He’s right though. It’s took me 50 years of playing (clearly far from full time) to understand it is a craft, just like a man with his tools. Your hands feel nice when you’re in practice and warmed up.
Robert Fripp for me has always been an enigma, he wasn't your traditional guitar player, unlike most guitarists who would always concentrate on chops and showmanship while he focused on sound. Most musicians in rock music had really long hair but here was a guy with very short hair and glasses sitting on a stool in the background playing his guitar while quietly leading a band that would go on to become one of the greatest of all time but also contributed in defining a genre. To see and hear his thoughts about different things is a true breath of fresh air and he comes across as a real humble english gentleman, he is a true genius of his field and one of the most important bandleaders of all time.
No one can play like that with out a great deal of intense focus on chops.His technique is very highly developed. Why do you think he used the title Discipline? He even wants intense focus from the audience.
"Why does Robert Fripp rarely smile?" After watching the videos with Toyah you realize.. he's been smiling the whole time, it's just difficult to notice
The two interviewers did a great job prompting Fripp to talk about various concepts without interrupting him. Bravo! I don't believe they were "frightened" by Robert at all. They were merely being respectful
You are about right. These two guys had that show (changing the name) for quite a long time, inteviewing tons of pro musicians. Every interview is a pleasure
He has the same sense of questioning the questions as when I saw him in person in 1996. In some little club in Milwaukee. I saw him more in person than I planned to. I was right in the front row seats, to where the stage, was a slightly raised platform by my feet. I put my backpack on the edge of the stage and was talking to a guy sitting next to me. The guy motioned me to turn around the other way, and I had Robert Fripp's face two feet or less from mine. 😉 He asked if I could please remove the bag from the stage as he considered it a sacred area. As a native I understood that and quickly removed it, with a feeling of shock that I had such a close encounter with Robert Fripp.
I had a personal encounter with Fripp in 1991 or so, on tour with League of Crafty Guitarists. It was brief, kind and funny. In that moment I knew there was more to him than Bill Bruford allows. Fripp can be quite personable, and readily interacts with his audience.
All for different circumstances, producing, work… playing but not attaining, but trying, craft… art, reaching the almost impossible but, somehow attaining it by a collision craft, environment, and blessings.
Dan Mudford Well that was the norm back then. There was no MTV yet nor was music digitized for randomly flitting about with every impulse. Hence- attention spans were much further developed. As someone who grew up in that era, watching this kind of interview makes me whole again. :-)
Agree, back then people could talk for minutes and would develop in something more personal, than today who seems to want to make a interview like a video game, only thrills and no content
@@Aspartamebraintumor This is what's great about the internet. Someone posted a comment about a year ago, which first reply was half a year later. Then I added more info about a month ago, which was of good use to someone 2 hours ago. And all of this on an obscure video, of an obscure 80's cable tv program, interviewing the leader of a rather obscure band.
It's so odd that I never knew who this mysterious enigma named Fripp was, from the albums. I had heard that he performed separate from the band, obscured with electronics, with a deficit of light on him... now he has weekly comedic segments with his wife and all these vintage interviews pop onto my screen. Still quite the enigma. Lol
A lovely interview, given the modern interviewing styles that tend to drive me nuts. Robert is a one-off in the rock world. Most rock band members are in it for the fame, the chaos, the parties, girls, drugs, booze, whatever... and the music (although important) takes a lesser or at least a parallel occupation. Robert is a thinker, he’s deep and he’s disciplined, appreciative and conscientious. It’s probably why he seldom shows his smiles, but he’s what we Brits call ‘dry’ where humor is sort of an internal thing, known only to the person in his company recognizing it. An interesting guy for sure, and it shows in his art and craft... thanks Robert for defining the difference between the two. Enjoyed this immensely. 🇷🇴🇬🇧👍🏻
My god, he has a lot to say. It's so strange to me to finally really see interviews with Robert because he is far more an intellectual than the average "rock guitarist" - he really *isn't* the "average" rock guitarist, that's for sure. I didn't realize how much philosophy he utilized within his art, so much of music is just channeled and no one can really describe the creative process but they go through it and then music comes out, they describe emotions during it maybe in an interview; But Robert has this whole philosophical outlook that is so *intentional* on his part, he has such a creative drive that he applies his experimental approach to music to the rest of his life. I really don't know how to describe him overall because it's so unique. I just wasn't expecting such a big life lesson from him in just an interview. This was really cool.
Not a "dismally pathetic chord sequence" in sight. I love Robert's self-found wisdom of 'I tried something and it was unfulfilling, so I moved on and tried something else', because it shows his inner drive towards a zenith that he didn't know if he'd ever reach.
'Now, from one point of view, er, I would view this drive to 1981 as being a personal discipline, but from a practical point of view, having determined to do it , it, it saves me an awful lot of energy. ' (this 'Drive To 1981' is an obscure reference to 3 albums - Exposure, Frippertronics and Discotronics)
This is fantastic. This is right around the period of Fripp I enjoy hearing from the most. It was a doc the bbc did on him in the mid 80-s that really helped me learn about two wonderful people that changed MY life also... JG Bennett and GI Gurdjieff. Thanks Robert for that. Life is much more fulfilling because of my turn toward their knowledge and has grown far and wide since.
I can see why the publishers note says "two frightened interviewers". It seems like they were about to kneel and wail "we're not worthy!" at any moment. Wayne's World owes everything to Boffomundo. It took guts to ask Fripp to do a rundown on what happened to ex-Crimson band members, and RF very diligently answered about every one. Even back in 1979, the history of the band really mattered to the fans.
