Hey guys, thanks so much for this review. I've been intensely focusing on learning this music for the past 6 months, and all the while doing my best to honor the parts within my own abilities, and in the case of Father Roberts parts, my limitations. Hovering in the back of my mind the whole time was, "I certainly hope the KC fans are satisfied with what I'm bringing to the table. Your kind words on my participation brought me great relief. My deep appreciation. I agree with your assessment of the others. I knew they were great but once we started playing together they well exceeded my expectations. I am so enjoying playing this music with the guys and having an opportunity to be a part of bringing this historical music to the fans that love it so much. Pinch me! We are in LA tonight and only 63 more shows to go, ha! and I will be savoring every polyrhythmic morsell. 🙏 Vai
So great that Mr Vai responded to the “if you were at the show let us know what you thought” request😃. Excited to see y’all in Albany! Enjoy the ride sir!
As I'm sure many people will have said, you looked like you were having the best time! Superb guitar work & excellent performances from the whole ensemble, seriously goosebump stuff. Make sure you tour the rest of the planet!!! (i.e for my benefit in Australia or the UK...)
Hello Mr. Vai, thank you so much for your kind words. I just hope Jim & myself have done justice to this wonderful musical journey you have embarked on. We are not music journalists. We are just 2 individuals who love music. We wanted to share Jim's experience of seeing Beat on opening night in San Jose. I am EXTREMELY humbled & honoured by your polite comment. Thank you again. Armando Venditti - The Music Den.
Thanks for this video. As a fan since 1972, I for one hope Steve and Danny will feel free to inject their own parts and not be overly locked into trying to reproduce what Robert and Bill played. KC is all abut change, and what's exciting about BEAT is the opportunity to hear this great music stay fresh and vibrant in a new era. (And I hope there's a live album or two.)
Nice comments, Bob. I think Steve and Danny honored the parts necessary to hold everything together compositionally, and took good advantage of the space available to make the parts their own. ... And yeah a live album and BRD/DVD would be exceptional.
Thank you for that excellent review. Will be seeing Beat on Sept. 26th in Fort Lauderdale. Saw KC twice in the eighties on The Pier on the west side of Manhattan. Of course they were great. In 1973 I saw KC doing the Larks Tongues album. John Wetton, David Cross, Fripp and Bruford. That show started late because of an equipment problem. Many in the audience booed during the wait. After the first number Robert came to the front and scolded the audience for their impatience in a way that only Robert could have. One of the highlights of the evening!
I was lucky enough to see King Crimson on the Three Of A Perfect Pair Tour and, yup, this is the real deal. I was in the balcony on Steve Vai's side at the San Jose show, and this took me back 40 years to that concert in Berkeley. No Frippertronic tape loops -- and I don't think anyone was really doing tapping back then -- but Steve Vai was true to the spirit of Fripp, if not 100% to the master's techniques. A modern guitarist's interpretation of the 1980's Fripp, if you will, but never grating or off-putting. Danny Carey was amazing. I'd never seen him play live before -- or Vai, for that matter -- but where Bruford was more technical and less forward in the mix (both on the albums and live), the word that immediately came to mind with Carey was "propulsive". He really seemed to energize the band but, again, not in a way that felt untrue to the original or at all wrong. If BEAT adds another swing through the Bay Area, I'll be there. And if they release a live recording from the tour or choose to record new material together (please!!!), I'll definitely get them. If you've had any doubts, put them aside. GO!!!! (But don't forget ear protection if it's an indoor show.)
Mr. Bricker and I have pretty much the exact same experience. I saw them in Napa for show #2. I saw the original in the 80’s too. It is different for sure but not in a bad way. I loved this show!
Fantastic opening night in San Jose, CA. Spot on review! Cohesive tight sound, w/ phenomenal performances by all as the many online vids will attest. Personal highlight was bringing our adult ‘kids’ who weren’t around in the ‘80s. Needless to say the ‘kids’ were blown away. So, go to a show near you and take the kids!!!
The show is amazing. All of the naysayers will eat their words, if they give this band the chance it deserves. Adrian and Tony are fantastic. Danny Carey is a monster on drums. And Vai not only does an excellent job at covering Fripp, while unexpectedly bringing a swing to the music that is a great addition. It's f'ing great! Go see it.
I was very fortunate to see Crimson for the Three of a Perfect Pair your at Santa Cruz center center. I wish I could make it out as this music made my life better.
I'm seeing them 2 consecutive nights in a couple weeks I'm thinking they'll get better and better for the most part and i did see the original band a couple times in the 80s love Fripp and Bruford, it is different but in a good way because I'm a long time fan of Steve Vai and Danny Carey !
