kids encyclopedia robot

King Crimson facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
King Crimson
King Crimson, De vereeniging te Nijmegen - 48113112087 (cropped).jpg
King Crimson in Nijmegen on 22 June 2019. Top L–R: Mel Collins, Tony Levin, Jakko Jakszyk, Robert Fripp. Bottom L–R: Pat Mastelotto, Jeremy Stacey, and Gavin Harrison.
Background information
Origin London, England
Genres
Years active
  • 1968–1974
  • 1981–1984
  • 1994–2003
  • 2008
  • 2013–2021
Labels
Past members

King Crimson was an English progressive rock band. It was formed in London in 1968. The original members were Robert Fripp (guitars), Michael Giles (drums), Greg Lake (bass, vocals), Ian McDonald (saxophone, flute, clarinet, keyboards), and Peter Sinfield (lyrics, lighting). Robert Fripp was the only member who stayed with the band through all its changes.

The band got ideas from many types of music. This included classical, jazz, folk, heavy metal, and electronic sounds. They greatly influenced the progressive rock movement in the early 1970s. Bands like Yes and Genesis were inspired by them. King Crimson continues to inspire artists today. They have a large group of dedicated fans, especially in recent years.

Their first album, In the Court of the Crimson King (1969), was their most popular and important. The next two albums, In the Wake of Poseidon and Lizard (both 1970), were made when the band's members kept changing. Later, a steady group of Fripp, Sinfield, Mel Collins, Boz Burrell, and Ian Wallace recorded Islands in 1971.

In 1972, Fripp changed the band's lineup again. He brought in new members like Bill Bruford (from Yes), John Wetton, David Cross, and Jamie Muir. The band's music became more complex and experimental. They created what many consider their best work with Larks' Tongues in Aspic (1973), Starless and Bible Black (1974), and Red (1974). King Crimson stopped playing together at the end of 1974.

After seven years, King Crimson reformed in 1981. This new version included Fripp, Bruford, and new members Adrian Belew and Tony Levin. They were inspired by African music, gamelan, and new wave. This lineup released three albums: Discipline (1981), Beat (1982), and Three of a Perfect Pair (1984).

After another ten-year break, the band reformed in 1994. They added Pat Mastelotto and Trey Gunn, creating a six-person group called "The Double Trio." This group released the album Thrak (1995). Fripp, Belew, Mastelotto, and Gunn reunited in 2000 as a quartet, called "The Double Duo." They released The Construkction of Light (2000) and The Power to Believe (2003). After another break, the band toured in 2008 to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Gavin Harrison joined, and Tony Levin returned.

After another break from 2009 to 2012, King Crimson came back in 2013. This time, they had seven (and later eight) members. They had an unusual setup with three drummers and a new singer and guitarist, Jakko Jakszyk. This version of King Crimson toured from 2014 to 2021. After their last show in 2021, Fripp said King Crimson had "moved from sound to silence."

The Story of King Crimson

Starting Out: Giles, Giles and Fripp (1967–1968)

In 1967, brothers Michael Giles (drummer) and Peter Giles (singer/bassist) were looking for a "singing organist" for their new band. Robert Fripp, a guitarist from their area, joined them. He didn't play organ or sing, but he became part of the group called Giles, Giles and Fripp. They released some unique songs and one album, The Cheerful Insanity of Giles, Giles and Fripp. They tried to become famous but didn't quite make it.

To make their sound bigger, they invited Ian McDonald to play keyboards and woodwind instruments. McDonald also brought his girlfriend, Judy Dyble, and a lyricist named Peter Sinfield. Fripp wanted to add classical music ideas and improvisation to their songs.

Peter Giles left the band because he was unhappy with their lack of success. Fripp then suggested his friend, Greg Lake, join as the new bassist and singer.

The First King Crimson (1968–1970)

The first King Crimson band formed on November 30, 1968. It included Fripp, Michael Giles, Lake, McDonald, and Sinfield. Sinfield came up with the name "King Crimson" quickly. He said a "crimson king" was any ruler whose time had "societal rumblings" and "dark forces." Fripp said King Crimson was another name for Beelzebub, which means "the man with an aim."

