Performance Review: King Crimson Dethroned at the Keswick
Robert Fripp! Adrian Belew! Tony Levin! Oh my! On Monday and Tuesday night, legendary prog-rock outfit King Crimson — in a two-drummer quintet format — held court at Glenside’s Keswick Theatre for two sold-out shows. But this reviewer wonders if this shouldn’t be the band’s farewell tour …
In 10 Words or Less … There’s one fewer King Crimson fan in this world.
Strengths … The best thing that King Crimson has going for it at this point is its members’ reputations and pedigrees. Founder/guitarist Robert Fripp is a mad genius (you’d know his work from his bizzare collaborations with Brian Eno and David Bowie’s Heroes). Fans view the enigmatic Peter Gabriel-collaborator Tony Levin, who either plays something called a Chapman Stick or a bass with dowels attached to his flying fingers, as some sort of mystical musical shaman. And don’t forget frontman/guitarist Adrian Belew, who has worked with such notable folks as Frank Zappa, Talking Heads, Tori Amos, and Nine Inch Nails. And then there is Crimson’s massively impressive catalog of indiosyncratic, logarithm rock. All of this should add up to a brilliant night of live music. And it certainly used to, based on the several times I’ve seen Crimson over the years. For examples, check out this TV performance of “Elephant Talk” and this 1995 take on “Red.”
Weaknesses … So what you also need to know about Robert Fripp is that he is one peculiar little English prick. Fans like to exchange stories about how Fripp goes out of his way to avoid any interaction with them. No autographs. No pictures. Never. At the Keswick show, security made a huge point of “no cell phones, no cameras.” No cell phones? Are you kidding me? But that’s nothing compared to Fripp’s new level of withdraw: He is completely enshrouded by his stacks of equipment and is invisible to the audience, with the exception of his little head — topped by big old black headphones that further separate him from the rest of the people in the room and onstage — which occasionally moves. He could be back there checking his stocks or downloading porn for all we know. But hey, lots of “artists” are “eccentric,” and for years, we’ve been forgiving of Fripp’s persona (or attracted to it) because the music has been so damn good. No longer. The performance was imprecise, lackluster, and laughably horrible at times, as Belew’s glares and shaking head certainly acknowledged.
Verdict … I’m sorry to the guy from down South who was eating bread dosed with liquid acid at Glenside’s Plush before the show. He made some comment about King Crimson being “rusty.” I assumed he had just lost one too many brain cells to render any kind of credible opinion. I was wrong. As was King Crimson. So wrong.
ILLUSTRATION: From the band’s 1969 debut, In the Court of the Crimson King
August 13th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I saw KC in Chicago last week, and they were awesome !! Perhaps they just had an off night in Philly.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Why would you want to use a cellphone in a concert? There was no ban (in Chicago) on taking them in, only on using them – and if someone was on the phone whilst I was listening I would be pretty annoyed
August 13th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
That’s a bummer that Crimson didn’t do so hot in Philly – but that’s a crappy excuse to be “on less King Crimson fan in the world”. There was no head-shaking or glares from Adrian during the Chicago run – everyone was spot on (though Fripp had his amp turned down so it was difficult to hear him).
They were excellent in Chicago. Hopefully they’ll be back in step during the NY run.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Your review told me nothing about the show.
August 13th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Perhaps next time Crimson plays Philly, the Daily Examiner can send a music journalist to the show to give an informed, open-eared, and interested review for readers to read. Until then, we’ll just have to wait.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
The reviewer couldn’t be further off. I am not a huge Crimson fan but I do enjoy seeing a good band. They were very tight, and performed very well together. Belew was “spot on”.
That said, it was more than a little annoying that you couldn’t see Fripp. I referred to him as “Fripp in the Box” as every once in a while, he would pop up to make an adjustment. My buddy was perhaps more accurate with a “Whack-a-Mole” description. Is Fripp of the opinion that you don’t need to see the artist play to appreciate the music? Could be… That’s why we buy cd’s. When going to a concert, I don’t want to feel like I am on the set of Wizard of Oz being told not to pay attention to the man behind the curtain!
If you haven’t seen them yet, ignore Victor’s review and go. Have a laugh at Fripp and his odd ways, but enjoy the show.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
What an ignorant review. Interesting how little of this review — one sentence! — has anything to do with the music or the performance. It all dwells on the past history of the band, the performers, or how the personal quirks or performance requirements of the musicians affect fans who demand more than just the musical performance they have paid for and are entitled to. Shame on Victor Fiorillo — he should regret posting anything this vapid — and shame on the magazine for this low standard in music coverage.
