there too, incredible show!
I was so lucky to see the original KC in their tour of Discipline in a small club in Indianapolis. I have never recovered. They blasted out of the block with Thela Hun Ginjeet. After the last note, my partner turned to me, his hair blown straight back, eyes bugging out of his head, and yelled "WHY DIDN'T YOU WARN ME?!!" It was beautiful. Can't wait to see this iteration in Seattle next month.
Man, I can't even imagine the energy they brought. Must have been incredible.
I was at that show. It was a once in a lifetime event and as good as any show I've seen in the last 50 years.
I had a similar experience when I took a good friend and musician to Thrak in 1996. They started playing the title track and he just burst out, "What in the actual fuck is this!!!"
It's a moment you never forget. I brought him to Orlando for the Beat show and it was the same thing all over again, this time getting to watch Vai from the 2nd row. It was his birthday present, but I was the one who got the gift.
The present King Crimson is still a British band. But, I feel, Beat is an American band. Of course, both are incredible!
I saw them in NYC and I rate it in my top 5 concerts I’ve ever seen. Probably top 2 or 1. I hope they sell a video of the entire show so I can watch their performances again and again. Steve Vai really shines too. I love how his playing absolutely respects what Robert Fripp created, while making his playing very “Vai” like. Not an easy thing to do and he checked his ego at the door.
Adrian Belew was the heart and soul of 80’s Crimson. I hope that Beat does some recording and continues to tour.
Agreed! It would kind of be a crime not to.
Fun fact: I was working late one night in Glasgow, Scotland, and my local radio station Radio Clyde played 'Sleepless' (Bob Clearmountain mix) and I was hooked immediately. I was 18 back in 1984! So mow after 40 years I am going to see them (Beat/Crimson) in Toronto and now in Vancouver too and maybe other places. You are exactly correct in all your points, and it would a dream to get them to Europe and elsewhere, these fellas will not be around for every, and I am sure they are having the biggest of blasts. It looks like it. I am very happy they got this idea off the ground, and thank you for covering them!
(EDIT-I loved this video!) I've had a 40+ year career playing jazz music from the 1920s. The greatest challenge is making it YOURS. With every tune you start by having simply to learn it; it's repertory. In time you learn to wear the shoes of the original creator, and play THEIR instrument NOW. When you're doing it right, people are treated to a new performance of new music that just happened to have been played 80-100 years ago. Beat is doing exactly that. From all the videos I have seen, it's not repertory. It's not a tribute band. It's not 80s KC. It's Beat. All of the things you mention are there, the nostalgia, etc, but it's still fresh and new. It's not KC, It's Beat. I'm digging it not only because it's effing awesome, but because I'm enjoying watching these musicians (all of whom are gods to me) go through the same process I know so well.
Better than KC? Oh God...all I can say, is thank the maker music isn't a contest, and we don't actually have to worry. I saw 80s KC and it was sublime. I've got tickets for Beat in a few weeks and I know it's also gong to be transcendent. Both of these things exist, and that is all that matters. I was initially crushed to miss out on tix to early shows, but I'm starting to realize how lucky I am going to be seeing them after they've had a few nights to let the mojo grow.
Isn't it awesome that we've had the material these guys have played over their careers? Isn't it awesome that they decided to revisit this material, WITHOUT stifling it with slavish attention to originality? And that we get to see real musicians playing real music, warts and all? Nothing tickles me as much as watching musicians surprising each other. This was true of 80s KC and also true of Beat. Again, isn't it awesome?
But lastly-never forget. Music is NEVER a contest. Awesomeness will always be awesome.
I totally agree! So glad you resonated with it. Learning music is life-changing. I’m also glad it’s not a competition, but it’s a great platform for discussion. :)
I’d love to see some of your performances! Email me a video or two.
Tony and Adrian are locked in with Vai and Carey better than I could've ever imagined. Such a fun show
I really think Adrian brings so much to the live show. Sounds like Steve does too! I can't wait to see them this week in Boston.
You'll love it
BEAT has made me a King Crimson fan.
But don't fly, too much emissions.
That is an awesome sentence.
fuck yea dude
I'm happy for Adrian Belew, because he has the attention that he deserves. I was a bit sad that he wasn't on the last incarnation of King Crimson.
I hope that they would try further albums like "Thrak", "The Construkction of light" and the last album too.
I'm pretty amazed by Danny Carey
I am an old man. I am a bitter man. I missed seeing most of my favorite bands back in the seventies. But a few years ago, I caught Kansas doing 'Leftoverture' in the Tallahassee mall, and saw Beat at the Hampton Beach Casino last month. We had great seats, both bands killed it and the tickets were less than fifrty bucks.
