King Crimson

House of Blues, Anaheim

After not listening to King Crimson for twenty something years, I was actually surprised to see them still around and touring. I was even more astounded that they were playing the HOB along with a pretty hefty price tag of 40-some-odd dollars. But curiosity overcame me and I snatched up a ticket and went to the show. The crowd consisted of middle-aged, slightly-balding, not-very-alternative (anymore?), office-worker-looking males. So not much excitement there to say the least. There were also a couple of groups of younger, wilder looking guys who, come to find out, were actually there to see Pigmy Love Circus (which was a treat in itself). Add to that the fact that the house was only a little over half sold and it didn't make for a very exciting crowd experience. 

Fortunately, though, I wasn't really there to see the crowd. 

What came down from the stage that night set my mind on fire. I won't try to explain what King Crimson's music is here, if you're reading this you probably already are a little familiar with them. There was so much fucking talent up there that I was just blown away. Not a whole lot of showmanship, not a whole lot of singing, not a whole lot of anything but the greatest jam session I've seen to date. Robert Fripp was amazing, even if he was so shy or out of it that he had his back and side to the audience most of the night. I think I only got to see his face once or twice, and never actually saw his fingers fret a single goddamn note. Adrian was front/center surrounded by an astounding array of amps, pedals, and other electronics. The bass player played two touch basses/guitars (one with each hand) and the drummer sat in the back behind a fairly large, really beautiful kit. They played a good selection, including a couple of the songs I knew from way back when. I'll admit most of their set was new to me, but it didn't matter. It was just really good, really loud, and really something else that I can't put my finger on. Needless to say I had a blast. They played a good 90-minute set and pretty much tore the place down as far as I was concerned. Not in the usual violent way I'm more familiar with, but with the sheer force of their musical talent and ability. If you like jazz, slightly different rock, or just love seeing talent up on stage, you'd be out of your mind not to see King Crimson the next time they're in town.

You can find King Crimson here.