August 13th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
This reviewer has lost a few brain cells. He is uninformed. The two shows did have their differences, but there is no other group of musicians that can play that type of music so precisely. The two shows were a nod to the 40 years of the band’s existence. Philly was fortunate to be one of the 4 cities that this little celebration visited.
Is this website is becoming just another site for a guy to blog and put more crap out on the internet?
August 13th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
fripp was center stage not hidden behind behind the speaker that was adrian…how can you be writing the music reviews!!!This review is an insult to anyone who attended the shows or knows the band
August 13th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
That is wildly strange to ‘no longer be a fan’ due to one show that this person considers not up to par.
P.S. Acid dosent kill brain cells… you probably call weed a narcotic too, dont yah?
August 13th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Apparently You Don’t Belong At A Krimson Concert,(Much Less Know), Anything About CRIMSON !!!
You Are An Idiot !!!!
Believe It !!!!
August 13th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
I don’t want to endure a cell phone conversation at a concert. I don’t care that no one [except Levin] could take pictures. And I don’t much care that Fripp was behind a rig. I paid to be there; the man can do what he wants. I’ll take his eccentricities along with his genius any day. [And by the way, since when does name-calling pass for a concert review?]
What I do care is that your readers know there are other opinions about the concert. I was at the Keswick on the 12th and I thought the show was compelling. It was thrilling to hear as much as we did from their older canon and the pieces sounded as fresh as ever. In fact, some renditions were spectacular, in particular Frame by Frame, the wild Indiscipline, the achingly beautiful Walking On Air. The reviewer made no mention of the band’s powerful but controlled attack, the inspired pairing of Mastelotto and Harrison, Belew’s boundless energy, Levin’s style and dexterity, or that Fripp was visible and smiling while applauding Version VII after one of the three encores.
The reviewer commented on Belew’s reactions. As much as I love the Keswick, consider that there were some sonic glitches that had zero to do with Crimson. I don’t recall any glowering [in fact, Belew looked like he enjoyed himself] but I thought I saw a reaction to a few of the snaps and pops.
I thought it was a breathtaking show. Version VII decimates bands half their age and, judging from what I experienced at the Keswick, Crimson is still king.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
“So what you also need to know about Robert Fripp is that he is one peculiar little English prick..”
This is not my experience of the man.. you clearly know him better than most…
“..and for years, we’ve been forgiving of Fripp’s persona (or attracted to it) because the music has been so damn good. No longer”.
What do you mean “we”, white-man.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Re. cellphones. When entering any area for the purposes of entertainment, such as a movie theater, or a stage play, it is customary and polite to make sure that your cellphone is switched OFF, in order not to disturb people who have paid good money to *watch and listen to a show*, rather than be interrupted by endless bleepings and loud conversations with the boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband/boss or whatever. If you have to have your cellphone on and expect to be interrupted, then why go see a show? The reviewer obviously is as clueless regarding basic manners as he is about reviewing a show. In fact, his review told me nothing whatsoever about the performance; I get the distinct impression he had written the review before he had even walked into the theater.
August 13th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I did not see this “mini-tour”, but in this review I learned more about the reviewer than about the band.
August 13th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
I was at the Monday show at the Keswick and I do agree that the Examiner review is somewhat annoying. But I would also have to say that I did not feel the performance was as good as previous KC shows I have been to. The thundering drum duo would have been perfect for some bands but seemed out of place with KC. The shows I attended in the past (80’s/90’s) were played with a finesse and precision that this show did lack. And the sound was not clean, which is too bad because the set list was great and the Keswick is a fine theater. Nothing so horrible that I would stop being a fan or discourage anyone from going to the next show.
August 13th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Tell me how you really feel!
How was the show? How was the sound? What songs did they play? The author’s Hamlet review most likely forgot to mention that someone saw a “Ghost”.
Oh well , everyone is entitled to their opinion.
In 10 words or less : The Daily Examiner has lost a fan.
But that’s what makes it a horserace.
Bob T.
August 13th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
People are entitled to their opinions, and the author of this review is no exception.
However, I attended both Keswick shows, and I did notice a difference between the two shows.
Monday night’s show was full of energy and adrenaline. There were some minor mistakes, and a few noticeable flubs in “One Time”. Overall, a good performance by the band. Tony and Adrian’s stage presence/charisma really came through.