Rock on, old dudes
It's so weird, I'm not a fan of Steve Vai's music (not a critique, just not my thing) and I was umm... concerned when I heard he was filling in on guitar. Not because I thought he wasn't capable, just that his style is so radically different than Fripp's, I wasn't sure what the result would be. Saw Beat live and I thought Vai was absolutely phenomenal. Wasn't overly flashy, was true to each part and added the perfect amount of his own flare and feel. He obviously put a lot of work into nailing everything. One of the best shows I've ever seen, every King Crimson song I'd ever want to hear live and honestly thought that I never would.
I attended the 80’s performance of this music and was blown away then. I attended the Napa Beat show, and was blown away, and in fact so much so that I am going to see them again in November in San Jose. Was one performance better than the other? No. Different? Yes. Both amazing. OMG, go experience Beat!
Yes! Go do it!
I was lucky enough to see King Crimson a couple of times in the 80’s and once in the 90s when Adrian was still in the band. I know it sounds like blasphemy, but the BEAT show I saw in Phoenix was the best King Crimson show I’ve seen. Danny Carey brings an extra level of power to Bruford’s drum parts, and Steve Vai’s guitar parts breathe a fresh interpretation into these amazing songs. It’s pointless to compare Vai to Fripp, their styles are different, but overall I found BEAT to be actually MORE enjoyable than the King Crimson shows I’ve seen.
That’s exactly the energy I’m after. It’s not that Beat is better than KC, but I do think they put on a better live show.
@@MakeWeirdMusic BEAT show felt like a cover band to me, had nowhere near the impact of the KC shows I have seen, despite the skill in vai & carey (I thought Vai was able to fit the bill way better than Carey who sounded like an odd man out at many points in the show, despite the immense talent that man is on his instrument- my only qualms with Vai's performance was the reworked part in Frame by Frame). Vai's personal style solo injected into The Sheltering Sky was incredible, but that was a pretty exceptional part of the evening...not par for the course. I feel like the shows I have seen with belew/levin/mastelotto/gunn have provided me with tighter, punchier, and smoother performances of songs like frame by frame, red, thela hun ginjeet, and indiscipline that more aptly resonate with the vitality of that music
I was at that show too! It was my 5th time seeing KC (mostly). My fist KC show was Starless at Ford Auditorium in Detroit, MI. My 19 year old son joined me, but unfortunately was too young to go to the recent show in Scottsdale. The joy of the presentation in this show at Celebrity was palpable. I strongly advise that anyone unsure of going get over their reservation and get tickets as soon as possible. It was well worth it.
I need to see it in europe so bad, I was too young to ever see king crimson and it would fulfill me so much
First of all, I’m really digging this page. Second, I saw King Crimson in 1982 in New Haven.
Fantastic show and I consider myself lucky to have been there.
That said, I will be at the show in December in Connecticut. I can’t wait for it.
I love the review here, and the band playing three albums that I love dearly just makes it all that much better.
My wife was at that 82 show at Toads. She met Robert and Ade after the show. On the street.
She was beautiful and they chatted her up a bit.
I was very jealous. Of her seeing the show.
I agree wholeheartedly! I saw a YT video (with crappy audio, of course) of Beat performing one of my favourite pieces of music ever; The Sheltering Sky, and Steve Vai's re-interepretation of Fripp's parts, and his incredible expression on the guitar litereally, really, had me in tears. O.M.G...
Can't wait for Beat to come to Europe. Somewhere on the Iberian Peninsula would be nice, but i'm willing to travel further to see this band. Just can't afford to fly to the U.S.A.
As one of the four producers of the Buenos Aires King Crimson shows in 1994 that brought the band back together again, I must say I very much enjoy and agree with all your comments. Unfortunately I don't have the economic wherewithal to fly up to the States and see a show! Or to bring them back down to Buenos Aires to play... But definitely make sure you go see this band, the music is divine and so are the artists who perform it....❤❤
Yup, gained new respect for both fripp and vai...sublime show in atl.
I think a lot of KC fans are going to have that same experience.
I missed the Phoenix show (regrettably), but your comment about them returning in December is great news! Love your synopsis, sir. Maybe I'll see you in December!
Be seeing you!
I would love to hear Robert Fripps thought on how they are doing. I saw them in Charlotte last week and it was inspirational.
I’m seeing them the 27th in Albany! I already know the experience will be nothing short of life-changing. Adrian and Tony brought something so special to King Crimson, so for them both to be involved in this feels like the stars aligning
saw them in Clearwater, FL. Definitely a great show. Vai is not Fripp and Carey is not Bruford. But they are legendary musicians that honor this music with their interpretation.
And we should be glad they are not the same as the original guys. Something new and different.
@@dsm1573 nobody
could be anybody else ..
it doesn't work
that way!😉
Agreed!
I saw them in the eighties during the discipline tour, they were incredible and now with this lineup, it’s fresh like you said and I think they’re awesome
Sweet! Thanks for watching
I’m seeing them in Boston on Friday and I’m stoked. 80’s Crim is my jam. But I also saw them (and bootlegged them) in Boston in ‘84 in the 8th row, and nothing will ever “Beat” that! No need to compare, it’s all great music, we should celebrate this great band!