At first, McDonald wrote most of the music, with help from Fripp and Lake. Sinfield wrote all the lyrics and designed the band's stage lighting. McDonald suggested they use a Mellotron keyboard, which became a key part of their early sound. Sinfield said their music had to be complicated and use unusual chords. They would often play in unusual time signatures like 7/8 or 5/8.

King Crimson's first live show was in London on April 9, 1969. Their big break came on July 5, 1969. They played before the Rolling Stones at a free concert in Hyde Park, London, in front of about 500,000 people.

Their first album, In the Court of the Crimson King, came out in October 1969. Who guitarist Pete Townshend called it "an uncanny masterpiece." The album had dark lyrics and a "doom-laden" sound. Its first song, "21st Century Schizoid Man," was called "proto-metal" and criticized the Vietnam War. King Crimson's music was different from other rock bands at the time. It mixed classical music, psychedelic rock, folk, jazz, and free improvisation.

After playing shows in England, the band toured the US. Even though they were successful, there were creative disagreements. Giles and McDonald were not comfortable with the band's fast success and touring life. Fripp was the main driving force, pushing the band into darker and more intense music. McDonald and Giles wanted a lighter style and decided to leave in January 1970. McDonald later said he was "not emotionally mature enough to handle it." The original band played their last show on December 14, 1969.

Changing Lineups and New Sounds (1970–1972)

In 1970, King Crimson went through many changes. Fripp took on keyboard duties, and Sinfield started using synthesizers. Greg Lake left to form Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Fripp's old friend Gordon Haskell sang on some songs for their second album, In the Wake of Poseidon. This album came out in May 1970 and did well in the UK and US. Some people thought it sounded too much like their first album.

With no fixed band, Fripp and Sinfield brought in Mel Collins, Gordon Haskell (on vocals and bass), and Andy McCulloch (drums). They recorded their third album, Lizard, in 1970. This album had more jazz and classical influences. Jon Anderson from Yes sang a part on the title track. Lizard came out in December 1970. Haskell and McCulloch found the music difficult, and Haskell left during tour rehearsals. McCulloch soon followed.

After finding a new drummer, Ian Wallace, Fripp, Collins, and Wallace looked for a singer and bassist. They chose Boz Burrell, and Fripp taught him to play bass.

This new King Crimson started touring in May 1971. They recorded Islands in 1971. The album included "Sailor's Tale" with Fripp's guitar solo, and "Ladies of the Road" about groupies. Islands was released in December 1971. After a US tour, Fripp told Sinfield he could no longer work with him, and Sinfield left the band. In January 1972, the rest of the band broke up due to musical differences.

To finish their tour contracts, King Crimson reformed for a short time in 1972. Live recordings from this tour were released as Earthbound. Fripp felt the band was becoming more of a "jam band" and decided to form a new King Crimson with different musicians.

A New Era: Larks' Tongues, Starless, Red (1972–1975)

The next King Crimson lineup was very different. Fripp brought in Jamie Muir (percussion), Bill Bruford (drums, from Yes), John Wetton (bassist and vocalist), and David Cross (violin, keyboards, flute). Most of the new songs were created by Fripp and Wetton. Richard Palmer-James wrote the lyrics.

King crimson 1974 press photo
King Crimson in 1974. From left: John Wetton, David Cross, Robert Fripp, and Bill Bruford

In early 1973, King Crimson recorded Larks' Tongues in Aspic. The album's title track showed their new sound, mixing modern classical music, free improvisation, and heavy metal. Muir used unusual percussion instruments like a bullroarer and gongs. He also had a wild stage presence. The album was popular, reaching No. 20 in the UK.

Muir left the band in 1973 to join a Buddhist monastery. The remaining members recorded Starless and Bible Black in 1974. Most of this album was recorded live during their 1973 tour. It received good reviews.