However, the sound was rather harsh and very unbalanced. Gavin Harrison’s drums were particularly loud, while I could not hear Tony Levin’s Stick or Bass work very well, ditto for veteran drummer Pat Mastelotto. At times, I could Adrian’s and Fripp’s guitars very well, and other times I could not. The show certainly suffered from techincal difficulties, but the band’s agility, energy and prowess helped them overcome some of these issues.
In regard to the second night, the sound was much, much better and well balanced, everyone could be heard. The sound was warmer and more inviting, if you will. The band still had great energy and enthusiasm. While a mistake or two were hard to miss, it was a tighter performance than the first night.
In regard to the cell phone ban – I beleive there are three issues with cell phones: cell phone cameras, cell phone use disturbing other audience members, and the potential interference of cell phones with the band’s sound system. None are desireable by Mr Fripp, and some audience members.
As to Fripp’s withdrawl from the audience and the rest of the band, it is something we have grown accustomed to. I am not particularly fond of Mr Fripp vis-a-vis some of his comments and reactions/treatment of fans, and some of his border-line neurotic idiosyncracies. Whatever – I am a fan of King Crimson’s music, not necessarily Robert Fripp.
Bottom line: go see the show with an open mind and make your own judgement. The experience will lend you to make an informed opinion. If you like it, support the band by buying their cds and other merchandise.
August 13th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
“Indiosyncratic”?
If you’re going to use big words to spice up a bland review, at least spell them correctly.
August 13th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Victor Fiorillo is an idiot. His comment regarding Fripp:”He could be back there checking his stocks or downloading “pron” for all we know” indicates to me that the reviewer is of the “Video killed the radio star” variety. I saw the same band and essentially the same show on Aug3 in Nashville, and I have to say it was a tremendous performance, with a plethora of older material played, that titillated the KC faithful. Perhaps Victor should stick to Courtney Love type reviews, as he is most obviously, oblivious to real music.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:55 am
Victor Fiorillo’s review is imprecise, lackluster, and laughably horrible journalism. If he paid for his journalism degree he should sue the institution and demand his money back. Not only was the Monday night Keswick performance a brilliant extension of the ongoing trajectory of the Crimson “way of doing things,” it may very well have been the best single show I’ve ever witnessed… and I’ve witnessed or worked several hundred.
Comment for “kevin Says”: Fripp was the one hidden behind the rack gear; Adrian Belew was front and center. as always.
As to Fripp’s “withdrawal,” he is free to choose how he inteacts with band and audience; my “take” is that – as his standing to the side and applauding the rest of the band during the bows/curtain call would indicate – he views himself more as a band director than as a part of the band per se. If one knows anything about Fripp, that “take” seems consistent with his own self-assessment. This is nothing new… on Peter Gabriel’s initial solo tour on which Fripp played, only his right leg was visible from behind a stage curtain. So is it ever with him.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:30 am
I went to both shows. The material and arrangements were incredible. But yes, sound problems were the only thing making it less than perfect (which sucks, because I traveled a long way and spent a lot of money to see it). The few minor blemishes in the show and the unfortunate screw up by Adrian on “One Time” I’m positive was because of the sound. I’m an active musician, and I know what it’s like to have shitty monitoring on stage. They seemed extremely well rehearsed and tight, they didn’t mess up on where the parts are or chords or anything. Getting off beat occasionally happens when there is poor monitoring and stuff gets lost in the bad mix.
The arrangements and new line up was just sublime and excellent…bad sound can fuck up a great show. And yes, I almost forgot Fripp was there sometimes. He was hidden behind an amp with no spotlight and was quiet. But whatever.
August 14th, 2008 at 3:08 am
I’ve seen Crimson 4 times now going back to the mid ’90’s. This performance was spot-on excellent.
The two drummer attack was at times jaw-dropping. Tony Levin is a beast.
Belew should have just buried his guitar after the show because he abused it without shame.
Audiophiles know that the Keswick does not have the best acoustics and the Crims did the very best with what they had to work with. Cell phones were allowed, they just asked you to turn them off …not an over-the-top request. The reviewer sounds like he is the “prick”.
Any Crimson fan knows that Fripp is unique, to say the least. So what. Wow, a musician having social issues. Shocking. Who cares. Fripp quietly lays down the canvas that Belew and the rest of the band paint upon. If Fripp was in the front you would have seen a 60-something year old man sitting with perfect school-boy posture with his pick arm bent perfectly at the elbow at 90 degrees. Woo-Hoo!! Rock-N-Roll!!!!
Get over it. This is why God invented Eddie Van Halen.
If anything, I was impressed with (during encore applause) how Fripp stood off to the side and applauded his band mates, the reluctant leader of the group wanting the attention to be focussed on the guys who got the job done, and did it well.