If you are serious, Andy played in Greenslade for a bit and then retired from music. Had a boat business for a while I do believe. Gordon recorded many solo albums, with one from around 2001 turning him into a U.K. Superstar thanks to the single "How Wonderful You Are" ...
While perhaps, at times, giving the intimation of being acolytes, I found their questions to be well thought out, unafraid of how they might potentially be dismissed outright, and not predominantly drawn in the cause of fan service. I know nothing about this show and its provenance or how long it endured, but these two guys seem to have had a considerable interest in drawing out from this guest, at any rate, a deeper level of content than one might be inclined to expect from the surface impression given off by the setting and lack of sophistication of the production.
Piers Nightingale, A very succinct and apt description, indeed!!! There is a palpable intensity projected, and not one of navel gazing or spewing a load of bullocks. Even if wrapped in layers, as he presents it, it appears to me that there's a fundamental truth that is the purpose of his intellectual perambulations. A fascinating man, surely, which the course of his endeavors, as I know them, in the years since this snapshot, only further confirms.
Listen to his announcement in the Amsterdam concert in 1973, or the spoken word passages on the Giles Giles and Fripp album, he always sounded like that
Dear Ron and Aaron - I fell on to your channel some years ago and though I have yet to watch all of your interviews, et al, I have to say that this one, your conversation with Robert Fripp (one of the masters, - goes without saying - but I felt it necessary)- is my favourite of yours. Thank you for all that you've done and all you continue to deliver. Sincerely, Marlo Bernier "To be on the wire is life, the rest is waiting." - Gideon
... and the moral of that is : "Never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than what it might appear to others than what you were or might have been was not otherwise than what you had been would have appeared to them to be otherwise."
There was when naught was; nay, even that 'naught' was not aught of things that are even in the world of reality. But nakedly, conjecture and mental quibbling apart, there was absolutely not even the One. And when I use the term 'was,' I do not mean to say that it was, that is to say, in any state of being; but merely to give some suggestion of what I wish to indicate, I use the expression 'there was absolutely naught.' For that 'naught' is not simply the so-called ineffable; it is beyond that. For that which is really ineffable is not named Ineffable, but is superior to every name that is used.
Thanks for this upload!...you would think they would have kept recording and just aired it in the next scheduled slot, or even aired it on the radio latenight AM between Saturday and Sunday...
Mr Fripp's points on equality and the point that there's no point waiting for angels, where it! and can make the difference now is extremely important to this person at the very least. One of the points he makes in other interviews is that 'We must all strive to repay the debt of our existence.' By sharing what you can in terms of removing unnecessary suffering, you add a major part of repaying that debt. The simplest is of course money. If everyone lives within there means, we can all benefit from this. If on the other hand everyone just takes and never pays off debts and is in essence greedy, then this causes suffering of others. Just like the earth is a cyclic and complex interconnected organism, so to is the individual to society as a whole. A group of people all throwing rubbish on the ground for example cause the suffering of the cleaners and people who have to walk through the filth. Mr Fripp's points are well considered and can be as deep as you care to open your thoughts and contemplate on. Thanks to the person who made the viewing of this interview possible.
there is a problem of being in a position where one is unable to pay off a debt, and knows theyre constantly taking, but is consistently forced to keep taking, by modern legislated society(ies). this is entrenched poverty and suffering, where things blurred and rescue/escape is seemingly impossible.
"Alright............ IF one is moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco, but one believes on is in Phoenix....." madman Fripp you got my attention now! :D
What a lovely thoughtful man. Been a fan for fifty years and back in the day read the Brit musIc press interviews with him avildy (and read books I wouldn't/shouldn't have.) This interview put over what he's like far more than the Brit music press ever did, even when they were being nice. I guess they had to write copy that sold. Fascinating about his insight that he doesn't exist. I've tried to shy away from that one as I found it a pit of unpleasantness. If you talk about it most people think you've a screw loose.
I'd be interested to know if the dreaded 'cassette' recording incident he was referring to took place at Madam Wong's in LA where he was showcasing his Frippertronics. I saw him there (sitting at his feet - hopefully not staring), when he realized someone had a recorder and turned it on. Man what a look! And he just dropped the mic over the neck of his guitar giving out the most incredible look of disgust. It's like when your teacher announces someone in the class cheated on their test and even though it wasn't you, you feel horribly guilty. My buddy and I were so afraid he was going to get up and walk out. Fortunately he did not and I was able to meet and shake his hand afterwards (while inwardly chanting "I'm not worthy").
I was at the Boston Paradise show. BCN gave tickets for Frippertronics to NON-fans. Chaos ensued. Drunken cries of "21st Century DUDE" lead Robert to say goodnight. I loved his story of buying underwear in Wimborne.
This is extremely interesting to me. Please let me know anything else you can remember about this performance. I have a copy of this recording and although perhaps it isn't the most riveting of the tour, it has significant merits. Did this discovery happen at the beginning of the performance or much later? I understand there were many issues with this venue and the management at this performance. Despite all this...the incredible piece entitled "1983" was recorded here (on the first night 7/25/79). This show you are referring to would be 7/26 because this Boffomundo interview took place on 7/27. Thanks for anything you can remember about it.
If you have never heard Robert Fripp Exposure which I think came out in 1979 it was done in conjunction with Peter Gabriel 1 and Daryl Hall's Sacred Songs All 3 of them are Masterpieces Buy all 3 of them you will not be Disappointed Rolling Stone called Exposure one of the greatest albums of all time.
1:43 It's really sad that Robert Fripp left King Crimson forever and never went back with new members again to make 3 albums that invented a new different genre of music called math rock, It a shame.
