Immediately before the final listen-through, Richard Chadwick called to say Stan Hertzmann (Adrian's manager) had just telephoned him: Adrian has decided not to proceed with King Crimson. An outsider might ask: how could this happen - commitment was made, undertakings were given, musicians turned down and cancelled important work to take part, advances were paid? An insider, or close follower of Crimson history, would then reply: how could this not happen? If Adrian is not committed to the venture, that is sufficient.
I called Stan around 19.40 UK time. Adrian has proposed as an alternative to Crimson that ProjeKct Three & a projeKct with Ade, Bill & Tony record a double album. My reply: if Adrian would like to take the initiative with any projeKct, it has my support. But my own current concern is directed towards King Crimson. Stan emphasised that Adrian had wanted to call me direct, but knew I was in London. I asked Stan if the following was an accurate summary of Adrian's position: "Adrian wants to disengage from King Crimson, but to continue engagement with our personal relationship and other possible musical ventures". Stan agreed. Ade's formal resignation from King Crimson will be faxed through to the Seattle hotel where David Singleton & I will be from tomorrow night.
Crimson usually breaks up after tours or during rehearsals. The Double Duo is a first in that it has broken up before rehearsing, recording and touring. Even for Crimson, this is an achievement. Two Crimsons have broken up around Christmastime. This year, Christmas has come early.
Then , I got into my car and drove to this riverside cottage where Toyah's parents live & where Toyah was waiting for me. Wonderbun has been in lodgings here since the Reddish departure process got underway, and is currently snuckled under a bush.
13.47 So, what next? This is an interesting one. DGM Live & DGM Records both have my involvement. But what of music? "Have Guitar - Will Travel"? ProjeKct Three (very dear to my heart)? Guitar Craft courses? Production? Soundscapes? Radical new approaches to reincarnate the Crim individuality?
Next calls are to Trey & Pat & John Sinks, The Agency and record companies.
20.28
The Double Duo has reformed, with the same personnel as before, so that it may record & tour to furious & unfettered acclaim before ceasing to exist, at a later time to be decided. This is the first Crimson reincarnation that has reformed before it began for the first time. Hey! this is Crimson.
I've just called Adrian. He was feeling overloaded. Adrian had concerns regarding finding his role in & writing songs for the new Crim, the live performances in November, and the planned extent of Crimson touring. All of these we have addressed. I don't have doubts that when the four of us get together in a room, stuff will happen. If the November shows at 12th. & Porter overload the recording process, we'll do them later. If more than four months touring in a year is too much, then we'll tour for four months. In other words, when there are legitimate concerns to be addressed and goodwill involved, a personal & direct conversation rarely fails to find solutions.
The Double Duo meets at Studio Belewbeloible during the second half of October to record a King Crimson studio album.
"Breathing is optional."