Technically, the part of Danny’s kit that belonged to Bill are the clear Dragon drums which were similar to Tama’s octobans. Danny bought these from an online auction that Bill held. The drums that Adrian owns were gifted to him from a fan who won them and not part of Danny’s kit.
I believe it started in the UK. IIRC from Sid Smith's book & commentaries, they were initially monikered as "Crimso" back in the early 70's, and I guess it got shortened from there.
The show needs more space and atmosphere..the drumming is not intense..the mood is off..guitar shredding is not needed...Adrian and tony are real deal..other 2 arent and it is what it is..ill pass on this Beat
We'll agree to disagree on most things. But I agree on the pacing - I would have sequenced the show differently myself. .... Set 1: Neal and Jack and Me Heartbeat Sartori in Tangier Industry Dig Me Model Man Man With an Open Heart Larks' Tongues in Aspic (Part III) Thela Hun Ginjeet Set 2: Waiting Man Frame by Frame Matte Kudasai Neurotica The Sheltering Sky Sleepless Three of a Perfect Pair Indiscipline Encore: Elephant Talk Red
Hey guys, thanks so much for this review. I've been intensely focusing on learning this music for the past 6 months, and all the while doing my best to honor the parts within my own abilities, and in the case of Father Roberts parts, my limitations. Hovering in the back of my mind the whole time was, "I certainly hope the KC fans are satisfied with what I'm bringing to the table. Your kind words on my participation brought me great relief. My deep appreciation. I agree with your assessment of the others. I knew they were great but once we started playing together they well exceeded my expectations. I am so enjoying playing this music with the guys and having an opportunity to be a part of bringing this historical music to the fans that love it so much. Pinch me! We are in LA tonight and only 63 more shows to go, ha! and I will be savoring every polyrhythmic morsell. 🙏 Vai
So great that Mr Vai responded to the “if you were at the show let us know what you thought” request😃. Excited to see y’all in Albany! Enjoy the ride sir!
As I'm sure many people will have said, you looked like you were having the best time! Superb guitar work & excellent performances from the whole ensemble, seriously goosebump stuff.
Make sure you tour the rest of the planet!!! (i.e for my benefit in Australia or the UK...)
By your own admission sir, you are not Robert Fripp, but Steve Vai and Adrian Belew are as close to Fripp as Americans can get.
We're happy, Steve
Big shoes to fill. Not many can. Thank you, Steve and Danny for letting this happen.
Hello Mr. Vai, thank you so much for your kind words. I just hope Jim & myself have done justice to this wonderful musical journey you have embarked on. We are not music journalists. We are just 2 individuals who love music. We wanted to share Jim's experience of seeing Beat on opening night in San Jose. I am EXTREMELY humbled & honoured by your polite comment. Thank you again. Armando Venditti - The Music Den.
2nd row Cincinnati! I waited almost too long but I’m going in October to see the best group in the world.
Great review. I'm seeing them in Clearwater FL in two weeks. Can't wait.
Oh I wish! A 3 hour drive but… my retired finances are a limited access.
Thanks for this video. As a fan since 1972, I for one hope Steve and Danny will feel free to inject their own parts and not be overly locked into trying to reproduce what Robert and Bill played. KC is all abut change, and what's exciting about BEAT is the opportunity to hear this great music stay fresh and vibrant in a new era. (And I hope there's a live album or two.)
Nice comments, Bob. I think Steve and Danny honored the parts necessary to hold everything together compositionally, and took good advantage of the space available to make the parts their own. ... And yeah a live album and BRD/DVD would be exceptional.
i have my Houston tickets for 9/21...
i'll be a happy boy as well...
I was also at the show and it was great. I’m tempted to see them again on November to see how they improve.
My friend who I went with purchased tickets to the Nov as show as we were driving over Thursday!
Thank you for that excellent review. Will be seeing Beat on Sept. 26th in Fort Lauderdale. Saw KC twice in the eighties on The Pier on the west side of Manhattan. Of course they were great. In 1973 I saw KC doing the Larks Tongues album. John Wetton, David Cross, Fripp and Bruford. That show started late because of an equipment problem. Many in the audience booed during the wait. After the first number Robert came to the front and scolded the audience for their impatience in a way that only Robert could have. One of the highlights of the evening!