Agreed! But "No need to compare them" doesn't get views haha
@@MakeWeirdMusic Haha! I get it.
I am planning on attending their Dec. 3 show in Connecticut. The 80's KC material was total magic, and Vai/Carey being part of this is a masterstroke.
This was my sixth Crimson Show since 1980. they were all great. This tour was fantastic.
Robert Fripp has changed his mind many times about the future of King Crimson. I can easily imagine him changing his mind about his assertion that "King Crimson has ceased to exist" - for this lineup, allowing them to refer to themselves as King Crimson (if they wanted to do so).
Would that be the first KC incarnation without Robert Fripp?
I've heard Fripp in interviews talk about "The Business of King Crimson" where he goes out on tour, but he has to worry about hiring musicians, booking venues, logistics, coordinating schedules, etc. He seemed very happy to be joining Toyah on her last couple of tours where he likely doesn't need to do all of that and can just play guitar. I saw Beat last week with my teenage son who is a fan of Steve Vai and likes King Crimson's Red album, but is otherwise not a fan and he thought it was incredible and he has started diving into the back catalog of the band. I was fortunate to see the band live as the double trio version in the 1990s and the early 2000s quartet and the key to King Crimson is the live improvisational energy where you don't know exactly what is going to happen and the danger surrounding that. We are living in a world where so much live music relies heavily on backing tracks so that the musicians don't even have to play and its still a show (Kiss, Motley Crue, etc) but that can never beat something like "Beat" where its 4 musicians at the top of their game playing crazy, intense, and dangerous music. If Robert Fripp retires the band name but blesses former Crimson musicians to keep making and playing the music, I'm perfectly fine with that.
May the blessing of the Fripp be upon you.
disagree wholeheartedly....Robert Fripp wouldn't have let this band go on the stage in the shape in which I just saw them this past Saturday. Great show, no doubt....but the DISCIPLINE is not there.....the rhythm was not rock solid, and there was none of the groove penetrating these 80s songs the way most of them were designed.
I can not easily imagine that at all. Fripp coined the name Beat. That should tell you enough. They are pretty good, but not even nearly as good as KC in 1981.
Having attended all three KC 80's shows [and Beat last week] all I can say is that all were great. None better than the other...all DIFFERENT. Also with Robert Fripp in the lineup it's whole different thing. I loved what Via and Carey bring to this music! Thanks for the video to get discussion going as meaningless as it is.
It's important to remember that Belew wrote and co-wrote a lot of this music so it also belongs to him as well as Fripp and Crimson. I saw the Phoenix show. It was very entertaining. They were obviously having a great time and the energy was infectious. I loved how they were not taking themselves so serious and just playing some of the most intricate music from the 20th century. Adrian and Tony have been magnificent every time Ive seen them and this was particularly so because it was so fun. I was blown away by Steve and his ode to Fripp without copying him, what an undeniable talent. Danny was such a powerhouse! it was incredible to watch him play. It's a top five lifetime show for me. Go see it.
Right on!
Spurred on by the numerous yt vids from the u.s. tour I now cannot wait for this show to come to the u.k.. Vai’s playing has added such a unique & fresh element to this sound, but I keep getting distracted by Levin’s incredible heavy lifting, both rhythmic and melodic. It’s such a sight to behold, that I simply must see it for myself.
My only “hesitation” with the BEAT tour was timing and finances. The stars have aligned and I’ll soon get to see this band twice. :)
Incidentally I flew from central NY to San Francisco and saw the 2003 tour at the Warfield. (And also Boston on that tour.)
There you go! Way to do it right
My wife bought VIP tickets for me and my daughter as a Christmas present! Can’t wait until December 6th!
Hope you enjoy it!
I hope your daughter enjoys it!
@@Martha-jl6eu She will! She’s been listening to KC, Frank Zappa, Genesis, David Bowie and - of course - the Beatles since she was four. And she’s overjoyed at seeing two Zappa guitarists at the same time.
@@bertramgibbs9159 Well Zappa and Fripp hired the best, didn't they? Your wife gave you and your daughter tickets to a wonderful future memory. :) It's great that the Beat band seems to get tighter with every show! Enjoy!
Never getting to see the 80’s KC this was a dream come true
100%. Did you see the show yet?
@@MakeWeirdMusic yep.. 4th row at the Anaheim show
I just saw this tour on September 28th in Clearwater at the Ruth Eckerd and thought Vai was fantastic. He was active and animated where Fripp was stoic and stiff. I hope these guys do another album all of their own.