@@thomasraven If you read quotes from Fripp during the time of the end of King Crimson in 1974-1975, he states his belief the world was coming to an end.
Hehe about the time that JW and Asia broke through :-) I know JW would wanted King Crimson to last forever for him, sad that Robert was in a strange mood these times....
Interesting, but the only album during this period that sold was "Exposure" - and that not nearly as well as it should have. The presentation of the cover was sort of ''new wavy' and didn''t catch the eye of a lot of KC fans. Not everyone follows the rock press or listens to radio announcers. Doing session work with Bowie and others and the commercial failure of "GSTQ/UHM" wasn't putting bacon on the table - and he wasn't getting much in the way of radio royalties during these days. The KC catalogue was not really setting the world on fire (then/yet) either. The reformation of KC (or Discipline) was necessary. And I'm glad they did. I totally believe that he believed what he was saying and was genuine about his plans - but 1981 was: get a band - quick!
I don't think Robert Fripp would have even blinked about moderate record sales or that austere 'carrot' of video rotation and chart positions that had every pop Star and music journalist drooling and slobbering about popularity. And to imagine that any bipedal hominid imbued with abstract thought would toil and labour on a project that resulted in an album like Discipline, "to make money from airplay and record sales" it's like saying, Oh that poor Brian Eno, he was really hoping for a hit record, He was sure MUSIC FOR AIRPORTS would climb the charts and turn at least a million in the first four weeks...hahaha. . This is a man who truly does not give a fuck about which candy you prefer, Smarties or raisins...
@@brianhammer5107 The only potential income -generating racket for a band like this would have been touring revenues. EVEN if record sales were up and they were turning alot via word of mouth, I am not sure if you are aware of the fact that back then ýthe artists never really owned the record. So..Profits turned from retail revenues...this was not the business of the artist. Only insofar as it relates to , or is a result of heavy rotation on College and Commercial radio. This is why Robert formed his own company, IT wasn't until sometime in the 90s that he actually really began making money..actually MAKING Money. If I wanted to make tons of money in the 1980s, you do what Phil Collins did...embark on a cash-cow solo career and turn Genesis into an even bigger cash cow. Anyway, some truth to your idea, I am sure he was anxious to get working again.
I don't believe he had a poor financial situation. He produced a lot of stuff, did a lot of sessions and I imagine he got payed relatively well for those. I don't know whether or not he was rich, but he certainly wasn't poor.
I believe he can fall back on being a realtor to earn, if needed. Guessing the royalty cheques each month from his many works and craft, would pay the bills at least. I even bought the Heptaparaparshinock (spelling?) album he released. :)
I may not be the first to suggest this, but the whole vibe with these geeky guys in their wood-paneled basement interviewing this suited, serious brainiac maestro is clearly a "Wayne's World" inspirational moment. You half expect their mother to yell downstairs "supper's ready!" (yes, pun intended).
One interviewer back in '73 suddenly watched in horror and disbelief as Mr. Fripp put his hand on the interviewer's typewritten sheets with notes and questions, slid them towards him, and started reading from them with mechanical voice. It went on for ages like some kind of nightmare, leaving the interviewer gasping for air and feeling utterly humiliated. But in the end he realized this was just Robert Fripp being Robert Fripp
Alucinante que les cuestiona sobre qué clase de entrevista le están haciendo, por qué se documentan tanto etc... 🤔😁 5:02 Solo lo puede hacer un tío como Fripp. Y ahora que he visto la entrevista entera, creo aun más a Bruford cuando dijo "todo lo que se dice de KC, es verdad. Es un sitio aterrador" 😁 Mal rato pasaron los chicos.
the direction of KC sound with the "flying brick wall" of Bruford/Wetton was swalllowing Cross's violin, and alienating him, so he was voted out. According to wikipedia...
If anyone had ever read Stravinsky‘s “The Poetics of Music“you will find a similar sentiment regarding the difference between art and craft. Wouldn’t be surprised if Fripp was influenced by it
I am 72. I have always been interested with Robert's music, but I have never seen this interview before. I like him even more after seeing this. I would love to talk with him about whatever came up. After all, what else does one talk about? 🙂
One helpful hermetic key to unravelling Robert's idea-bombs, would be the palpable influence of the teachings of Gurdjieff upon how he has been approaching his life and his work. His guitar technique is also A testament to this intensity of focus and economy of energy that is crucial to the 'fourth way.'... Don't be scared...Lol..
mark Johnson, Your thoughts are spot-on, bespeaking an intuitive awareness you possess, that is beyond the ken of some of the other commenters here (thankfully, not an especially large percentage).
@@TheBoffomundoShow In that case was Idris Shah running the show at the point? I know that Bennet had signed ownership of Sherborne House to Shah before his death.
Not sure of what Mr. Fripps spiritual views are are somewhat reminiscent Christ teachings and to a lesser extent recovery groups like AA "You cannot achieve the aim without suffering" "If you try to be a good person you can expect a certain amount of abuse but this should not stop you" I like the way this man thinks and how he expresses himself verbally Good show here
Fripp is into Gurdjieff. He fronted a band called The League of Gentlemen in the early eighties. I went to a concert at a small venue in London and It was obvious to me, having taking an interest in Gurdjieff, that his behaviour that night confirmed that he was a follower. His album Exposure includes a passage spoken by H.G.Bennet who knew Gurdjieff and practised his teachings. A good introduction to Gurdjieff is Colin Wilson's book "The War Against Sleep". It explains the state of mankind and how to escape the mechanical life we regard as normal. It is far more relevant today: people glued to modern technology and losing the true sense of self. Humankind is now in danger of regressing and Gurdjieff is an antidote to this. It is not easy but some EFFORT is better than none. A.G.T.
