The last time King Crimson was scheduled to play at this venue in March 2003, a large snowfall had caused the gig to be cancelled. Eight months later the snow was once again falling in Denver but this time the band made it through. The weather might have accounted for the fairly sparse turn-out for this gig in a venue that was accustomed to over 3,000 music lovers filling its seats. Regardless of the empty seats, the Crims turn in a very good performance here. “Good evening. Well, we finally made it here. I think we made a wrong turn somewhere in Montana,” laughs Belew. “But anyway we’re a lot older and wiser now,” he says as a frantic conversation takes off-mic behind revealing some confusion about what should be following Level Five. Is it ProzaKc or TCOL? The answer is a beautifully executed The ConstruKction of Light, and arguably one of the best of the tour so far. FaKcts Of Life injects yet more fuel in Crimson’s tank and, suitably turbocharged, they whiz through EleKtrik and a few other gems from the KC canon. Perhaps the finest moment comes from the shockwaves caused by Larks’ Tongues In Aspic Pt IV, especially Belew’s solo. This is closely followed by the calming resolution of The Deception Of The Thrush with Mastelotto’s jingle-bell shaker reminding folks of the chilly weather conditions outside and bringing that part of the gig to a beautiful conclusion. With the band staying overnight in Denver the road crew, having packed up the van, then drive off to find the highway and begin the overnight drive to St.Louis - a mere 885 miles.
