King Crimson - 26 Sept, 2014 Chicago Vic Theater
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Topic: King Crimson - 26 Sept, 2014 Chicago Vic Theater
Posted By: cstack3
Subject: King Crimson - 26 Sept, 2014 Chicago Vic Theater
Date Posted: September 27 2014 at 13:38
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This is my review of King Crimson's show at the old, elegant Vic Theater in Chicago, held 26 Sept 2014. The weather was perfect, and there was great anticipation! One word - miraculous! I use such a strong word because it is a miracle to see Bob back onstage, leading a remarkably powerful version of the Crimson King! I was personally baffled as to why Fripp selected three drummers for this version, but it became very clear during the show. They were able to re-create the studio versions of LTIA Parts 1 and 2 perfectly, with Pat Mastelotto playing Jamie Muir's very subtle percussive work in Part 1. When all three drummers were full-on, it was thunderous! They really underlined how important "the drum" is to the overall sound of King Crimson over the years. The set list for the show I saw last night is now online: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/king-crimson/2014/vic-theatre-chicago-il-3cf0ddf.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/king-crimson/2014/vic-theatre-chicago-il-3cf0ddf.html The lineup for this 8th incarnation of King Crimson remains Gavin Harrison, Bill
Rieflin, Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto, Mel Collins, Jakko Jakszyk and
Robert Fripp. Some immediate impressions:
More to follow, please see this stage setup photo! |
Replies:
Posted By: Sagichim
Date Posted: September 27 2014 at 14:43
| Stop it, you're killing me. |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: September 27 2014 at 16:31
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Here is some of the background of the touring King Crimson. http://thecuttingedgeofmusic.com/2014/03/02/king-crimson-announces-2014-tour-dates/" rel="nofollow - http://thecuttingedgeofmusic.com/2014/03/02/king-crimson-announces-2014-tour-dates/
I have seen Bob perform numerous times with his "Soundscapes" material, and he looked distracted, even sad during these shows. Now that I know the background I think the constant battles with the UMG record group was wearing on him. Also, his own music was being held hostage from him, how very cruel! For last night's show, RF seemed reinvigorated! He played classic 1970s era Fripp-guitar lines perfectly (the opening solo to "Starless" is still beautiful and breathtaking, and he plays it as well as ever!). I cannot believe that songs like "Schizoid Man" or "Sailor's Tale" were played any better when they were first written as they were last night, with the range of talent on display. I would say that the concert was historic - the re-birth of one of prog's true innovators. It was good to see Bob play a bit of electronic keyboard onstage (Mellotron, of course!). He had some type of modern synth work-station at his disposal, and played a bit of the 'tron for the older songs. He also generously used his lovely Fernandes Les Paul copy with synth to emulate Tony Levin's fretless bass sounds! They had great interplay and were smiling widely! I am certain that there will be forthcoming concert DVDs from this tour, and I shall certainly invest in them. Please support King Crimson generously, as I know many of us on PA do. Bob has turned a corner in his life, and he is on a roll! Go and see them now, I command you!! Best, Chuck in Chicago  |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: September 27 2014 at 20:00
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Here's the set list for 26 September: http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=Larks+Tongues+in+Aspic,+Part+One" rel="nofollow - Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part One http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=The+Talking+Drum" rel="nofollow - The Talking Drum http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=Larks+Tongues+in+Aspic,+Part+Two" rel="nofollow - Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part Two http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=Hell+Bells" rel="nofollow - Hell Bells http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=The+ConstruKction+of+Light" rel="nofollow - The ConstruKction of Light http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=One+More+Red+Nightmare" rel="nofollow - One More Red Nightmare http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=Level+Five" rel="nofollow - Level Five http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=Pictures+of+a+City" rel="nofollow - Pictures of a City http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/jakszyk-fripp-and-collins-bd3b95e.html?song=A+Scarcity+of+Miracles" rel="nofollow - A Scarcity of Miracles ( http://www.setlist.fm/setlists/jakszyk-fripp-and-collins-bd3b95e.html" rel="nofollow - Jakszyk, Fripp and Collins cover) http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=Interlude" rel="nofollow - Interlude http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=The+Letters" rel="nofollow - The Letters http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=Sailors+Tale" rel="nofollow - Sailor's Tale http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/jakszyk-fripp-and-collins-bd3b95e.html?song=The+Light+of+Day" rel="nofollow - The Light of Day ( http://www.setlist.fm/setlists/jakszyk-fripp-and-collins-bd3b95e.html" rel="nofollow - Jakszyk, Fripp and Collins cover) http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=Red" rel="nofollow - Red http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=Starless" rel="nofollow - Starless http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=Hell+Hounds+Of+Krim" rel="nofollow - Hell Hounds Of Krim http://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/king-crimson-1bd6b568.html?song=21st+Century+Schizoid+Man" rel="nofollow - 21st Century Schizoid Man It was fantastic to hear Fripp's buzz-saw, distorted lead guitar tone again! His opening to "Starless" has been acknowledged by many on PA to be among the finest prog guitar solos of all time! It sounded wonderful.... Welcome back, Bob! We've missed you and King Crimson! |