I only knew of Robert Fripp through looking for new import records by my once favorite band, Frankie goes to Hollywood, and coming up empty. I’ve always associated his name with repeated frustration and disappointment.
@@TheBoffomundoShow I’m sure he does, as we’ve become close friends since those halcyon days of the 80s. While my love of Frankie has waned, my interest in Fripperistics and Frippology has blossomed. Thank you for posting this great interview.
The esoteric teachings of George Ivanovich Gurdjeff are very clearly apparent in Robert's ideas of self/world. This is a very intensive way of working on one's inner life, and will most surely bring one to the crisis of being/non-being. I had the exact same experience many years ago after waking up at about 3 am. I had this lucid sense that this person that I am supposedly "being", throughout this life I refer to as being ' my life ' Was NOT REALLY THERE .. I wasn't terrified exactly, I accepted it as an important insight, but it was certainly an extremely impactful experience. Gurdjieff had made it as clear as he possibly could in his teachings: "we are not BEINGS That DO things, we are DOINGS That BE things"
"Art is where you wish to go, Craft is how you get there." Yes. Thank you Mr Fripp.
He’s right though.
It’s took me 50 years of playing (clearly far from full time) to understand it is a craft, just like a man with his tools. Your hands feel nice when you’re in practice and warmed up.
thank you for crafting that comment
23:01
23:41
I recall a quote where Ian Anderson said just about the same thing. He said (paraphrasing) you get through the craft before you can get to the art.
Robert Fripp for me has always been an enigma, he wasn't your traditional guitar player, unlike most guitarists who would always concentrate on chops and showmanship while he focused on sound. Most musicians in rock music had really long hair but here was a guy with very short hair and glasses sitting on a stool in the background playing his guitar while quietly leading a band that would go on to become one of the greatest of all time but also contributed in defining a genre. To see and hear his thoughts about different things is a true breath of fresh air and he comes across as a real humble english gentleman, he is a true genius of his field and one of the most important bandleaders of all time.
Warhawkbeyond2040 he focused on his chops quite a lot.
indeed
No one can play like that with out a great deal of intense focus on chops.His technique is very highly developed. Why do you think he used the title Discipline? He even wants intense focus from the audience.
he had quite the afro back in the day though
He will be remembered as one of the late 20th and early 21st century's most important artists and musical innovators.
"Why does Robert Fripp rarely smile?"
After watching the videos with Toyah you realize.. he's been smiling the whole time, it's just difficult to notice
Wow, that is honestly the best explanation I've ever heard regarding Fripp's demeanor. It even gave me warm fuzzies in my heart! 🌠👏😊💞
Who wouldn't smile with Toyah around?
The two interviewers did a great job prompting Fripp to talk about various concepts without interrupting him. Bravo! I don't believe they were "frightened" by Robert at all. They were merely being respectful
You are about right. These two guys had that show (changing the name) for quite a long time, inteviewing tons of pro musicians. Every interview is a pleasure
He has the same sense of questioning the questions as when I saw him in person in 1996. In some little club in Milwaukee. I saw him more in person than I planned to. I was right in the front row seats, to where the stage, was a slightly raised platform by my feet. I put my backpack on the edge of the stage and was talking to a guy sitting next to me. The guy motioned me to turn around the other way, and I had Robert Fripp's face two feet or less from mine. 😉 He asked if I could please remove the bag from the stage as he considered it a sacred area. As a native I understood that and quickly removed it, with a feeling of shock that I had such a close encounter with Robert Fripp.
I had a personal encounter with Fripp in 1991 or so, on tour with League of Crafty Guitarists. It was brief, kind and funny. In that moment I knew there was more to him than Bill Bruford allows. Fripp can be quite personable, and readily interacts with his audience.
"Your art."
"I prefer craft."
"Your craft."
"I prefer work."
What a beautiful weirdo Fripp is.
All for different circumstances, producing, work… playing but not attaining, but trying, craft… art, reaching the almost impossible but, somehow attaining it by a collision craft, environment, and blessings.
craft work
Well done for letting him go with whatever train of thought he was on, not interrupting - God, it must've been tempting at times.
Dan Mudford Well that was the norm back then. There was no MTV yet nor was music digitized for randomly flitting about with every impulse. Hence- attention spans were much further developed. As someone who grew up in that era, watching this kind of interview makes me whole again. :-)
Agree, back then people could talk for minutes and would develop in something more personal, than today who seems to want to make a interview like a video game, only thrills and no content
I would have told Fripp to go blow a Mellotron flute.
@@Tyrell_Corp2019 Whole again, via You Tube
@@StratsRUs Yup. Using it well. Still revisiting lengthy documentaries with low viewer count. :)
In case anyone is interested, the intro music is by Arti & Mestieri, an Italian prog rock band. Check it out.
very interested! Always thought they sounded like U.K.!
and at the End: Same as Same can be! it sounds prog, not tilt -- with love to the coda
song name: mescal
thank you. I was just gonna ask
@@Aspartamebraintumor This is what's great about the internet. Someone posted a comment about a year ago, which first reply was half a year later. Then I added more info about a month ago, which was of good use to someone 2 hours ago. And all of this on an obscure video, of an obscure 80's cable tv program, interviewing the leader of a rather obscure band.
It's so odd that I never knew who this mysterious enigma named Fripp was, from the albums. I had heard that he performed separate from the band, obscured with electronics, with a deficit of light on him... now he has weekly comedic segments with his wife and all these vintage interviews pop onto my screen. Still quite the enigma. Lol
A lovely interview, given the modern interviewing styles that tend to drive me nuts.