My only request would be an encore from deeper in the Crimson catalogue (Starless PLEASE!). Other than that, Bravo!! I didn’t want the show to end.
August 14th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Hey, here’s an idea: Next time you write a ‘review’, concetrate on teh performance and the music – NOT your frustration that fripp didn’t shake your hand r snap a picture with him giving you an autograph.
It’s called a MUSIC revieew, remember?
…what an idiot.
P.S: Jim DeRogatis called; he wants his editorial rage back.
August 14th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Hey, here’s an idea: Next time you write a ‘review’, concetrate on the performance and the music – NOT your frustration that fripp didn’t shake your hand r snap a picture with him giving you an autograph.
It’s called a MUSIC review, remember?
…what an idiot.
P.S: Jim DeRogatis called; he wants his editorial rage back.
August 14th, 2008 at 8:28 am
This review is by some putz who had a few zingers he needed to use. Go back to beating off to your Radiohead records.
August 14th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Personally, I thought Monday’s show was fantastic, Tuesday’s just very good. Too bad the reviewer mentioned nothing about the music played. It’s very complex stuff, not your 3 chord love songs. The band was pretty tight considering they had not played together in several years & only had a couple weeks to practice the songs.
As for Mr Fripp, if he is reclusive, that is his right. And speaking of right, anyone sitting on the right side toward the front of the theatre, as I was, had a perfect view of him.
August 14th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I am so upset by this jerks review,let me tell all King Crimson fans ,its just a review>I saw King Crimson in 2004 in new york city in the front row right in front of Mr Fripp and all he did was smile the whole evening after seeing the complete joy on my face ,I am going to the show tonight in the Nokia Theater and this time I am a few rows back on Robert’s side so be it those are the tickets I got,but hey its been a long 4 years and I am psyched out I can’t wait to see the boys ,I still must admit I miss Bruford,:( I am sure the show will be amazing ,Much love to all the Crimheads
:)
August 14th, 2008 at 10:33 am
WOW!
This reviewer obviously must have had a bad day prior to seeing the show.
His article is full of exaggeration and lies.
Mr. Fripp was not “completely enshrouded by stacks of equipment and invisible”. He sat behind 1 stack of effect units and stood to make adjustments many times during the evening.
I was fortunate enough to be sitting front row stage right at an angle were I could see Robert’s magic fingers at work.. He was smiling and having a great time, which is in itself an indication how phenomenal the concert was.
And as for “Belew’s glares and shaking head”. My impression was he was also well pleased as his gracious smiles to audience members who made eye contact with him would express to anyone really paying attention to the show.
Fantastic night. Great show. I only wish I could be there for the final four shows in NY.
Any one that is going to the shows at the Nokia, rest assured your in for the time of your life!
August 14th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Yep, checked the “review” once again, and this Fiorillo guy is still a pretentious retard.
Or, he gets paid by how many comments he gets for writing a bunch of bile-infested crap, insulting people who do know about music.
“Something called the Chapman Stick”. What an ignorant douchebag.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Don’t hate me because I disagree with you. And yes, I saw the same show you did.
Of the dozen or so King Crimson concerts I have seen since 1972 this (8/12/08) was the only one I ever found to be disappointing, rote and lackluster. I know this band. I’m the guy that bought the first import LPs when they hit the US stores in the 70’s and I’m the guy that drove 150 miles to see them play Doctor Diamond again because it was an unreleased song. I’m thrilled to see fans explode with joy at King Crimson 2008 but trust me when I tell you, this dog has seen better days.
The addition of Gavin Harrison injected some sparkle and life and indeed, he and fellow percussionists Pat Mastelotto were the absolute highlight for me. I should qualify further by saying that the Beat and TOAPP albums are the only releases in the KC canon that took me years to warm up to and I’m still not entirely convinced. This concert, primarily devoted to that era felt (and looked) uninspired and mechanical. They didnt even bother to do their customary free improvisation and I venture to say these lads can play this stuff in their sleep, and almost did. They did not however play “Sleepless.”
Fripp, in his headphones, cocooned on stage by gobos, monitors and equipment racks was totally obscured from my 4th row seat. Whatever philosophically driven mania compels this Fripp to remove himself from his self chosen place in the rock and roll limelight, I can only hope it serves him better than it serves me in the audience for it has now reached the point of being a distraction rather than his presumed opposite intention. I heard one paying customer say he almost felt insulted and the man had a point. You really are admired Fripp, and sometimes it comes with the job, so just get over yourself already and as Franks Zappa said “Shut up and play yer guitar.”