I did see the Beat tour. First, the thing about King Crimson is there were so many versions of Crimson (the original line up (Sinfield, Greg Lake, Giles and Ian McDonald), the Wetton version, the Belew version and the version after Belew. So, Beat is just another version of King Crimson. In each of these versions of Crimson, different people wrote the tunes. The songs "In the Court of the Crimson King", "Starless" and "Frame by Frame" were not written by the same band. The only constant in all these versions of King Crimson was Robert Fripp. Frankly, I was thrilled to hear these old songs performed by these 4 musicians on the Beat tour. I loved the variations these excellent musicians came up with. They celebrated and respected the old songs while putting their own stamp on them. So, if you want to see 4 musicians who are incredibly talented, each in their own right, check out the Beat tour! Do it because you may never get another chance to do it after this tour is over, who knows. It would be very nice if you brought your kids as well. If just one kid watches the Beat tour live and can no longer put up with autotune, it will be worth it.
Brilliant comment, Martha. Thank you!
@@MakeWeirdMusic :)
I agree with you. (although you forgot the islands and aspic ) but still, this is the idea that Robert Fripp wants to convey to us.
@@УрюкмейЗаславский Well Larks was the Wetton version of King Crimson, so ... I think you get what I mean.
@@Martha-jl6eu Yes, of course, I understand what you mean. My favorite album of those times is Islands. Sinfield's poems are extraordinary. At the time, I bought this record for a lot of money. It was extremely difficult. I was born in the USSR. But it's great when music brings people together. Especially one as beautiful as King Crimson
So well put!!!
I agree I’m 59 years old too so I agree with you ❤❤❤
As a 62 year old, I typically find 59 year old's opinion immature and lacking seasoned wisdom. Not here though.
@@ianbrown3304 in 1983 I was 18 and playing in a Genesis cover band, lead guitar. I love Adrian so much. I think he’s one of the most down to earth people in the music business.
Agree with your comments. I saw the Beat Phoenix show as well, it was amazing. I also saw the Scottsdale King show you mention. I thought they were both amazing. I also plan on going to the closing BEAT show in CA. Thanks for the review and I have subscribed! Cheers,
Hey, thanks so much for subscribing and joining Club Weird!
These are definitely four fantastic musicians, but I don't think it should be called King Crimson without Robert Fripp in the lineup. I do prefer the live performances of the 1984 KC tour. I've probably worn grooves, if that's possible, in my copy of the Absent Lovers (Live in Montreal 1984) CD. I think it's fantastic that Beat is reviving the music of 1980's KC, but I think it lacks a bit of the oomph of the '84 shows. Still great stuff though. Carey and Vai are great choices. I'd love to hear Danny Carey teamed up with Lifeson and Lee on a Rush reboot. I think his style is perfectly suited to Rush's music. All of the preceding is just IMHO (and since you asked) 🙂
I saw the Charlotte show, and it was ridiculously good! I've seen KC 4 times and enjoyed this show every bit as much. Steve brought Robert's parts to the stage so brilliantly and in his own style, Danny was so powerful and thoughtful in his interpretation of Bill's drum parts, and Adrian and Tony may be 40 years older, but let me tell you...they have lost nothing! World class musicianship at its' finest. And you can see they were all having a blast!!
OK, I'll take the bait (and am going to Richmond tonight). I saw the actual Beat tour, and it was utterly breathtaking. This band is amazing, and sounds exactly like "on paper" would indicate: funkier, deeper American grooves, more blues, more overtly emotional playing. However, it's not King Crimson. The insanely stiff, British precision of Fripp's patterns with Bruford's aggressive mathematics (Fripp's playing also dials Bruford's time in) is INTENSE in a way the heavier grooves of Beat is not. Fripp vs Belew in terms of vibe was part of the coolness and drama of the original band. Robert would say he doesn't have to be in KC, that KC is something that arises, given certain conditions. But IMO, one of those conditions is Robert Fripp, lol. Fripp's vibe and direction is essential to the music. Vai is a "better" guitarist in the abstract sense, and I love the guy. But his looser, more romantic, virtuosic style doesn't quite deliver the strange angle on reality that RF brings to the material. I'm grateful to be able to experience this music again, but as a time traveler from 1982, I gotta say my piece.
Fripp told Vai to be himself (as if there was other options). If Discipline and the subsequent albums were Crimson, this is too as Belew is the primary ingredient. I'd agree more as it relates to earlier iterations of the band.
i agree completely
King Crimson is probably my favourite band. Everytime they come to Mexico I go. I totally support that bands play their music. It would be absurd not to listen to Beethoven just because Beethoven is not playing it. Said that, Beat is not King Crimson, Beat is Beat. Actually I think the band that created Discipline, Three of a Perfect a Pair and Beat is also not King Crimson, and Fripp knew it, that is why he originally intended to use another name. For me, King Crimson ended with Red. Then came some Fripp projekcts, that incidentally he also called King Crimson for the most part.
I'm in AU and have been following all the shows on youtube. I thought there was a quantum leap at the Warner show. It was as if there had been a really great band meeting or something. Adrian seemed noticeably freed up and in the flow. The beacon show had a balls out character to it - the band being energised by the raucous NY crowd. At the Keswick, Steve emerged from the hat for a while which was a new and engaging vibe.
Remember during the ProjeKcts phase there was KC east and KC west . . or some such?