Robert is a one-off in the rock world. Most rock band members are in it for the fame, the chaos, the parties, girls, drugs, booze, whatever... and the music (although important) takes a lesser or at least a parallel occupation.
Robert is a thinker, he’s deep and he’s disciplined, appreciative and conscientious. It’s probably why he seldom shows his smiles, but he’s what we Brits call ‘dry’ where humor is sort of an internal thing, known only to the person in his company recognizing it.
An interesting guy for sure, and it shows in his art and craft... thanks Robert for defining the difference between the two.
Enjoyed this immensely. 🇷🇴🇬🇧👍🏻
Great interview. Robert Fripp is very inspirational. Humble and wise. An amazing musician and composer.
My god, he has a lot to say. It's so strange to me to finally really see interviews with Robert because he is far more an intellectual than the average "rock guitarist" - he really *isn't* the "average" rock guitarist, that's for sure. I didn't realize how much philosophy he utilized within his art, so much of music is just channeled and no one can really describe the creative process but they go through it and then music comes out, they describe emotions during it maybe in an interview; But Robert has this whole philosophical outlook that is so *intentional* on his part, he has such a creative drive that he applies his experimental approach to music to the rest of his life. I really don't know how to describe him overall because it's so unique. I just wasn't expecting such a big life lesson from him in just an interview. This was really cool.
Like a tipsy college philosophy major at a campfire.
But Fripp is more likeable.
Not a "dismally pathetic chord sequence" in sight. I love Robert's self-found wisdom of 'I tried something and it was unfulfilling, so I moved on and tried something else', because it shows his inner drive towards a zenith that he didn't know if he'd ever reach.
I just love that Fripp refers to Wimborne in Dorset as though its as well known as New York.
New where?
@@frankshailes3205 I would refer you to the song "Constantinople" (They Might Be Giants version). This will help fill in the blanks re: New York
"I view this drive to 1981 as being a personal discipline"... How ironic!
another mis-use of the word - look up in th Oxford unabridged the definition of the word, please
@@brianhammer5107 misuse* the*
No, actually it was quite deliberate.
'Now, from one point of view, er, I would view this drive to 1981 as being a personal discipline, but from a practical point of view, having determined to do it , it, it saves me an awful lot of energy. ' (this 'Drive To 1981' is an obscure reference to 3 albums - Exposure, Frippertronics and Discotronics)
Despite this not being entertainment I enjoyed every minute what a soul
this is a fantastic interview imo. truly fascinating.
@@SimAlex20000 I agree. I'm still only halfway through this interview but I've acquired a whole level of respect for Fripp from what he's saying here.
Stealth philosophy lecture. He's so zen
This is fantastic. This is right around the period of Fripp I enjoy hearing from the most. It was a doc the bbc did on him in the mid 80-s that really helped me learn about two wonderful people that changed MY life also... JG Bennett and GI Gurdjieff. Thanks Robert for that. Life is much more fulfilling because of my turn toward their knowledge and has grown far and wide since.
Absolutely fascinating. Respectful and thoughtful and informed interviewers - so rare! Thank you!
Incredible insight from one of the most intelligent musicians of our time. Thanks so much for posting this philosophical interview by Mr. Fripp!
I can see why the publishers note says "two frightened interviewers". It seems like they were about to kneel and wail "we're not worthy!" at any moment. Wayne's World owes everything to Boffomundo. It took guts to ask Fripp to do a rundown on what happened to ex-Crimson band members, and RF very diligently answered about every one. Even back in 1979, the history of the band really mattered to the fans.
I loved the rundown.
"It seems like they were about to kneel and wail "we're not worthy!"" As well they should!
Still wondering about Andy McCulloch and Gordon Haskell.
If you are serious, Andy played in Greenslade for a bit and then retired from music. Had a boat business for a while I do believe. Gordon recorded many solo albums, with one from around 2001 turning him into a U.K. Superstar thanks to the single "How Wonderful You Are" ...
While perhaps, at times, giving the intimation of being acolytes, I found their questions to be well thought out, unafraid of how they might potentially be dismissed outright, and not predominantly drawn in the cause of fan service.
I know nothing about this show and its provenance or how long it endured, but these two guys seem to have had a considerable interest in drawing out from this guest, at any rate, a deeper level of content than one might be inclined to expect from the surface impression given off by the setting and lack of sophistication of the production.
I love Robert Fripp!!
me too♪
An intensely thoughtful man. So many ideas, so idiosyncratically (and of course so deftly) delivered. Thanks for posting!
Piers Nightingale, A very succinct and apt description, indeed!!! There is a palpable intensity projected, and not one of navel gazing or spewing a load of bullocks. Even if wrapped in layers, as he presents it, it appears to me that there's a fundamental truth that is the purpose of his intellectual perambulations. A fascinating man, surely, which the course of his endeavors, as I know them, in the years since this snapshot, only further confirms.
I loved hearing Robert speak between songs at King Crimson gigs! Just as entertaining as Peter Gabriel at Genesis gigs!
Robert seems like the dude who can tell you in seconds how long ago he was born
It´s actually easier to learn something like " Larks´ tongue in aspic " by ear than to understand what Fripp is communicating in this .
Thanks for uploading this fascinating interview.
It's fascinating how he already sounded like a wisened elder by age 33.