For my money ($57 USD) he relinquished the stage and artistic responsibilities to designated driver Belew, who as always, is the consummate artist and craftsman. Even Adrian seemed a bit distracted by this tired material, once losing his place for a second at the beginning of Red (you can never fall of the train though, when Tony Levin is bass player) and having little if anything to say to the audience the entire evening. I didn’t mind that “Dinosaur” was choppy and distracted but the Elephant talk guitar sounds so compelling in 1983, sound gimmicky and stale in 2008. Every kid with a new strat and a $300 pedal board is wanking his whammy bar in their parents basement with glee getting the same sounds through their laptops. With all the sample and midi technology available (not least of all to King Crimson) there isn’t much you can’t do with a guitar nowadays and the only sweat on the front line seemed to be from spotlights or the spray from the drum risers. I prefer my KC with more musical muscle movement and less button pushing, box stomping and reliance on sampled sounds. Unplug something. Go play outdoors, boys.
The pre-recorded voice overs were almost wincingly embarrasing given the level of technological complexity of the stage and sound set up. I found the house sound to be quite acceptable, though predictably two notches too loud, especially the subwoofers which throttled my chest with bass drums all night. Oh yea I know, the kids love that and want there money back if they can’t “feel” the damn music ripple their flesh.
Once innovators and at the forefront of what “rock” music was and can be, this King Crimson conveniently recycled old (and to my taste, lesser) material that easily accommodated Tony Levin with presumably a minimum of rehearsal time, leaving it to Pat and Gavin to do all the heavy lifting. Barely of whiff of the 21st century, man.
And finally, when the band takes their well deserved bows (yes, they are still King Crimson after all, how bad can they ever really be) there stands the avuncular Fripp, retired now to the wings applauding them, looking all the proud schoolmaster as if he had nothing to do with it any of it. But then perhaps that is/was his goal after all in the end.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I was at both shows at the Keswick and actually met the reviewer at the bar Plush. He told us he was going to write a review of the show, but he could not actually discuss King Crimson’s music. I really did not give his musical opinions very much credence because it was quite obvious this guy was not really a music fan. (He did claim to have seen KC back around 1984) When we asked him about KC’s music and tried to dig a little to see if he had any real knowledge of what the band is about he could not offer any comments. He stated he was there because he got free tickets to come see the show and ”might” write a review. I did hear the guy from ”down South” that he had read one of the reviews from the Nashville or Chicago’s shows where the reviewer said they sounded a bit rusty. The ”guy from down South” went on to say that, ”He could not see how KC could ever sound rusty when one considers the level of musicianship that is required to compose and perform their catalog of tunes which are quite complex and obviously unappealing to the listeners of 3-4 minute sound bites that permeate today’s so called ”art culture”. The first show was outstanding! The energy level was awesome and that carried over into the performance. The second night was good, not great. There seemed to be some timing issues between Adrian and one of the drummers. That did not take away from it being a good show, it just lacked some of the musical ”punch” that came forth on Monday night. Robert’s enthusiasm was very apparent during the encores on Monday night reflected the very same level the audience had for that evening performance. Having seen KC several times over the years(yes, really), and it does seem that Robert is distancing himself more and more from the audience(which I do not prefer). Normally, musicians do not want anything blocking them from the audience so they can feed off the energy. Seeing him sitting behind the amp stack, but unable to see him playing was different. He never looked into the audience and that part kind of befuddles me, too. Overall the concerts were very good.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
To the DAILEY Examiner; WHEW!! YOUR Concert Reviewer,…walked RIGHT IN!, to THIS ONE!! HAH!, HAH!,HAH!! I LOVED the >REBUTTALSITHERETHATProfessionalSEMI-DARKNESSVIDEO-TapedGENIUS!
August 14th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I totally disagree. I have seen crimson since 74 and these 2 shows were the best ever. he is entitled to his opinion but everyone i talked to was blown away by them!!!! long live the king!!
August 14th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
How is it that a newspaper can employ a reviewer who writes one sentence about the concert?
August 14th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Moron. If that guy hadn’t seen him I wouldn’t have believed he was ever there.
August 14th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
The reviewer was glib but not too far off the mark. King Crimson was sloppy and laughing all the way to the bank. I think those guitar pedalboards on stage were set on cruise control.
I wonder how many posters here are the bonehead metal guys who yell their brains out during all the quiet passages.
August 14th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
The no cellphone/camera rule should extend to ALL music events!
August 14th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
21st Century Bipolar Man said:
“King Crimson was sloppy and laughing all the way to the bank.”