The band started to have disagreements again. Cross's violin was often drowned out by the loud rhythm section. He became frustrated and left the group after the 1974 tour.

Robert Fripp 2
Fripp performing at the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago, 25 April 1974

In July 1974, Fripp, Bruford, and Wetton recorded Red. Fripp was becoming unhappy with the music industry. Bruford and Wetton mostly directed the recording sessions. Former members Ian McDonald and Mel Collins also played on the album. Red was released in October 1974. It was called "an impressive achievement" for a band about to break up.

Fripp decided to end King Crimson on September 25, 1974. He felt the band had "ceased to exist." He later said he tried to replace himself with McDonald and Steve Hackett from Genesis, but it didn't work out.

A live album, USA, was released in May 1975. It had recordings from their 1974 tour. King Crimson was completely inactive between 1975 and 1981.

The 1980s Return (1981–1984)

In late 1980, Robert Fripp decided to form a new rock group. He didn't plan for it to be King Crimson at first. He brought back Bill Bruford on drums. Fripp then asked singer and guitarist Adrian Belew to join. This was the first time Fripp worked closely with another guitarist in a band. Belew also became the band's lyricist. Bruford suggested his bassist, but Fripp chose Tony Levin instead.

-Possible Productions knotwork- by Steve Ball
Later versions of Discipline featured this knotwork design by Steve Ball.

The new group was first called Discipline. They played their first show on April 30, 1981. By October 1981, they decided to change their name to King Crimson.

In 1981, King Crimson recorded Discipline. This album had a very different sound. It was influenced by post-punk, new wave, funk, and world music. Fripp wanted to create a "rock gamelan" sound, with guitars playing complex, interlocking rhythms. Belew used many different guitar sounds, sometimes like animal noises. Tony Levin played the Chapman Stick, a unique guitar and bass instrument. Bruford used electronic drums. The songs were shorter and more pop-friendly. Discipline was successful in the UK and US.

In June 1982, King Crimson released Beat. This was the first time the band recorded two albums with the same lineup. The album was inspired by the Beat Generation writers. It included songs like "Neal and Jack and Me" and "Heartbeat." Beat was more accessible but also had an improvised song called "Requiem." Recording Beat was stressful for Belew, who was the main songwriter and singer.

Their next album, Three of a Perfect Pair, was released in March 1984. The album had a "left side" with pop songs and a "right side" with experimental, improvised music. The stress within the band during this time was clear in the music. Three of a Perfect Pair was also successful.

After the 1984 tour, Fripp ended King Crimson for the second time. Bruford and Belew were surprised by this decision.

The Double Trio and ProjeKcts (1994–1999)

In 1991, Adrian Belew talked to Fripp about bringing King Crimson back. Fripp then started his own record label, Discipline Global Mobile (DGM). This gave him more creative freedom.

Pat Mastelotto in conversation (Copenhagen, Denmark - 27 05 2000)
Percussionist Pat Mastelotto joined the band as part of the "Double Trio" line-up, alongside Trey Gunn.

In 1993, Fripp started putting together a larger version of the band. He brought back Belew and Levin from the 1980s group. He added Trey Gunn (who played the Chapman Stick) and drummer Pat Mastelotto. Bill Bruford also returned, making it a "Double Trio" with two drummers.

The group released an EP called Vrooom in October 1994. This showed their new sound, which mixed the interlocking guitars of the 1980s with the heavier feel of the 1970s. They also used new technology like MIDI and the Warr Guitar. They toured the album, and parts of these concerts were released on B'Boom: Live in Argentina.

In late 1994, King Crimson recorded their eleventh studio album, THRAK. Many songs were new versions of tracks from Vrooom. Q magazine described the album as having "jazz-scented rock structures" and "noisy, angular, exquisite guitar interplay."

King Crimson toured in 1995 and 1996. Live recordings from this period were released on THRaKaTTaK and Vrooom Vrooom.

