In 2014, Fripp invited Sinfield to provide an updated take on the lyrics of 21st Century Schizoid Man, renewing their partnership, albeit briefly and at a distance, in line with the aim to have the music, and in this instance, the lyrics reimagined for the new Crimson. Sinfield wrote:
Cat’s foot, iron claw
Sykes-Picot and the fat cigar
Knuckles dragging in the desert sand
21st Century Schizoid Man
Blood rack, barbed wire
Politicians’ funeral pyre
Cursed and poisoned, bless his heart
21st Century Schizoid Man”
Speaking after Sinfield’s death in November 2024, his ex-wife and long-term friend Stephanie Ruben commented that Crimson performing songs that he’d written lyrics for, in some cases for the first time in over 40 years, gave Sinfield, then in declining health, such a boost. “They played and sang his songs and that was like a gift. They could spit and crack out those words out of their mouths and they did it gloriously. That’s all [Peter] ever wanted.”
October 3rd
In 2014, Fripp invited Sinfield to provide an updated take on the lyrics of 21st Century Schizoid Man, renewing their partnership, albeit briefly and at a distance, in line with the aim to have the music, and in this instance, the lyrics reimagined for the new Crimson. Sinfield wrote:
Cat’s foot, iron claw
Sykes-Picot and the fat...
From approximately 20 feet away from the stage, I was treated to the best concert I've ever attended. Having missed every single Robert Fripp performance in every single place I've ever lived, from King Crimson to the ProjeKcts, attendance at one of the 2014 shows was, for me, mandatory. I flew to San Francisco from San Antonio.
I heard all kinds of nonsense in line in front of the Warfield. "I think Bill Bruford died but he was supposed to be part of this lineup." "I know Fripp played with G...
From approximately 20 feet away from the stage, I was treated to the best concert I've ever attended. Having missed every single Robert Fripp performance in every single place I've ever lived, from King Crimson to the ProjeKcts, attendance at one of the 2014 shows was, for me, mandatory. I flew to San Francisco from San Antonio.
I heard all kinds of nonsense in line in front of the Warfield. "I think Bill Bruford died but he was supposed to be part of this lineup." "I know Fripp played with Genesis for a couple of tours." "I saw King Crimson back in 1987 or 88." "I heard Adrian Belew is going to make an appearance." I could continue, but it seemed as though every single thing I heard in line that day was completely absurd.
I then had the pleasure of giving my hard earned money to Robert's sister Patricia at the merch table. This was a treat. She's fantastic. She had an impressive, non-nonsense, "Let's get this done" manner of working retail. Then a few steps to left and into the room.
Lark's Tongues Part One left me wondering if I was dreaming. How could they possibly resurrect such a piece and pull it off with such a genuine feel? Why is this so good? I was asking those questions all night, among others. How can three drummers not step on each others feet even once in a whole evening? How can Mel Collins pull that off after all these years? Did Fripp just smile again? Is he going to fire the light personnel for keeping all that light on him?
Highlights for this night for me were Level Five, The Letters (during the beginning I audibly gasped), Sailor's Tale, and Starless. Honestly, every single song was a highlight.
Did this show improve the quality of my life? Yes. Was it worth the investment of time and energy? Yes.
I cannot wait to see King Crimson again. Please come back to the US. I'll meet you wherever.
