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March 11, 1972  |
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FairGround Coliseum Indianapolis, IN |
 Quite an odd show - but quite a good one as well October 30, 2012
Written by jeffoaster
The write up for the following night at Summit Studios calls it "a contender for the strangest show in the archives." Well, this show, occurring only a day before, certainly gives it a run for the money. For one, it’s short - and fortunately the price reflects its brevity - which is clearly due to time constraints (and it is likely incomplete as Boz announces Cirkus after Pictures of a City). The other is the performances. It seems that the band was up against a curfew, and when Fripp’s pedalboard crapped out on him before Sailor’s Tale, Boz and Co pretty much decide to go on without him (is it just me or does someone say a rather curt "no" when Boz says to start the song). Anyway, we get treated to a really bizarre version of ST in which they start with the section that normally bridges Formentara Lady and Sailor’s Tale. I can only imagine what went on, and I envision something along these lines: Fripp unplugs his guitar from the pedalboard and performs "naked" - simply accompanying the other three. I have a feeling that the problem is solved, some signal is given, and the proper track begins. However, Fripp still is not re-patched to the board so he is still playing without his effects. Once it comes time for the solo, there is about a 10-15 second drum and bass duet (while Fripp replugs himself?) and then he launches into a beautiful, mournful solo unlike any other ST solos that I’ve heard. Great stuff. For some reason, after Sailor’s Tale, they launch into a briefer than usual drum solo (why the drum solo and not another song is a bit curious. Actually a drum solo might’ve been better than Ladies of the Road, but I digress) and then tear into a frenzied Schizoid Man - with almost all of the vocals annoyingly fed through the VCS3. Afterwards, the band apologizes for having to leave the stage and an announcement is made about the curfew and could everyone leave quickly. It must’ve been a frustrating show from a fan’s point of view. 40 years on, it’s a fascinating document to listen to. Add in the reduced price to go with decent enough sound quality, and it’s a no-brainer.
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