Review By Neil Shumate
Photography By David Heasley
A well deserved recognition was given to defining prog rockers King Crimson by legendary musicians—original members Adrian Belew (vocals) and Tony Levin (bass), alongside Steve Vai (guitars) and Terry Bozzio (drums)—on Wednesday, Oct. 28 in Columbus, Ohio at The Palace Theatre.
The quartet, known as BEAT, performed a soundtrack of King Crimson songs from three early 80’s landmark albums:
Discipline, Beat, Three Of A Perfect Pair, all of which were well ahead of their time.
Belew (76) is King Crimson’s longest running lead vocalist and guitarist, from 1981-2009. Through the decades, multi instrumentalist, Chapman Stick player and bassist Levin (80) has also been a foundational member of King Crimson.
Renowned drummer Bozzio (75) is best known for his work with Frank Zappa and Missing Persons. Solo guitar virtuoso Vai (66) needs no introduction—he has collaborated with many bands and musicians through the years, including Satriani, Ozzy, Motörhead, Alice Cooper.
With little banter, aside from expressed gratitude, BEAT plowed through two perfected sets (with a 30 minute intermission) of signature tunes that defined their influential, genre bending, experimental 80’s Era—layers of unique guitar effects, awkward tunings, wacky time signatures, heavy syncopated grooves, quirky instrumental solo asides, sophisticated walking riffs, hypnotic synths, entrancing psychedelic jazz.
Just a few of many crowd favorites (with standing ovations) included: “Waiting Man,” with a percussion duo between Bozzio and Belew who were clearly having fun, and a showcase of Belew’s ageless vocal range; “The Sheltering Sky,” an extensive instrumental jam that gave the strings time to shine, especially Vai’s jaw dropping, one handed guitar wails; “Elephant Talk,” with Levin’s influential dancy bass and Belew’s sprechgesang; “Indiscipline,” with a masterclass drum solo intro by Bozzio as part of the heavy, noisy, exceptional song.
Although not an official gathering of King Crimson, since their retirement announced by founder Robert Fripp in 2021, seeing and hearing all four of these lifer musicians together on one stage is a remarkable honor and memorable experience for any music fan to cherish.
The tour runs through early December.
Tour Dates
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