Evidently Mr. Bipolar has never financed the touring of a two-drummer avant-rock quintet before. Crim will be fortunate to break even on this go-round. Say what you will about an off-night with some sound issues….these guys aren’t vibrating this particular music on the notion that it’s making them fat and rich.
August 14th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Sounds to me like this reviewer spent much of the show sulking over Fripp’s position on stage and his lack of access to his cellphone. With his mind occupied with these very important thoughts, he could not have possibly been able to give the music even the slightest bit of attention.
August 14th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Hmmm…calling Robert a prick. And the rest of the tone of the review as well as the lack of any real substance…sounds like the reviewer has an axe to grind. Perhaps he asked Fripp for an autograph at some point in the past and got what he deserved. I know who the prick is and it is not Mr. Fripp.
August 14th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Those aren’t dowels, they’re drumsticks attached to Tlev’s fingers. Mr. Fripp has always been eccentric. Thela Hun Gingeet was taken to new places, thanks to Gavin Harrison, who by the way is drummer for Porcupine Tree. P-Tree is a British band who is taking art rock into the 21st century, and Mr. Fripp asked Gavin to play on this tour based on hearing Gavin with P-tree. Some flubs in One Time. More musical prowess than Coldplay will ever muster in a multi-million dollar production.
There’s my review
August 14th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
The more I think about this, the more it IRKS me off. I went to PHILLY once, (just once) to visit a friend on my way to NYC. Friend accompanied me to NYC, and the whole time we were there, I was paranoid. Friend assured me I was wrong, RUDY had cleaned up NYC. We took the last AMTRAK back to Philly on a Sunday night, and all the SEPTRA trains had shut down when we arrived. Friend says to me, “OK, NOW you can be afraid, VERY AFRAID… We are at 30th st. station, go outside and get a cab REAL QUICK LIKE, and if you make it back in alive, I will run out and get in it and we can get our asses back to Swarthmore”
“this WAS a dangerous place, I repeat myself when under stress, I repeat…”
August 15th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Sounds like Fripp brushed the guy off & he got offended thus this “review”.
August 15th, 2008 at 2:43 am
Like another poster said, you tell nothing about the show. Not much of a review. You included mainly babble and brew-ha-ha and make assuming, silly and useless comments like “He could be back there checking his stocks or downloading…for all we know” as if you have some kind of hang up. Being critical is one thing but commenting with arrogant and ignorant remarks is another. Many who have posted here gave more useful reviews than you. I’m surprised the newspaper employs you. As for no mobile phones? Why do you need one when seeing a concert? Turn it off, put it away, then engage with the performance.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Please go easy people, take some time to think and maybe respect the musicians and the hurdles they face in order to make their “fans” “happy”. I’m saying don’t listen to these morons that think they know something about the band. Mr. Fripp has done a awesome job all these years, allow the man to work and be himself. And don’t forget to look at the mirror before writing something so stupid and (fill the blank)
August 15th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Fripp lost his mind years ago with his ego…this is nothing new. Keswick show was less than par of any other Crimson I’ve seen. King Crimson has lost the magic it once had.
August 15th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Saw them at the Nokia last night. Technical and sound blunders a-plenty. But when everything was working, the show was great.
August 15th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Was this a review? And it was written by a “professional” that spelled the word as “bizzare”? (Maybe that’s the Italian spelling, Mr. Fiorillo?)
As others have pointed out many times, there was next to nothing said about the music – just gripes about the habits of one performer, and a whole lot of hints about who YOU are, Victor. “Reviews” written in this fashion tend to indicate that the “critic” in question knows very little about his subject matter, can’t write very well, and doesn’t take his audience very seriously. He obviously doesn’t put the needs of his audience first, that’s for certain – this is a self-serving piece. When you read through this – and I have to assume you did this, Mr. Fiorillo – did you honestly think you did your job some justice? Do you feel like you earned your pay with this critique? Because I don’t, and as the comments before me indicate, no one else did, either. How does that make you feel as a writer?
August 15th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I did not attend either show but have been reading all the reviews. In judging the performance/band it’s important to remember that this is only 6th & 7th live performance by this configuration. No new material was not written (that we know of). Give this group some time to gel and I’m confident that they will shred paint off the walls from two miles away! For comparison, Listen to “Bboom – Live in Argentina 1994″ and then compare it to KCCC #38 – August 26, 1996 at Mann Centre, Philadelphia, PA after some 150 gigs under their belts. KCVII will only get better. Patience
August 15th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I have been a fan of Fripp and company since 1981 and have seen Crimson many times over the years. Although I do not believe the review is credible and fair to the performance. I could care less about the idiosyncracies of the musicians. Fripp, Adrian, Tony, Pat and Gavin behaved on stage as expected. Who cares if Fripp does not want his photo taken. I just want to here him play.