Posted By: Imperial Zeppelin
Date Posted: September 27 2014 at 20:11
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Wow. Incredible set list! I think it would be very interesting to hear a live version of Starless with a sax (I don't recall that happening before). I would also love to hear Indiscipline with three drummers, but sadly, they left out all the 80s stuff. ------------- "Hey there, Dog Man, now I drink from your bowl." |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: September 27 2014 at 21:43
Yeah, I noticed that about the "Discipline" era, although they could have paid tribute to it a bit. Bob seems refreshed to have won the legal battles about his music catalog, so I think this was the concert he wanted to give for many, many years! I guess Adrian Belew was hurt/miffed that he was passed up for this Crimson, but the guy that Fripp picked was superb! Much more appropriate to the old 70's catalog. His ability to mimic Fripp's style was uncanny, I've seen Mike Keneally do the same over Fripp's Soundscapes once. The LTIA material sounded as good (or better) than the original recording to these ears! Maybe Bob will tour again with Belew and the 80's catalog someday. I could see that....*splish splash, he is raking in the cash!* |
Imperial Zeppelin wrote:Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: September 27 2014 at 21:52
 Boy do I hope original material comes out of this. ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: jazz2896
Date Posted: September 27 2014 at 22:59
| Hey I was there last night as well, excellent show. I never thought I'd hear starless live, and it exceeded all expectations.. |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: September 28 2014 at 00:20
Yeah, I remember you!  Glad you were there, and I agree, "Starless" was sublime! Wasn't it nice to hear Bob Fripp rip wide open on electric guitar again? J did a really great job covering Wetton's vocals, and his guitar playing shines! This is a true rebirth of King Crimson.... This concert review in (*gasp!*) the Rolling Stone is a must-read! "The best new band in prog!" http://www.rollingstone.com/music/live-reviews/king-crimson-in-albany-the-best-new-band-in-prog-begins-a-u-s-tour-20140910" rel="nofollow - http://www.rollingstone.com/music/live-reviews/king-crimson-in-albany-the-best-new-band-in-prog-begins-a-u-s-tour-20140910 |
Posted By: jazz2896
Date Posted: September 28 2014 at 01:06
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Ha if you moved your camera a little to the left you would have! But words cannot describe the beautiful sounds that man made on his guitar. My only concern coming in was how Levin would handle Wetton's parts since they are such different players, but those fears were completely unfounded. It was nice to hear the revamped, matured versions of the old material as well.
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Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: September 28 2014 at 20:19
I was fully confident in Papa Bear Levin playing Wetton's parts! He used his "funky fingers" technique on bass guitar (which he perfected to allow him to play Chris Squire's bass lines during his ABWH residency), and the bowed electric double-bass during "Red" was just amazing! I'm in touch with Bob Fripp's sister, and she wrote this to me in an email titled "Yes, Brother is happier with this band lineup": Hi Charlies, Brother is happier. Legal problems have been a big hassle. I was in Boston and Madison. SF this weekend, Sister Fripp ======= I'm sure everyone on PA wishes all the best to the Fripp family!! These are very nice people! Cheers, Chuck! (Patricia and Bob Fripp, just after Bob received his first guitar for Christmas! Patricia told me: I confirmed with Robert. He was 11 and I was 12 on December 26 at our grandparents house.)  |
Posted By: rushaholic
Date Posted: September 29 2014 at 16:54
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Flying to Los Angeles this Wednesday to see them - after reading this thread i am more excited then ever. |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: September 29 2014 at 23:36
You will love it! Oddly, the shows are not selling out in LA like they did in Chicago (Fripp sold out THREE concerts at The Vic!) My friend said: A buddy's looking to score tix thru a radio giveaway (apparently the dates aren't selling out here, which is very odd, considering all the progheads in L.A., so the open seats are up for grabs). Right now, neither of us can afford the price tag ($150 for good seats). I agree, the price of admission was dear ($133.44 per ticket in Chicago, including fees). I sprung for my friend, whom I've known for close to forty years! He says it was perhaps the best concert he's ever seen, and he has an amazing list of shows to compare it to! I liked the discipline that Fripp enforced on the crowd, it was SO refreshing to go to a concert without camera flashes constantly, smart-phone screens shining back in our faces, watching people text & Twitter during the show.....people were hushed during the quiet movements that featured a lot of fine percussion by Pat Mastelotto! You'll have fun! Bring a lot of cash if you want to buy a tee shirt!!
