“Who would’ve ever thought that you’d hear the word ‘happy’ so many times in a King Crimson song” says a grinning Adrian Belew mid-way through what must be one of Crimso’s most playful of gigs. It’s clear from the off that the band are enjoying being back in what is known to be a very KC-friendly venue.
Looking out at the crowd Belew exclaims “These are our people!” And he wasn’t the only one to be impressed that night. “Hooray! A most enjoyable show at Park West” wrote Robert Fripp in his diary. “A generous audience and, significantly, the area in front of the band was standing - this is a first at Park West in 23 years of playing here. We are used to looking out at tables, right up to the stage. This seems to be the best format for us: standing at the front, seating at the back, sides & above. A well-spirited performance from band & audience.”
DGMLive web supremo to-be, Eric Anderson, was a member of that audience and saw the band on both nights of their Chicago sojourn. “At one of the shows the band was called back for a second encore, and Potato Pie was played” recalls Eric. The song was only played handful of times on the tour as was Eyes Wide Open which also makes its DGMLive debut.
Buyer beware - thanks to a particularly malicious, not to say pernicious, gremlin on the soundboard, LTIA pt4 cuts out almost as soon as it starts. Otherwise what we have here is a generous helping of some prime Crimson. Get tucked in!