Listen to his announcement in the Amsterdam concert in 1973, or the spoken word passages on the Giles Giles and Fripp album, he always sounded like that
Dear Ron and Aaron -
I fell on to your channel some years ago and though I have yet to watch all of your interviews, et al, I have to say that this one, your conversation with Robert Fripp (one of the masters, - goes without saying - but I felt it necessary)- is my favourite of yours.
Thank you for all that you've done and all you continue to deliver.
Sincerely,
Marlo Bernier
"To be on the wire is life, the rest is waiting." - Gideon
Ha ha!
Thanks again!
Mea Culpa. I meant to type "Dear Len and Aaron..." #crap - gotta remember my readers(glasses) HA!
Does anyone know who is playing the music in there intro . I really love the style music .
it is clear that one of the reasons for Robert Fripp's genius is his extraordinary memory
... and the moral of that is : "Never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than what it might appear to others than what you were or might have been was not otherwise than what you had been would have appeared to them to be otherwise."
There was when naught was; nay, even that 'naught' was not aught of things that are even in the world of reality. But nakedly, conjecture and mental quibbling apart, there was absolutely not even the One. And when I use the term 'was,' I do not mean to say that it was, that is to say, in any state of being; but merely to give some suggestion of what I wish to indicate, I use the expression 'there was absolutely naught.' For that 'naught' is not simply the so-called ineffable; it is beyond that. For that which is really ineffable is not named Ineffable, but is superior to every name that is used.
What am I even reading...?
I am a master. I am worthy
Excellent! Very much fun to find this after all these years.
Thank you for rare footage!
You're welcome.
Thanks for this upload!...you would think they would have kept recording and just aired it in the next scheduled slot, or even aired it on the radio latenight AM between Saturday and Sunday...
Mr Fripp's points on equality and the point that there's no point waiting for angels, where it! and can make the difference now is extremely important to this person at the very least. One of the points he makes in other interviews is that 'We must all strive to repay the debt of our existence.' By sharing what you can in terms of removing unnecessary suffering, you add a major part of repaying that debt. The simplest is of course money. If everyone lives within there means, we can all benefit from this. If on the other hand everyone just takes and never pays off debts and is in essence greedy, then this causes suffering of others. Just like the earth is a cyclic and complex interconnected organism, so to is the individual to society as a whole. A group of people all throwing rubbish on the ground for example cause the suffering of the cleaners and people who have to walk through the filth. Mr Fripp's points are well considered and can be as deep as you care to open your thoughts and contemplate on. Thanks to the person who made the viewing of this interview possible.
Our pleasure!
Nicely put
See my reply to James Brousseau's comment below. A.G.T.
there is a problem of being in a position where one is unable to pay off a debt, and knows theyre constantly taking, but is consistently forced to keep taking, by modern legislated society(ies). this is entrenched poverty and suffering, where things blurred and rescue/escape is seemingly impossible.
@@guitarplayer30001 Are you talking about unemployment or undertaking courses to improve your chances of obtaining employment?
One of a kind artist.
I love the way Robert talks😊💜🇦🇺
This man must have a very high IQ.....By paying attention to his language, i can perceive that.....Greetings from Argentina
"Alright............ IF one is moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco, but one believes on is in Phoenix....."
madman Fripp you got my attention now! :D
What a guy.
17:53 ''In dreams it is learned that every good deed is done in the absence of a caress.'' ~Leonard Cohen
cool interview, you guys held your own pretty well if you ask me (80 years after the fact)
What a lovely thoughtful man. Been a fan for fifty years and back in the day read the Brit musIc press interviews with him avildy (and read books I wouldn't/shouldn't have.)
This interview put over what he's like far more than the Brit music press ever did, even when they were being nice. I guess they had to write copy that sold.
Fascinating about his insight that he doesn't exist. I've tried to shy away from that one as I found it a pit of unpleasantness. If you talk about it most people think you've a screw loose.
I'd be interested to know if the dreaded 'cassette' recording incident he was referring to took place at Madam Wong's in LA where he was showcasing his Frippertronics. I saw him there (sitting at his feet - hopefully not staring), when he realized someone had a recorder and turned it on. Man what a look! And he just dropped the mic over the neck of his guitar giving out the most incredible look of disgust. It's like when your teacher announces someone in the class cheated on their test and even though it wasn't you, you feel horribly guilty. My buddy and I were so afraid he was going to get up and walk out. Fortunately he did not and I was able to meet and shake his hand afterwards (while inwardly chanting "I'm not worthy").
I was at the Boston Paradise show. BCN gave tickets for Frippertronics to NON-fans. Chaos ensued. Drunken cries of "21st Century DUDE" lead Robert to say goodnight. I loved his story of buying underwear in Wimborne.
This is extremely interesting to me. Please let me know anything else you can remember about this performance. I have a copy of this recording and although perhaps it isn't the most riveting of the tour, it has significant merits. Did this discovery happen at the beginning of the performance or much later? I understand there were many issues with this venue and the management at this performance. Despite all this...the incredible piece entitled "1983" was recorded here (on the first night 7/25/79). This show you are referring to would be 7/26 because this Boffomundo interview took place on 7/27. Thanks for anything you can remember about it.
If you have never heard Robert Fripp Exposure which I think came out in 1979 it was done in conjunction with Peter Gabriel 1 and Daryl Hall's Sacred Songs All 3 of them are Masterpieces Buy all 3 of them you will not be Disappointed Rolling Stone called Exposure one of the greatest albums of all time.
1:43 It's really sad that Robert Fripp left King Crimson forever and never went back with new members again to make 3 albums that invented a new different genre of music called math rock, It a shame.
hehe, Indeed
Ever heard the Exposure demos with John Wetton on bass? Powerful and explosive is how I’d describe it.
