Robert Fripp's Diary

20.50. New Pine Knob Music Theatre

20.50 New Pine Knob Music Theatre, Auburn Hills (Detroit).

A hard day’s traveling: hotel lobby 08.00, drive to Rochester airport, fly to Detroit, pick up a van and drive to Auburn Hills in time to miss lunch at the Hilton Suites (at 13.30!). But a salad was generously provided when ordered at 13.33, along with lukewarm coffee, and in the company of Mr. Drummer.

We talked about the finances of a working road musician with no catalogue - essentially hand to mouth. In my own professional situation, catalogue has usually provided half of the year’s earnings, current work the other half. Current work usually generates its own catalogue earnings (in time) and helps to maintain existing catalogue. The royalties are as a featured artist and (usually) writer. We discussed the Crimson and DGM set-up, KC’s sharing basis and the rationale for it.

Jeff has known Joe since their very early days. Jeff and his wife, the manager of a shop in a chain of Bay Area delicatessens in the Bay Area, have been together for 20 years. She has known him since his first auditions.

Today I’m missing my own Little Wife exceptionally, but still haven’t been able to reach her. Today and tomorrow are exceptionally busy times for her. Tonight she is being driven from Ludlow to London, for filming 5 VH1 programmes tomorrow morning that she is also scripting, and is then driven back to Ludlow afterwards. I called from Detroit airport and left a message at the Blue Boar Inn, and a message on her answering machine in London to welcome her home.

But managed to speak to Sister who yesterday saw Murder At 1600 and Scream on a double bill.

Tonight’s venue: another open-air covered amphitheatre with grass verge stretching up and back. Warm, balmy weather. The set: 17.00 - 18.50. Mike Keneally came out and played solos over the Soundscapes, then Stu Hamm joined in, then Steve Vai took over the bass from Stu. For me, a superb treat and a wonderful event very much in keeping with the open and welcoming spirit of G3.

Mick Brigden is back from the Coast for the rest of this leg and very much enjoyed the other members sitting-in with Soundscapes.

The facility staff and catering people are exceptionally friendly and helpful tonight. There is cheesecake and frozen yogurt. Well armed with these goodies, between-set and jam-guitar practising has been going well.

Apparently my Red House solo was well received by Kenny & Noah last night (although re-calibrating the ear-hairs of John, Bill and the techs on their side of the stage) and Kenny even mentioned it on a radio show with Ted Nugent today. Mike the Drummer also spoke favourably of it - you’re a psycho! he said encouragingly.

Point of terror: the Satrianis have got hold of The Shaggs’ CD and I am awaiting initiation tonight. I am afraid. Be very afraid said Doug Brandywine.