I so agree with everything you've said. It would be different if Steve wasn't such a great player and a "guru" level guy in his own right and if he didn't have such a great respect for Robert Fripp then maybe there would be some room for criticism. I say no, to complain about some of the best music ever played by anyone is just complaining for the sake of complaint! Great video!✌️&💙
Adrian wrote the overwhelming majority of the Songs on this tour! Sure, the others contributed but Adrian is the leader and originator of much of this music! ❤️🔥
Fripp being the leader of a band that has half of it's material lead by Belew was always kind of a hard line
Rubbish. Elephant Talk started from Tony's groove, FxF started with Robert's guitar ideas and Adrian wrote melody and lyrics over that, Matte was Adrian writing a song over Fripp's guitar chords, Indiscipline started as a drum solo, Fripp and Bruford basically already had Discipline before Adrian joined, etc. etc. Adrian wrote the vocal melodies and the lyrics. Fripp, Levin and Bruford were the substance, Adrian was the cherry on top. Sure, Hearbeat, Model Man, Man with an Open Heart, Dig Me, those were pure Adrian. Through the years, I've come to skip them. Any band could have done those.
Great video. I only have one beef… can’t find any of that live (seemingly professional) footage you used anywhere on line. Is it available anywhere?
That’s all from my cell phone haha.
I saw the 4th show in ANAHEIM, then 3 weeks later...DC, PHILLY . THEY ARE ON FIRE! BUT...SLOW YOUR ROLL- YOUNG MAN. I am 65 yrs old, saw them ALL!!
Bruford & Fripp are Half (or more) of the composers of this original perfect music.
Crimson 1981 was originally gonna be called Discipline.
No disagreement from me! And I’m glad you got to see them all!! I am envious, to say the least.
The composers’ work is done. I originally had written the script to say “Is Beat better than King Crimson?” But I realized that was really quite silly, so I changed it to “Beat is a better live show than KC.” And I think that still applies from a musical entertainment perspective.
I really appreciate this philosophical take on Beat / King Crimson. I am not a diehard own all the albums Crimson fan (I know a bunch though), but I am a fan of the genre and these musicians and of course I appreciate the genius of Fripp and his music, etc (I'm a drummer myself so I also appreciate what it takes to perform such music). It's a refreshingly positive way to look at the legacy of music and musicians.
No matter how you mix Bloody Mary always taste the same. Unless you add Tequila that is Sreve Vai. Playing original version of Fripp solos. The Power Trio was first KC cover band. Honor Adrian Belew recreating some of his solo career catchy songs
Beat looks amazing, but tickets to my local show are $300. I saw King Crimson several years ago, and I think I paid $65 and stood right up front. I just can’t, man.
Totally understand the financial argument. Keep an eye on aftermarket tickets. I hope you can find something affordable.
I lucked out. My birthday was right around the time when they announced the tour so I asked my family for nothing but tickets for this tour. I looked at the tickets later and I was shocked.
But even then I heard that on the day of the show you can get cheap tickets! Keep trying friend, it's definitely worth it regardless!
Yep, same-day ticket prices go way down from what I've heard
I got November LA tickets and they were $65 ea.
Just saw them last night in Toronto. Had a profound effect on me. One of the single greatest concert experiences of my life, and I was lucky enough to see the 2010s Crimson thrice. There was something special about Beat. Really felt like King Crimson to me!
Beat certainly was no "cover band"! Steve Vai was a fucking "two-headed monster"! He not only did a yeoman's job playing (and embellishing!) Robert's solos, but I never thought I would see another guitarist who could replicate Adrian's solos. Every member of this band killed it. And the chance to hear long-unplayed songs like "Waiting Man," "Thela Hun Ginjeet" (with tape effects), the REAL, "non-sung" version of "Indiscipline," Heartbeat," "Elephant Talk," and incredibly moving versions of "Sheltering Sky" and "Sartori in Tangiers" make it a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience, unless you catch the tour multiple times like I am. 😉
@@randyeisensmith1483 I’m attending nine altogether! Hopefully I can schedule more!
WHOA
Well If You are going to have a New Version of Belew and Levin plus 2 then Vai fills should be his own version of Fripp's solo. Why is Adrian Only singing his lyrics?? Not a Cover Band hmm. The Power Trio is the best.
Happy to come with my own relatable feeling after seeing this modern (of the past 10 years) lineup for Gong-here 9 years after Daevid Allen’s death-and that band WAS Gong. I was blown away. They honored the legacy of Allen and the band as a whole, while also performing VERY-Gong newer material they’d written.
Love your take. Appreciate you.
Looking for my The Power to Believe tribute band
What a great album. Do you perform it live?
I caught them twice on this tour (Chicago & Madison). I agree 100% with you that the energy and virtuosity they displayed was absolutely phenomenal.
