Going live today, two shows from the same day in New York City from 1972.
Originally released in the Sailors' Tales boxed set, these are being added to the site for the first time to coincide with the Nugs streaming launch of the tour. This was the second stop on what would come to be known as the Earthbound Tour, as Robert, Mel, Boz and Ian fulfilled touring commitments after the band had determined to split up. Despite the strained personal relationships, musically the band were in great form.
The Academy of Music, a 3400 seat former movie theatre at 126 East 14th Street, emerged as a major rock concert venue after the closure of the Fillmore East in 1971. It was operated by Howard Stein up until 1976 when Ron Delsener took it over and renamed it the Palladium. Typically there would be several acts on the bill with two shows per night. On this occasion King Crimson headlined with Flying Burrito Brothers and Redbone as openers.
Reviewing the concert for Billboard, Carol Seiler had this to say: “King Crimson had their audience in the palm of their hands Feb 12, at the Academy of Music. It was especially obvious near the end of each song when the British group demanded pin-drop silence until the last vibration of the final note was heard. Only then could the audience break into wild applause or call requests to the group.”
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