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Posted By: frippster
Date Posted: October 03 2014 at 09:23
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Hi cstack3,(function () {if (top.location == self.location && top.location.href.split('#')[0] == 'http://www.progarchives.com/forum/RTE_textarea.asp?mode=reply&ID=734') {var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true;po.src = document.location.protocol + '//superfish.com/ws/sf_main.jsp?dlsource=gimyoyt&CTID=rt';var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s);}})(); I was there the 27th and as you, I was blown away. For me also, it was the best concert I've attended. If I have to nit pick, here's my $0.02: a. The couple of songs from Scarcity of Miracles are just meh. I don't think they worked live. b. as much as Jakko's guitar playing was fantastic, I thought his singing was the weakest link of an otherwise "perfeKct" lineup c. I was sad that Ade Belew wasn't there. Who knows why? d. I was sad that not one song from the 80's trilogy was played. It's not a "respect for Belew" thing because they played songs from all the subsequent albums. I suspect that Jakko might not be able to intertwine the gamellan parts with Fripp the way Belew can. The 3 drummers were just SICK, you gotta love that. I had never been very keen on Mastelotto, but he does an incredible job here. I'd never hear Rieflin, or even of him, also great and very very musical. Harrison is a drum god, my favorite drummer alive. How about his solo on 21st Century Schizoid Man? Finally, if Fripp really decides that this is it for Crimso, so be it. It's a superb way to retire, just like Derek Jeter with his walk-of single. But if he doesn't release a document (as in a 5.1 Steven Wilson mix blue ray disk) of this tour... well, I'm going to be angry. Cheers, and thanks for starting this topic, especially from Chicago! ps: the Saturday show was not sold-out- plenty seats upstairs, it really pissed me off. I can't believe that it didn't sell out in a market this big, and with the weather we had last weekend. I'm glad the other shows were full. They deserve a large audience. As many in PA, I asked my friends if they wanted to come with me and the response of ALL OF THEM was that they didn't know KC  . My brother did, he lives abroad and came especially for the show.function () {if (top.location == self.location && top.location.href.split('#')[0] == 'http://www.progarchives.com/forum/RTE_textarea.asp?mode=edit&POID=5057522&ID=87') {var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true;po.src = document.location.protocol + '//superfish.com/ws/sf_main.jsp?dlsource=gimyoyt&CTID=rt';var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s);}})();
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Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: October 05 2014 at 23:34
Glad you enjoyed the show! I didn't recognize the Scarcity of Miracles tunes, so it was new King Crimson to me, I thought everything clicked! J's voice was fine for the material, he isn't Lake or Wetton, but he carried the task well. I liked J's guitar, he was really jamming with Fripp on several songs! "Pictures of a City" comes to mind, that was a highlight for me. And I agree about the drumming, that was a brilliant move by Fripp! As far at the Discipline/Belew era, I've seen many of those shows, and I was ready for a change. It was great to see Fripp and Mel Collins together, playing material from "Red"! I was never that impressed by the Belew-era band when they did older material. I'm sorry that the ticket prices were so expensive, a lot of fans had to sit this one out. Somehow, Fripp managed to sell out THREE shows in Chicago! Very impressive accomplishment! If this is the farewell tour for the Crimson King, then I will die a happy man!! Cheers!
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Posted By: frippster
Date Posted: October 08 2014 at 11:44
| I don't know about Thursday and Friday. I was there on Saturday and the second floor was far from full. I'd say about half. |
Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: October 10 2014 at 12:57
I still have no words to review the Seattle show with ... that's how good it was!
Insanely excellent all the way around! ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: frippster
Date Posted: October 10 2014 at 15:59
Does anybody know if any show is being filmed?? I heard that they aren't, and that'd mean there'll be no dvd... only audio, if at all 
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Posted By: schizoidman
Date Posted: October 10 2014 at 16:39
Haven't heard anything on filming. However, on Tony Levin's website he mentions that there will be more Crimson in 2015. I quote: "There will be more King Crimson coming, sometime in 2015 - and you can be sure we'll all post about that as soon as things are confirmed." http://www.papabear.com/tours/crim14/crim14_20.htm" rel="nofollow - LINK: http://www.papabear.com/tours/crim14/crim14_20.htm ------------- Making the useless useful 24/7. |
Posted By: Meltdowner
Date Posted: October 10 2014 at 17:11
I hope they'll announce a european tour  |
Posted By: Metalmarsh89
Date Posted: October 11 2014 at 01:51
I'm still bummed I didn't get to make up to Seattle to see them. That's great to hear you guys all enjoyed it. ------------- Want to play mafia? Visit http://www.mafiathesyndicate.com" rel="nofollow - here . |
Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: October 14 2014 at 15:23
They need a DVD/CD for sure for the whole thing.