Opening the show with "Mescal" by Arti & Mestieri. Good call!
Nove lune dopo
I want my Boffomundo TV.
Heart-breaking and enlightening.
I thought that too, a sort of tormented soul, in some ways...
Man. To conduct an interview with THIS guy is worth millions more now. You got LUCKY?
according to Wetton, Fripp believed the world would end in 1981.
Hearsay. I'd have to hear this from Fripp to believe it.
@@thomasraven If you read quotes from Fripp during the time of the end of King Crimson in 1974-1975, he states his belief the world was coming to an end.
Hehe about the time that JW and Asia broke through :-)
I know JW would wanted King Crimson to last forever for him, sad that Robert was in a strange mood these times....
@@thomasraven Well... if you listen to what he says I think JW was right...
It did end !
Interesting, but the only album during this period that sold was "Exposure" - and that not nearly as well as it should have. The presentation of the cover was sort of ''new wavy' and didn''t catch the eye of a lot of KC fans. Not everyone follows the rock press or listens to radio announcers. Doing session work with Bowie and others and the commercial failure of "GSTQ/UHM" wasn't putting bacon on the table - and he wasn't getting much in the way of radio royalties during these days. The KC catalogue was not really setting the world on fire (then/yet) either. The reformation of KC (or Discipline) was necessary. And I'm glad they did. I totally believe that he believed what he was saying and was genuine about his plans - but 1981 was: get a band - quick!
I don't think Robert Fripp would have even blinked about moderate record sales or that austere 'carrot' of video rotation and chart positions that had every pop
Star and music journalist drooling and slobbering about popularity. And to imagine that any bipedal hominid imbued with abstract thought would toil and labour on a project that resulted in an album like Discipline, "to make money from airplay and record sales" it's like saying, Oh that poor Brian Eno, he was really hoping for a hit record, He was sure MUSIC FOR AIRPORTS would climb the charts and turn at least a million in the first four weeks...hahaha. .
This is a man who truly does not give a fuck about which candy you prefer, Smarties or raisins...
@@markjohnson4217 LOL! think again
@@brianhammer5107 The only potential income -generating racket for a band like this would have been touring revenues. EVEN if record sales were up and they were turning alot via word of mouth, I am not sure if you are aware of the fact that back then ýthe artists never really owned the record. So..Profits turned from retail revenues...this was not the business of the artist. Only insofar as it relates to , or is a result of heavy rotation on College and Commercial radio. This is why Robert formed his own company,
IT wasn't until sometime in the 90s that he actually really began making money..actually MAKING
Money.
If I wanted to make tons of money in the 1980s, you do what Phil Collins did...embark on a cash-cow solo career and turn Genesis into an even bigger cash cow. Anyway, some truth to your idea, I am sure he was anxious to get working again.
I don't believe he had a poor financial situation. He produced a lot of stuff, did a lot of sessions and I imagine he got payed relatively well for those. I don't know whether or not he was rich, but he certainly wasn't poor.
I believe he can fall back on being a realtor to earn, if needed. Guessing the royalty cheques each month from his many works and craft, would pay the bills at least. I even bought the Heptaparaparshinock (spelling?) album he released. :)
"Choice, choice, I have no choice. I can only do the will of God, this is freedom." 4:30 Barry Long would say the same thing.
I may not be the first to suggest this, but the whole vibe with these geeky guys in their wood-paneled basement interviewing this suited, serious brainiac maestro is clearly a "Wayne's World" inspirational moment. You half expect their mother to yell downstairs "supper's ready!" (yes, pun intended).
🤣🤣🤣
He's so much more laid back and fun in his senior years.
All those years with Toyah have rubbed off and paid off.
You really only need to ask Fripp one question and he’ll take it from there.
The difference is a basic seriousness about growth and development... a desire for progress...
One interviewer back in '73 suddenly watched in horror and disbelief as Mr. Fripp put his hand on the interviewer's typewritten sheets with notes and questions, slid them towards him, and started reading from them with mechanical voice. It went on for ages like some kind of nightmare, leaving the interviewer gasping for air and feeling utterly humiliated. But in the end he realized this was just Robert Fripp being Robert Fripp
Alucinante que les cuestiona sobre qué clase de entrevista le están haciendo, por qué se documentan tanto etc... 🤔😁 5:02
Solo lo puede hacer un tío como Fripp.
Y ahora que he visto la entrevista entera, creo aun más a Bruford cuando dijo "todo lo que se dice de KC, es verdad. Es un sitio aterrador" 😁
Mal rato pasaron los chicos.
He was charming yet arrogant. He used it well! Good TV.
@@TheBoffomundoShow Yep, I just finished watching it and editting the comment.
I"m still kind of scared...
Fripp is Fripp.
I used to try to dress like Fripp in 79 I was so impressed by him. He brought some deep.ideas into the world of prog.
What's the track that plays in the intro?
never knew of the David Cross story. Any one know why he was “dismissed’ by KC? loved him in Red.
the direction of KC sound with the "flying brick wall" of Bruford/Wetton was swalllowing Cross's violin, and alienating him, so he was voted out. According to wikipedia...
@@linguadegato_ which is sort of funny considering that same brick wall reemerged with a different violin player only a few years later...
@@whitelightewhiteheat that`s the magic of KC, always changing and reimagining
Before Toyah, Unicorns, Ballet in the garden, bad singing and having a laugh.
No mention of Gordon Haskell and Andy McCulloch when listing the old members of King Crimson. I wonder why
Thats the intense thought. Beautiful speak..