This is rather silly. But then, can I blame you, never having seen the 80s band live? If you haven't seen that band in its first year, you really can't imagine how good it was. Because the last two years, it just wasn't that good anymore. During the sessions for the album Beat, Belew and Bruford blew up the band. It died there and then. (Hence: Requiem.) After that, it was four individuals honouring their contractual obligations. In 1981, RF had regularly improvised during tunes such as Discipline and Frame by Frame. (And I have some 40 recordings of shows from that year alone.) Never did that again after the sessions for Beat. I saw them twice in 1981, on May 15th, three days before they went in the studio to record Discipline, and once more on October 12th. When I saw them a third time on September 7th the next year, I felt slightly disappointed. Couldn't put my finger on it then, but RF's and Sid Smith's writings helped me see why. Anyway, concerning this current band and the latest KC: Belew gave RF a hard time when he wanted to play material "that he had written". Because Belew never quite could accept he hadn't been invited. So Adrian put a lot of pressure on RF not to play material basically from 81 to 03. In the meantime, Mr. Belew does one nostalgia trip after the other. Zappa, Bowie en TH are all revisited. But as far as I know, he never even went to see the latest KC in the 7 years it toured the world. He might not even have listened to any of its records. And that coming from a man who declared in 1981 that KC was his second favourite band, after The Beatles. So Robert was far more generous when he encouraged Adrian to do this (after having declined an 81 reunion several years earlier), coined the name and offered a soundscape for the walk-on. So now this Beat thing. I've seen dozens of clips from day 1 onward, already have two boots of whole shows of above excellent sound quality, and I've noticed Adrian's playing is sloppy here and there and the perfect opposites that RF and AB were on guitar, is not there now. Because Vai, who is a magician, I've seen him live with FZ twice in 81 and 82or3, is not as opposed to Belew as Fripp was. Fripp could howl too, but far more linear, I'm not sure how to put this, but aside from his obvious fantastic technique, he sounds closer to Belew in a sense, not as far from Belew as Fripp did. And that makes the spectrum smaller. And anyway, we've all had 40+ years to get used to the sounds these lads were producing, but just try for a second to imagine what it was like walking into Paradiso, Amsterdam on Friday, May 15th 1981, band called Discipline, ticket price 12,5 Dutch guilders, and then after the support (Lounge Lizards), these guys come onto the stage and play a 6.5 minutes long version of Discipline. Then: Red! KC is back!! I shiver even thinking back 43 years. That evening changed my life. First time hearing synth guitar. First time seeing and hearing Simmons, likewise Chapman stick. This Beat thing is not even half of that, because it was new in every sense then. It can never even come near being that fresh ever again. Who (besides you) cares what your wife thinks? Besides all that, the conceptualist of KC has always been RF. Robert is the heart of King Crimson. So they have the engine: Tony. But not the heart. Robert. Bruford, Levin and Fripp were the substance. Belew was the cherry on top. I've been reading some guys suggesting they come up with original material. Well, let them try. But they'll never come up with a piece even remotely like Discipline, i.m.h.o. the best piece the original band produced, its trademark/blueprint, whatever, and Beat are not even playing it. I suspect because it's too hard to learn in only a few months for one or two of its members. Steve has already said in an interview it would take him years to learn to play L3 like Robert, and you yourself have some experience with Fracture, so you know what I'm talking about. So he can get away with playing the intro to L3 the way he does, but somehow that just might not work in the piece Discipline. So if they ever come to play here in Holland, I'm seriously considering not going. All my objections aside, a forest of lit-up phone screens between the stage and me would definitely spoil it.
Yes, I agree it’s silly, but I thought it’d be fun to start the discussion.
Your KC experiences are incredible and I’m so glad you had them. I wish I could have lived through that time (and earlier, given my sincere love for Gentle Giant), but alas…
I can see how Beat isn’t half of what KC was at the time, but my “hot take” is that Beat puts on a better show. There’s no competition here, of course.
Anyway, great comment, loved reading it. But do consider going. The forest of screens wasn’t too bad and the music made me forget all about it.
@@MakeWeirdMusic All the "show" I was interested in was seeing Fripp's fingers move, and Levin's, and how did Belew make all those weird noises? at the time still desperately trying to figure out the Chapman stick. Standing by the edge of the stage, so only BB's head was visible, not been able to figure out a lot of what he was up to. We only had magazine (Musician (Fripp's diaries!), Guitar Player) interviews at the time, no internet! There was no show to distract from enabling us to view the musicianship. Just a crimson red curtain behind the stage and white light and no dried ice/smoke effects. After seeing Genesis in 78 with six revolving mirrors, lasers and "smoke" all over the place, it was quite a relief to be honest. But seeing KC four more times, in 95, 96 and recently in 2025 and 2018, has made everything come full circle for me. Even half of Court, Lizard, Larks', Red, basically every album was touched upon, except ToaPP, from which Beat are doing 7 tunes now, three of which I always skip anyway lol. Like I said, I have trainloads of live recordings from every Crim line-up and this really feels like Adrian doing yet another nostalgia trip, nice for those who missed it. Even Adrian thought at the time Beat was stronger than Discipline, but has since come to see Discipline was the better record. And ToaPP was just an afterthought. There's some good music on it, but not as good as it could have been, had AB & BB stuck to RF's way of working throughout. Btw, there's always something we wish we could have been to if we had been younger. I saw them in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam in 2018. If only I had been older than 12 on 23/11/73... Fracture was actually recorded there and then, except the bass drum and the doubling of the return of the moto perpetuo, right?