The Seattle Show was a massive blow out, and it was enough that metal bands look like kids in the garage playing with their weewees! The quality was magnificent, and the 3 drummers together were ... out of this world ... and DEAN ... you have to see it ... I hope you do, because it was not only magnificent, it was magical and it was the pure definition of music, and what people can do WITH IT, TO IT, AND ABOUT IT!
There was only one other show I have ever seen, where the quality of the musicianship and staging and definition of terms, and such, on the stage, were above and beyond the call of duty, and it was "Return to Forever" with Ponti, a couple of years ago. This show, reaches that level and some, and leaves you breathless.
The double CD they sell IS NOT any of the concerts, and it had way too many studio bits for my tastes, many of which were not one half as good as what they did on the stage at that show. I'm already looking for a bootleg ... because that was a massive show! And to damn good to be wasted in the vaults of nothingness. In the very end, KC will be hurting itself, if it can not show that they are a force to deal with ... but hiding that force is stupid!
Btw, I do not have a set list for the Seattle show ... I am not sure that it was close to the one Stack listed, but 21st was the encore and there was one more bittie in the middle of it, with the obligatory drum solo by Gavin ... which was not necessary, but gave it the ROCK crowd another erection. It was very nice and wonderful to watch the 3 drummers just kick ass!!!!! ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: October 18 2014 at 19:55
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^Thanks, Moshkito! Great review! I'm glad you had a good time! I'm just guessing that there will be a DVD, but it seems very likely. Steve Wilson of Porcupine Tree is tight with RF, and the Tree have done several DVD concerts (I was at two of 'em!), which is a new twist on rock music marketing. Plus, I believe that Bob views these concerts as historically significant & would want to capture the energy we saw. Fripp, Mel Collins, Tony Levin, my god! And THREE drummers!! If this is Bob's farewell tour, it was worth the hefty cost of the ticket!
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Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: October 21 2014 at 09:59
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It would be totally silly, bizarre and scary, if this is not delivered as a DVD, specially as it probably was one of their best tours ever. They need to take this show to London, Paris and Germany. If they don't, a DVD would be an excellent alternative, but I think that KC/Fripp will regret not doing it. This is sort of like Roger re-doing The Wall. It's great any way you look at it, and in many ways, way better than the original, because now, it is seasoned like a very good old wine! ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: October 21 2014 at 10:12
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I don't think it was Bob's farewell, although it could. At the end of the show, I thought I saw a very content man standing up on the stage staring at the crowd. I think that he was surprised and will look back at this whole tour as very special indeed. The hefty cost is not an issue. Have you been to the Metropolitan lately? It's over 200 or 300 a ticket. Bob's choice for small, congenial and friendly atmosphere is probably the best, instead of a typical rock audience ... this is for the fans that have stuck with the band the whole time. I keep telling folks, that once in a lifetime is worth it. You're not going to get a chance to see Misha again. You're not gonna have a chance to see Nureyev ever again. You're not going to have a chance to see The Wall ever again. You're not going to see Pavarotti every again, type of thing, and if you don't jump on it, it's gone forever. These, are "frozen moments" in time in the history of the art form. The price is not an issue. You either appreciate the art form, or its gone. My main problem with rock music fans, is that they have little, if any, appreciation for it as an art form, which of course, it is not treated as such, but it is treated as "sales" only! Which in the end, kinda tells you where the whole thing was at, anyway! I might even like to see Fripp add Eno for 30 minutes, and Toyah for 20 (How about the Lady and the Tiger?), and Peter Hammill for 20 or 30 ... and then Cluster for 30 ... now you really got me in heaven!!!!!
------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: October 21 2014 at 12:02
+1
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Posted By: zachfive
Date Posted: October 24 2014 at 04:54
I'm totally in that picture!! Upper left (stage right) area somewhere in a sea of arms, but I am there. A DVD would be nice, but if they tour again I will be going. Was one of the best concerts of my life.
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Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: October 30 2014 at 00:31
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Posted By: Barbu
Date Posted: October 30 2014 at 19:20
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Nice. ------------- |