The Eight-Headed Beast slays!
My 12-year-old-drummer Andrew (Drumson?) and I just had the best night of our lives witnessing the finest band. As Mr. Fripp says about this definitive version of KC: “Nothing is quite the same afterwards”. The Royal Package enabled us to get front row seats. The higher price is worth it, and it helps keep Crimson on the road.
Iona Singleton has such a great aura and gave everyone a nice greeting at the door, handing out the artful bags designed by her brother. Next we met the super-nice Adrian at merch, followed by getting a photo opportunity with the lovely Patricia Fripp “Take a photo with Fripp’s sister; you won’t get one with Robert!”
Then David Singleton (The Vicar) made great observations about the music and the business. Next, RF surprised everyone by addressing the audience. The banter between him and "Sister" is priceless. Then Jakko spoke, and was really friendly to Andrew and me.
It seems Crimson is becoming even more organic and emotional! Pat, Gavin and Jeremy are really interlocking. Who else could make three drummers up front work? The drum-only features are fabulous. Gavin’s solo during 21st Century Schizoid Man even amazes the band.
Tony is wonderful as always, he can play in so many different ways with textures are that are invaluable. Jakko (My favorite Crimson vocalist of all) can sing all emotions so powerfully and/or delicately. Hearing/seeing him sing Easy Money...wow. I love how he performs Neurotica, and how he SINGS Indiscipline. His guitar playing is brilliant with how he weaves or trades with Fripp. Chris was put in quite the spot and looked a bit nervous (rightfully so). And we wish Bill R. the best to return.
Robert’s playing is as great as ever, and he seems so happy up there (I think he knows how special this KC is). As he has said, “I respond to enthusiasm”.
The Islands Coda intro is a great choice. I first heard Crimso buying that record used in 1975. The Letters and Islands (and Sailor’s Tale from Minneapolis in June) are even more remarkable by this band. Oh my! Mel Collins! Transcendent! And hearing Lizard and Cirkus in 2017...who ever thought that would happen?
The Radical Action pieces, Level 5, Construction of Light, LTIA 1, Talking Drum plus LTIA2, Starless, most of ITCOTKC. A big thank you to the 21st Century Schizoid Band for resurrecting some of the early material.
Moonchild! Sinfield and Palmer-James must be pleased that their lyrics are being sung again. Plus the Great Eight play the tunes differently each time.
Photographers are still caught in the act! Energy Vampires as Peter Hammill calls them. And someone called out “Free Bird”...No!!!, but the crowd was largely respectful. I lost count of how many fans were saying it was the best show they've ever seen. And of course a big part of these events is talking/raving to fellow fans.
I love how Gavin and Pat are able to lock eyes and engage the audience whilst playing some very tricky parts. Gavin gave Andrew his sticks after the concert.
Let’s do this again tomorrow night!