Thanks for sharing your insight and your experiences with Discipline and KC in the early eighties. I saw them live in 84 at their last concert in Montreal. Even though history tells us the band was past its prime by then it was still a transcendent experience for me to see it all performed live. My first exposure to the 80’s lineup was their performance on the TV show Fridays. I didn’t recognize half the instruments, couldn’t figure out how the sounds were being made and why one person was sitting down while the other was bouncing around thrashing their guitar. But I liked it. A lot. It was completely new, and I’ve continued to search out music that confounded me and surprised me the way the music on the Discipline album did. It’s hard to find it. I’m lucky I got to see the OG as they say and even though I’m enjoying the Beat videos and I love to hear the songs performed live, it doesn’t come with the excitement of something completely new. I’d like to find something like that, to challenge my expectations of what music can be and trigger another expansion of my musical universe. They are rare events and we can only keep a keen ear out and make room for them.
seeing this thread has made me intrigued me to search for early 80s recordings. looks like the detroit show in november 81 is as far back as i can go on youtube. it really does have a different energy hearing them in a smaller venue with the music so new. i can never imagine what that synth guitar sounded like live
I've seen both versions. I enjoyed both to a ridiculous level. Steve gets huge kudos for being able to pull this off in a way works great while not stepping on Fripp's contributions. Well done!
I’m glad this music got a chance to live again. As I left the show, I thought “this is the end of an era.” I can’t imagine cover bands playing this stuff in the future. Go see it while you still can.
I went to the Detroit show last night and after the first set of the band getting dialed in to the venue it was absolutely amazing. Second set started with Adrian vocalizing for the board to bring in the tone he wanted. Awesome set. Have a good time enjoying this Crimson lineup. Via is covering detailed progressions of the original work with slight tones that is Via himself adding to the originals works that I know well. The drummer is on it heavy and to the point. It was a great show and I think they get better with every show they play. What a great time. The Masonic Cathedral theater was packed to the gills. Well worth it in every respect.
Before you start hating, understand I'm a HUGE fan of this band/project, and a KC fan since the early '70s. But when this band can CREATE something as mind-blowing as this music was in the early '80s, we can make comparisons. There's a world of difference between playing 40 year old music and this.
Well half the current band actually did create the original music 40 years ago, plus, the current lineup also creates a lot of the music because so much of it is improvised. Steve Vai was playing things that Fripp never did and Danny Carey played stuff Bruford never did. These performances are not "note-for-note." That's why Vai said they are more of a Tribute band, than a cover band. I would never think that a jazz group (for example) is not great because they play "covers" or in their parlance "standards." What the group does with the material, how do they improve upon the material, that is the mark of greatness.
That being said, I would love it if these guys put out an album of original material.
@@JohnPrepuce That's what I'm hoping for.
agree. and I feel there's a strong chance that they can. in fact I can't wait for it)
I think it would have been a good idea to pitch Beat as a semi official Projekct particularly as it would appear that there is no other likely continuation of live KC performance. We understand that the guys have some level of approval from Robert Fripp but I dont get the feel that it is embraced 100% as the real deal. I hope that does not limit their appeal and that they can extend the tour to other countries.
"Next up: The Monkees were actually BETTER than The Beatles."
Gets my vote. Now onto V.U.'s 'Squeeze' was a better album than 'Loaded'
Nesmith did have a way with words,
I think the analogy would be more accurate if John and George joined as two of the Monkeys and called the tour “Animals”…
Thank you, this is an amazing project!
Do we really need to compare? If it’s good, it’s good. And - i know I’m gonna love this live if I get the chance.
So I saw every 80’s KC tour. My wife, much younger than me (yeah, lucky me) went to the triple drummer show pre covid and loved it. She loved the Beat show too. This was the Beat tour. It was amazing. I loved what Steve and Danny brought to the show but in my heart it isn’t KC and guess what? It doesn’t even matter. I’m not over thinking anything. Loved it completely. Glad Adrian brought this together.
King Crimson was a band that was active from 1969 to1974.
🤡
I saw Beat here in Florida and it was an amazing concert, it blew my mind and my ears! I want to see it again for sure! Thanks for the video, great stuff.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’d choose Adrian playing a ukulele with his toes over Fripps monotonous blather
here's hoping nobody forces you to
The King has risen once again! Having not attended any concert (just watched on YT), but seeing how Beat has progressed and improved, now that they have a month of shows under their fingers... wow they are a force. You are correct sir. All dates are sold out near me, but I will find a way.