The reviewer failed to comment really anything substantive about the songs played, the new interpretations to some old classics, the sound and the highlights (which there were notable highlights – especially with the performances from Gavin and Pat! – Tremendous drumming happened). I don’t believe the reviewer knew enough about the music the provide an educated review.
I will say, however, the show was in my opinion one of the worst sonicially. First off, the Keswick is a hole acoustically. It has terrible sound. The KC sound engineer could not compensate for the terrible acoustics, even with what looked like a sound board from the Starship Enterprise. I sat directly behind the soundboard.
The drums (especially the bass drums) where over powering and booming. Through the mix, I could not hear Tony Levin’s stick or bass. This was tremendously disappointing. Acoustically, it was one of the worst shows I have ever attended.
The other disappointment for me was that they did not play anything new. I don’t need the comfort of familiarity to enjoy music. I was hoping to hear some indication of a new direction or some new material. But, as intimated, they did bring some new interpretations to some of the old tumes. A bit of fresh air into songs I have heard played live a dozen times.
But alas, there were many golden nuggets during their performance…and most of the audience seemed to be enjoying themselves.
I think the reviewer was simply confused and uneducated to provide any insight or value to readers. Like the Grateful Dead, King Crimson does what no other band does and folks will either get it and love it or not get it and hate it.
I’ll see you at the next KC tour!
August 15th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
This was not a review of a concert. This was a self-absorbed ramblings of someone who probably didn’t even want to go. Next time, do some research instead of quickly Googling footage, and listen to the music.
August 15th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
And he didn’t even comment on the dreadful PA sound at the Keswick. Just horrid!!!
August 15th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
I don’t know what night he attended the show, but I saw them on Tuesday and thought they were excellent. The addition of Gavin Harrison was a great idea! He played extremely well! Bravo, boys!
August 15th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
the band was great but fripp is a dick how can you people justify him not being seen? that is just plain wrong he is an incredable guitar player yes nobody says hes not but to hide the whole frigin night like a little girl is beyond words
August 16th, 2008 at 12:22 am
It is interesting to read all of these different responses and the original review. As Robert Fripp has said before, a critical review tells us more about the author than it does about the subject of the review. And yet we (myself included here) still persist with the opinions and reviews. So here I go with my review of myself.
I did not see the shows that are the suject of the original review; but I did see the second Nashville, Tennessee show. The musicianship was good as it usually is with King Crimson. I must admit to being a bit annoyed at not being able to see Mr. Fripp play along with the other musicians. As to Robert Fripp’s standing off to the side applauding while the other band members took bows, If the other band members are okay with it then I could not care less.
Anyway, let it rock!
August 16th, 2008 at 1:46 am
To Philly News; I am just NOW watching the “LIVE” King Crimson DVD Coupling The NOISE–Live in Frejus, France in 1982 with the Three Of A Perfect Pair Concert, in Tokyo, Japan in 1984, and you know what! Robert Fripp is Obscured by “DARK” Lighting Effects in BOTH Concert’s ! In the Frejus, France Concert,the Lighting (At Robert’s Direction I might Add !!) Totally Obscure’s His(Fripp’s) Face, so that you ONLY See His Glalsse’s and a “Halo” on the top of His Head! And, do you know something? This is EXATLY the way, Robert Friop, wanted it to be Videotaped! O.K.! Fripp, has NEVER liked “BRIGHT!” Stage Lighting,…EVER! And I have seen the VARIOUS Crimson’s FIVE time’s in Their Assorted History!
August 16th, 2008 at 2:51 am
You may be interested to know my brother Robert Fripp thinks a review says more about the reviewer
than the reviewed. Musicians pay a tough price to perform, especially those who are modest, shy, and most happy at home reading a good book and having a coffee with his wife and bunny Willy Fred.
What you may not know is Robert is as good a public speaker as he is a guitarist.
Please spread the word about Robert Fripp’s public speaking events. He is amazing. Noobody tries to bootleg his performance. Check out YouTube and type in Robert Fripp Speaks.
