first/best
Apologies up front; short title, but this may get long & gushy. If you start to feel nauseous, please stop reading.
I’m a lifelong guisician & prog fan but it took me till earlier this year @ age 58 to dive into the Crim rabbit hole. Next step? Go to a show. They’d be in New York on 9/21 @ Radio City Music Hall, but as a wedding band leader (actually quite a good one, not looking for pity here) I’m gigging every Saturday night. That’s how Monday 9/23 in Philadelphia became my first King Crimson show.
Drove down from Long Island solo & sat next to the wonderful Tim & family from Ohio. Seated between Mom & Dad, Tim’s 14 year-old son is a guitarist & huge fan. Knowing they couldn’t make the 9/25 Cleveland show, they drove across Pennsylvania to be there Monday; beautiful!
There was a lovely overall vibe in the audience. It’s rare, but the great bands build a community that makes new members feel welcome as well.
As for an actual review of the show...best I’ve ever been to, and I’ve seen my share. It was intense, fun and completely (unexpectedly?) soulful. Masters, equals, I’m thinking friends, lifting each other on stage & taking everyone with them. This is what music can do.
I didn’t pace myself at all & was spent by the end of the 1st set AS AN AUDIENCE MEMBER. This gives you a pretty good idea of what it takes for these guys to do their thing. All respect & gratitude for what they laid down.
And the cherry on top; Mel Collins on the alto flute [I think during MOONCHILD].