The G3 Tour website has this to say about Fripp’s contribution and impact upon the North American leg of the tour:
“Twelve incredible G3 shows that played the Northeast and Midwest. A very different version of G3 than 1996 or Europe. Five hours of superb musicianship, guitar playing and entertainment. The show begins every night as the doors open with Robert on stage performing for an hour or more alone and at times being joined by Stu Hamm and Mike Keneally. Robert's set of eclectic soundscapes of electronic and masterful guitar playing changed every night. Robert was an immediate fan and supporter of the G3 concept and his positive energy, historical perspective and sense of humor played a major role in the day-to-day atmosphere backstage.
The audiences were not ready for a situation where they were being played to whilst entering the venues, and they took some time adjusting to the theatrical element of Robert sitting up there on stage in the daylight, playing through his bank of pedals and effects. But, the effect was awesome as Robert let his aural soundscapes build with the mood of the environment. In Cleveland, the show is in an amphitheatre situated by Lake Erie and during Robert's set a barge passed by and added a blast of foghorn to the sound effects. In Pittsburgh, a train track was not very far from the stage and at regular intervals the sound of a freight train was heard mixed into Robert's set!”
16 September 2024