Robert Fripp speaking events in Seattle, LA, and Phoenix on November 8, 9, 11, 2008.
http://www.fripp.com/patriciaandrobertfripp.html
August 16th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Here is a review by a more competent critique:
http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/08/15/king-crimson-celebrate-40th-anniversary-with-rhythm-and-grace/
My take on the show on in NYC last evening:
Good review, great show. My 13-year-old son and I were in the cheap seats, in the ether, but the sound was pristine. Sure there were some pops as Fricke noted but overall, the mix – and the music – were very impressive. Sleepless, Dinosaur, Frame by Frame (!!) were wonderful but I went home with Red reverberating in my head. Tony Levin’s performance in Red was astounding – he played Wetton’s part and then some. Regarding the Fripp In The Box – we could see Robert from our seats – although not all of him. Seeing his left hand fly over the arpeggios on his fretboard was really something. This was particularly true when he and Levin squared off. Spectacular. Belew was uncharacteristically “restrained” – quoted as when I saw him previously (with The Bears) he was very manic. But he gave a solid performance despite the lack of “chit chat” with the audience. Elephant Talk indeed.
Lastly, Larks Tongues never sounded better – even my son had to acknowledge that Crimson was, “as good as Slayer.” I don’t think Tom Arraya would be upset if I concurred with my son’s finding.
Thomas Good, in scenic Staten Island
August 16th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
come out come out where ever you are robert fripp you scared little man
August 16th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
i think fripp is turning into a 21st century schizoid man
August 19th, 2008 at 1:27 am
I am HUGE KING CRIMSON FAN !
now that i said that loudly !
Why should anyone think king crimson to be non human and not have an off day or night for that matter? king crimson has never been a band who has not felt the heat of bad reviews ..
they had some off moments at the nokia when i saw them for the first time .
i will be honest even though i have accepted fripps eccentric ways i was annoyed that he never even looked at the audience but applauded the band .
he was hidden from my view most of the time and when the band took a final bow he stood looking away , CLAPPING and then quickly walked around the back to the exit .
That said i still have a high regard for fripp and consider him a genius.
There were a lot of impressive moments AND THE AUDIENCE APPEARED VERY THRILLED !
i saw some dancing (yes at a prog event) and a lot of cheering and standing ovations .(the crowd didn’t want them to stop!)
i agree with a previous comment made here : next time send a journalist who knows something about music !
August 20th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
21st Century Bipolar Man said:
“King Crimson was sloppy and laughing all the way to the bank.”
Bonehead Metal Guy Says:
Evidently Mr. Bipolar has never financed the touring of a two-drummer avant-rock quintet before. Crim will be fortunate to break even on this go-round.
Actually, I do have much touring experience and know that when you sell out a 1300 seat venue @ 50$+ two nights in a row playing “Red”, you are in the “black.”
They won’t get stinking rich playing B’BOOM but KC will have enough change left over to buy Fripp a sleep mask for the next tour (the isolation tank being out of the question, they are about as reliable as mellotrons).
Point is, it was an anniversary show and a bit of a relative toss off playing hoary old tunes the band already knew and a bit of a um, lark. Not up to typical KC standards by this hoary old reviewer, but then I’ve seen and heard them more than most. God bless ‘em for taking a breather once in a while.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Off-nights happen. I’m an actor and have performed in touring shows and long, long runs, and you can’t be spot on every night. It never meant the show sucked, just one bad night. People are hard on bands and actors, and their argument is always that they paid good money and they want to see them at their best. Pompous and unrealistic. When you pay to see a live performance, you take the risk of hearing a few f*ck-ups. That’s what happens. Some of these petty complaints I’m seeing remind me of the jerk-offs who walk into a restaurant and expect their server to bring them everything under the sun when he has twelve other tables. KC has other shows to play for other audiences. None of you are special for buying a ticket. All of a sudden I understand exactly why Fripp is the way he is. F*ck ‘em.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:11 pm
As a brit I really wish KC were touring my country at the moment. I’d pay more to see them ‘f*ck up’ than I’d pay to see any other band at their best, because they’d still be a cut above. Re: Fripps mannerisms: The man has explained his attitude repeatedly. He does what’s best for the music. Belew is usually very interactive. Important also to know that Fripp never declares himself the ‘frontman’ of the band, so why the expectations of a frontman should be brought to bear upon him is beyond me.
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:59 am
Also, I’m tired of hearing people whine about not seeing Fripp. So he’s a bit of a recluse, so what? I could only see his headphones the entire night, but I really enjoyed watching him applaud with the audience. As if to say, ‘That’s MY band, and I appreciate them.’ I found it to be quite a moving and selfless gesture, actually.
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:05 am
I agree with Goulden. It’s easy to see what Fripp’s about. He’s no frontman and he doesn’t like spotlights.