Hugh has posted up a new set of photographs from KC’s show
at the Cape Cod Coliseum, South Yarmouth, MA,
on June 26, 1974.
They were taken by Clint Bahr who is will be
known to some as bassist and vocalist from the band TriPod, who also sent this
review of the gig which had Crimson sandwiched between opening act Golden
Earring and headliners The Mahavishnu Orchestra
“The Coliseum was a "hollow cement block of a building", used for sports events. The acoustics weren't...but it had a charm to beat all obstacles. I had never seen any of the aforementioned bands' at that point, and knew the music of Mahavishnu the best. But all that changed that evening.
Golden Earring played a fine set, culminating with their then summertime Hit "Radar Love", and the literal "exploding drummer"...lots of fun!
During the stage change, roadies began wheeling out KC's gear, with Bill’s percussion rack shinning in the brightly lit auditorium (that was a show in itself). Then walls of Hiwatts, Trons & Pianets were put in there respective
Places, one white, one black. With final adjustments made by the crew the light's dim, atmospheric music wafts through the air, audience screams, darkened stage with shadowy figures take their position, then SQUASHEEEZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!
King Crimson had arrived...light's, volume, gongs & fuzz - it was spectacular.
Having witnessed many great concerts prior to this, the only other band to match this visceral performance (for me) was The Who in sheer energy...whew!
Next, was John McLaughlins' "new" Mahavishnu Orchestra with Jean-Luc Ponty & Narada Michael Walden. Upon arriving on stage, John asked the audience for "a moment of quiet meditation", before they began.
Well, some character broke the silence by shouting "rock & fucking roll asshole", which definitely got things off to an interesting start.
Mahavishnu were absolutely fantastic, but I have to say that King Crimson stole the show that night – that’s how good they were.
The Crimson performance was an epiphany for me as a musician. It opened my eyes & ears to what could be accomplished by stretching rock music to its limits. KC have always been a rock band - left of center, yes, but with great song writing, record production, and a pummelling live act with serious dynamics. They had/have it all. So in closing, enjoy these photos of Messrs. Fripp/Wetton/Bruford & Cross. An amazing band, and a nice bunch of gents to boot.”