I was lucky enough to see King Crimson on the Three Of A Perfect Pair Tour and, yup, this is the real deal. I was in the balcony on Steve Vai's side at the San Jose show, and this took me back 40 years to that concert in Berkeley. No Frippertronic tape loops -- and I don't think anyone was really doing tapping back then -- but Steve Vai was true to the spirit of Fripp, if not 100% to the master's techniques. A modern guitarist's interpretation of the 1980's Fripp, if you will, but never grating or off-putting.
Danny Carey was amazing. I'd never seen him play live before -- or Vai, for that matter -- but where Bruford was more technical and less forward in the mix (both on the albums and live), the word that immediately came to mind with Carey was "propulsive". He really seemed to energize the band but, again, not in a way that felt untrue to the original or at all wrong.
If BEAT adds another swing through the Bay Area, I'll be there. And if they release a live recording from the tour or choose to record new material together (please!!!), I'll definitely get them.
If you've had any doubts, put them aside. GO!!!! (But don't forget ear protection if it's an indoor show.)
Hey Dave - they are coming back to the San Jose Civic on Nov 20.
Seeing them in NYC. After seeing some footage, i decided to see them again in December in CT. Looks amazing!
Tony Levin, master of the Chapstick.
TL can be the master of darn near anything he puts his mind to.
This last Thursday was my first live experience of Tony Levin & the chapstick.
Wowsers, that was fun!
Mr. Bricker and I have pretty much the exact same experience. I saw them in Napa for show #2. I saw the original in the 80’s too. It is different for sure but not in a bad way. I loved this show!
You have great taste,seeing them in Vegas
Fantastic opening night in San Jose, CA. Spot on review! Cohesive tight sound, w/ phenomenal performances by all as the many online vids will attest. Personal highlight was bringing our adult ‘kids’ who weren’t around in the ‘80s. Needless to say the ‘kids’ were blown away. So, go to a show near you and take the kids!!!
Good comments! I wish I could've brought my sons.
The show is amazing. All of the naysayers will eat their words, if they give this band the chance it deserves. Adrian and Tony are fantastic. Danny Carey is a monster on drums. And Vai not only does an excellent job at covering Fripp, while unexpectedly bringing a swing to the music that is a great addition. It's f'ing great! Go see it.
I saw the Beat tour on a pier in NYC in 82. Very much look forward to bring it full circle.
Carey showed off pics of the toms hes using and they were indeed Brufords own toms at one point.
I am going to do what I can to see them in Toronto. Anyone know where I can tickets for the Massey Hall show in Toronto?
Try ticketmaster.ca
I was very fortunate to see Crimson for the Three of a Perfect Pair your at Santa Cruz center center. I wish I could make it out as this music made my life better.
I'm seeing them 2 consecutive nights in a couple weeks I'm thinking they'll get better and better for the most part and i did see the original band a couple times in the 80s love Fripp and Bruford, it is different but in a good way because I'm a long time fan of Steve Vai and Danny Carey !
I bootlegged them in Boston in ‘84. I’m so looking forward to this show in Boston!
I'm now terrified that I won't be able to get a ticket!
Give it a try.
Act quickly - there are still tickets for the second San Jose show on Nov.20, FWIW.
Get the expensive ones. So worth it to see these masters close up.
I saw King Crimson twice in the 80’s…may go see Beat in CT in December
Part of Danny's kit is bill brufords kit that adrian had
Technically, the part of Danny’s kit that belonged to Bill are the clear Dragon drums which were similar to Tama’s octobans. Danny bought these from an online auction that Bill held. The drums that Adrian owns were gifted to him from a fan who won them and not part of Danny’s kit.
Nice background😂😂
Where did shortening the band’s name to “Crim” come from…”Crim” is thoroughly cringe
I believe it started in the UK. IIRC from Sid Smith's book & commentaries, they were initially monikered as "Crimso" back in the early 70's, and I guess it got shortened from there.
The show needs more space and atmosphere..the drumming is not intense..the mood is off..guitar shredding is not needed...Adrian and tony are real deal..other 2 arent and it is what it is..ill pass on this Beat
We'll agree to disagree on most things. But I agree on the pacing - I would have sequenced the show differently myself. ....
Set 1:
Neal and Jack and Me
Heartbeat
Sartori in Tangier
Industry
Dig Me
Model Man
Man With an Open Heart
Larks' Tongues in Aspic (Part III)
Thela Hun Ginjeet
Set 2:
Waiting Man
Frame by Frame
Matte Kudasai
Neurotica
The Sheltering Sky
Sleepless
Three of a Perfect Pair
Indiscipline
Encore:
Elephant Talk
Red
Vai’s lost.