Before even watching... No, Beat is NOT King Crimson, no no no.
Fripp said King Crimson is a way of doing things. Beat gets his approval and so yes, it is King Crimson.
Fripp also has a way of qualifying some comments as coming from the basement. This one looks like a perfect candidate to me.
It's half of King Crimson with a very good guitar player and drummer. Neither of them are on the same level as who they replaced (they'd agree) but it's still excellent and a very rare and interesting thing.
I don’t think Robert or Bill would deny that Steve and Danny are “on the same level.” It’s just in different direction. These two guys are at the top of their respective games and bringing their best.
@@MakeWeirdMusic Let's put it this way I can't think of two better replacements. It was legitimately great and very few players would even try it. For the sake of brutal honesty though Bill and Robert can just do things others can't do. If that even matters
Very much agreed with you there
Saw KC a couple of times in the 80's - great shows and my wife actually liked it - "they sound like an orchestra".
But I'm seeing these guys in late October, and I am really looking forward to hearing a different twist on those songs simply because change is part of what Crimson is. As long as that change is competent, lol.
The 80s KC was my first exposure to the band. I’ve seen Adrian play songs from it when I’ve seen him live, and even though he was in part responsible for the material, it tended to sound like a cover band.
I think the addition of musicians with their own identities helped transcend the cover band problem. No shade to Danny, but Steve stood out as being willing to honor the original music while striking out in some unexpected directions. I’m sure some of that was to work around Robert’s impossible guitar parts. 😂
True. I saw KC around 2000, and the one thing I really remember is Adrians extraordinary joyful performance. Having been only the frontman then, he now is the spirit of all.
Thank you for the review. Also thanks for the transcription book. I may take it to the show in a few weeks to follow along.
I saw the band last week, and I had the same exact reaction you did. My first King Crimson show was at Central Park, when Lark's Tongues in Aspic first came out, and it was astounding. Absolutely the best sound I've ever heard in any concert, and completely brilliant performance. But Crimson has always been a very serious band, with serious ambition, where this band is all about having fun playing crazy music. I can't think of a band (except NRBQ) who I've seen in years who have as much joy and sense of fun on stage. And it definitely spilled into the audience--we all had enormous grins on our faces (something I always thought was limited to NRBQ--who else would play a Sun Ra tune next to a Johnny Cash classic?). Fortunately, we don't have to choose: we can always pull out the originals and enjoy that version or listen to the new band--an embarrassment of riches!
There is no way to compare watching videos of concerts to the actual live experience. I saw KC live at First Avenue in Minneapolis in 1984 and to this day, I still consider it the greatest show I've ever been to (and I've been to hundreds). Fripp, at that show, certainly did not prefer to "be in the dark". He, along with Bruford, Levin and Belew was at the top of his game, playing mind-blowing guitar parts. He even smiled at times!
100% agree with you. Obviously, a UA-cam video does not capture a live performance. But I’ve also been to lots of concerts and I have enough of a sense to know when the band is on fire. KC was on fire frequently! What a band! But Beat feels like it just flows effortlessly (except for a few moments where I disagree with Adrian’s timing on stuff that seemed to throw the band off). KC had some odd dynamics and politics.
Beat was incredible.
Ages between 60-80 years and those players were all so on point. It was one of the best performances I’ve seen.
Absolutely loved some of the ways Vai did Fripps parts as well.
The leads from both Vai and Belew all so creative and played with so much expression.
I heard someone in the, that had probably never watch king crimson videos, didn’t even know Belew was a lead player.
Awesome words of wisdom, brother!
Thank you for watching and enjoying
I was at the friends & family show in Seattle as well - Great fun! We have tickets for BEAT in Chicago. Really looking forward to it. Thanks for the supportive and insightful review!
I saw the Lark's Tongue ensemble many a long year ago and the 2018 King Crimson tour. I revere Adrian Belew and Tony Levin, but it doesn't matter how good Beat are (and they are wonderful) they will never be 'better' than King Crimson. They may reach the same stellar heights. Thanks for the video!
I fully agree with both your points. Beat performs better on stage (more fun and more energy); Beat IS King Crimson, that's for sure. Now, to fully realize these two points, we want a new BEAT = KC album! Bob Fripp can join if he wants.
Anthony - I have tix for the upcoming LA show and am looking forward to seeing the band perform songs I saw KC play 2x in the 80s. I can’t quite get to calling them another iteration of KC, but I’m totally fine with calling BEAT a “ProjeKct”. Part of my rationale is that RF was part of all KC iterations, but not all ProjeKcts. Besides, RF has played with Steve Vai previously and nominated him as the only suitable candidate for his parts. AND, RF blessed Adrian’s efforts to create the band… even going so far as to suggest the band’s name!
Have seen videos of BEAT playing and have been duly impressed. As you point out, they’re having great fun with classic KC material versus playing like an 7/8 piece classical ensemble. I love both approaches and hope others open their minds to have a good time and as RF urged “Rock Out”! - chip