If anyone had ever read Stravinsky‘s “The Poetics of Music“you will find a similar sentiment regarding the difference between art and craft. Wouldn’t be surprised if Fripp was influenced by it
Guitar master
Excellent!
BadAss! The audience has a responsibility to contribute.
I am 72. I have always been interested with Robert's music, but I have never seen this interview before.
I like him even more after seeing this. I would love to talk with him about whatever came up.
After all, what else does one talk about? 🙂
Fascinating.
Brilliant
Steven Hyde from That 70's Show was the first thing that came to mind when I saw the presenter.
of all the eccentric characters in rock n roll, fripp definitely is the weirdest
One helpful hermetic key to unravelling Robert's idea-bombs, would be the palpable influence of the teachings of Gurdjieff upon how he has been approaching his life and his work. His guitar technique is also
A testament to this intensity of focus and economy of energy that is crucial to the 'fourth way.'...
Don't be scared...Lol..
mark Johnson, Your thoughts are spot-on, bespeaking an intuitive awareness you possess, that is beyond the ken of some of the other commenters here (thankfully, not an especially large percentage).
Can you explain further?
A young Steven Spielberg and Hyde from That 70s Show interview Robert Fripp
His analytical skills mask his humanity, he strikes me as a convinced christian without irony.
It's hard to believe this staid, conservatively-dressed, well-spoken gentleman is the creative genius behind "In the Court of the Crimson King".
I had no idea that Robert Fripp spent some time at Sherborne House. I wonder if JG Bennet was leading it at that time.
He had already passed away several years before.
@@TheBoffomundoShow In that case was Idris Shah running the show at the point? I know that Bennet had signed ownership of Sherborne House to Shah before his death.
Not sure of what Mr. Fripps spiritual views are are somewhat reminiscent Christ teachings and to a lesser extent recovery groups like AA
"You cannot achieve the aim without suffering"
"If you try to be a good person you can expect a certain amount of abuse but this should not stop you"
I like the way this man thinks and how he expresses himself verbally
Good show here
Fripp is into Gurdjieff. He fronted a band called The League of Gentlemen in the early eighties. I went to a concert at a small venue in London and It was obvious to me, having taking an interest in Gurdjieff, that his behaviour that night confirmed that he was a follower. His album Exposure includes a passage spoken by H.G.Bennet who knew Gurdjieff and practised his teachings. A good introduction to Gurdjieff is Colin Wilson's book "The War Against Sleep". It explains the state of mankind and how to escape the mechanical life we regard as normal. It is far more relevant today: people glued to modern technology and losing the true sense of self. Humankind is now in danger of regressing and Gurdjieff is an antidote to this. It is not easy but some EFFORT is better than none. A.G.T.
@@thomasalexand Dude, thanks for posting this info!
@@peterdarker1 No problem. All the best.
@@thomasalexand A certain Ted Kazincky had a lot to say about this topic, word for word what you said
@@BichaelStevens Thanks. I haven't heard of him so I will now look him up. Cheers.
This video is an excellent cure for insomnia.
The opening theme music sounds like it could be one of MF Doom's whacked out samples
James Hitt LMAO absolutely those fat drum licks would fit nicely in a DOOM joint.
wow... I actually have this book !!
Didn't realise he was so intelligent. Him and Eno would have had some conversations ...
I only knew of Robert Fripp through looking for new import records by my once favorite band, Frankie goes to Hollywood, and coming up empty. I’ve always associated his name with repeated frustration and disappointment.
I just looked up Fripp and Trevor Horn. Good God. It comes full circle:
th-cam.com/video/UoenuxR78mE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=hzMkYI-gFzZMRBwe
That's strange, as he speaks well of you.
@@TheBoffomundoShow I’m sure he does, as we’ve become close friends since those halcyon days of the 80s. While my love of Frankie has waned, my interest in Fripperistics and Frippology has blossomed. Thank you for posting this great interview.
Robert Fripp leaving King Crimson is ridiculous....... Robert Fripp IS King Crimson
Apparently it wasn't the complete interview. Was it? But I did enjoy it thank you.
OMG, Robert, you are serious, own up to it!
Where can I find a volunteer to make a subtitle for this? :P
Dávid Forgó there are auto subs, they're quite ok
Thank you!
I wish the camera secretly kept rolling passed the cutoff lol
The Rod Serling Of Guitar
Yet, he returned to music, and King Crimson, thankfully...
Well, it was always going to finish too soon.
Robert Fripp was an old man several years before he actually became an old man.
He gets younger with age.
@@JacobGorny No, he just married an extremely immature and idiotic woman.
Hey. Was this the first version of wayne's world?
Quick, what did he just say, in ten words or fewer?
Back in the day, there were REAL interviews on TV. Now we get people plugging their project for six minutes.
It takes two people to interview Robert Fripp
Top shelf comment.
This was a bizarre show. What was with the baseball cap when Mr. Fripp was in a suit?
The glory days of New York City public access television?
Someone explain what he says at 15:43? I have had the very opposite of this and it was terrifying
The esoteric teachings of George Ivanovich Gurdjeff are very clearly apparent in Robert's ideas of self/world. This is a very intensive way of working on one's inner life, and will most surely bring one to the crisis of being/non-being. I had the exact same experience many years ago after waking up at about 3 am. I had this lucid sense that this person that
I am supposedly "being", throughout this life I refer to as being ' my life '
Was NOT REALLY THERE ..
I wasn't terrified exactly, I accepted it as an important insight, but it was certainly an extremely impactful experience. Gurdjieff had made it as clear as he possibly could in his teachings: "we are not BEINGS
That DO things, we are DOINGS
That BE things"
4:48 he said it!