With another sell-out show at the Orpheum, the band continued their mission to perform what was at that point the deepest dive into King Crimson’s back catalogue. Last performed live in the USA by Bill Bruford, David Cross, John Wetton, and Robert Fripp 40 years previously, the appearance of Starless on the setlist produced gasps of awe from every audience who heard those elegiac Mellotron chords fade in. Throughout the entire concert, the lighting remained static, simple cream/white until the ominous bass section where everything on the stage was gradually bathed in an infernal red/crimson light. It’s worth noting also how good Jakko’s vocals on this performance are. In a review of Live At The Orpheum, the first official offering from this tour, Pop Matters noted that “Jakko Jakszyk’s pipes sound more like Jack Bruce than Adrian Belew or John Wetton, but that matters for nil when he can chase any note up the scale and stay true to the ambitious nature of King Crimson’s music.”
October 1
With another sell-out show at the Orpheum, the band continued their mission to perform what was at that point the deepest dive into King Crimson’s back catalogue. Last performed live in the USA by Bill Bruford, David Cross, John Wetton, and Robert Fripp 40 years previously, the appearance of Starless on the setlist produced gasps of aw...
Return of the Kings. KC at the Orpheum, Los Angeles
King Crimson's performance at the Orpheum was such that I felt guilty just clapping afterward as it seemed an inadequate gesture of gratitude after what they had gifted us that evening. An amazing performance of both new and freshly presented legacy material executed effortlessly by seven remarkable musicians. Highlights were RF's imaginative and flawless execution of the some of the hardest guitar parts in contemporary music, the unexpected clarity of three drummers playing simultaneously top...
King Crimson's performance at the Orpheum was such that I felt guilty just clapping afterward as it seemed an inadequate gesture of gratitude after what they had gifted us that evening. An amazing performance of both new and freshly presented legacy material executed effortlessly by seven remarkable musicians. Highlights were RF's imaginative and flawless execution of the some of the hardest guitar parts in contemporary music, the unexpected clarity of three drummers playing simultaneously topped with Gavin Harrison's bionic drum solo in 21st Century Schizoid Man and the return of the band's expensive soul - Mel Collins - blowing our minds on sax and flute. A very honorable mention also goes to Jakko Jakszyk for proving unquestionably he is the right man for the job as guitarist and vocalist, despite the inconceivable pressure of doing so while standing between two of the best musicians on the planet (Tony Levin, bass and Robert Fripp, guitar). Very glad I was able to experience this show, and I almost didn't - the last minute decision to indulge myself regardless of hearing news that my dear father had passed away that afternoon proved to be the highlight of the day and by virtue of the performance itself, possibly my year. Thank you, gentleman