In 1997, Fripp was unhappy with the new music the band was creating. Disagreements between Fripp and Bruford led Bruford to leave King Crimson for good. Instead of breaking up, the six members decided to work in smaller groups called ProjeKcts. This allowed them to try new ideas. From 1997 to 1999, the first four ProjeKcts played live and released recordings. These showed a lot of free improvisation, with influences from jazz, industrial music, and drum'n'bass.

The Double Duo and Later Albums (1999–2003)

In October 1999, King Crimson came back together. Tony Levin was busy and took a break. So, Fripp, Belew, Gunn, and Mastelotto formed the "Double Duo." They wrote and recorded The Construkction of Light in Belew's home studio. The album was released in May 2000. Most of the songs had a metallic, harsh, and industrial sound. They used electronic drums and a different style of interlocking guitars. The album included the fourth part of "Larks' Tongues in Aspic."

King Crimson - Dour Festival 2003 (01)
The band performing in 2003. Left to right: Trey Gunn, Adrian Belew, and Robert Fripp (Pat Mastelotto is hidden)

King Crimson toured to support their albums, sometimes playing with the band Tool. Live recordings from this tour were released as Heavy ConstruKction.

In 2001, King Crimson released a live EP called Level Five. It had three new songs and other tracks. A second EP, Happy with What You Have to Be Happy With, followed in 2002.

The Double Duo released King Crimson's thirteenth album, The Power to Believe, in March 2003. Fripp called it the "culmination of three years of Crimsonising." The album used and reworked songs from their previous EPs. The Power to Believe was released in the UK and US. King Crimson toured in 2003 to support the album.

In November 2003, Trey Gunn left the group and Tony Levin returned. The band tried to work on new music in 2004 but nothing came from it, and they went on another break.

Sadly, former King Crimson members Boz Burrell and Ian Wallace passed away in 2006 and 2007.

40th Anniversary Tour and More Breaks (2008–2012)

Adrian Belew (2006)
Belew performing in 2006

A new King Crimson lineup was announced in 2007: Fripp, Belew, Levin, Mastelotto, and a new second drummer, Gavin Harrison. In August 2008, they completed the band's 40th Anniversary Tour. They played existing songs from different periods of the band's history. More shows were planned for 2009 but were canceled.

King Crimson went on another break after the tour. Adrian Belew wanted to bring the band back, but Fripp announced his retirement from the music industry in August 2012, making King Crimson's future uncertain.

The Seven-Headed Beast and Three Over Five (2014–2021)

Before Fripp's retirement announcement, a band called Jakszyk, Fripp and Collins released an album in 2011. It featured guitarist and singer Jakko Jakszyk, Fripp, and former Crimson saxophonist Mel Collins. Tony Levin and Gavin Harrison also played on it.

In September 2013, Fripp announced King Crimson's return. He said it would be "very different" with "seven players, four English and three American, with three drummers." This new lineup included Fripp, Levin, Harrison, Mastelotto, Jakszyk, Collins, and Bill Rieflin (on drums). Adrian Belew was not asked to return; Jakszyk became the singer and second guitarist. This group was nicknamed "the Seven-Headed Beast."

This new King Crimson focused on playing "reconfigured" versions of old songs in live concerts. They didn't plan to record new studio albums. They played songs from the 1960s and 1970s, and some instrumentals from the 1980s and 1990s.

After practicing in England, King Crimson toured North America in 2014. Live recordings were released as Live at the Orpheum. They also toured Europe, Canada, and Japan in 2015. New songs by Fripp and Jakszyk were played live. A live recording from the Canadian tour was released as Live In Toronto.

Uncertain Times Japan Tour 2018 Photo 2 (cropped)
The band with its "Three Over Five" line-up following a show in Takamatsu, Japan on 7 December 2018. Top L–R: Collins, Levin, Rieflin, Jakszyk, Fripp. Bottom L–R: Mastelotto, Stacey, Harrison.

In 2016, Jeremy Stacey joined as a drummer while Rieflin took a break. Another live album, Radical Action to Unseat the Hold of Monkey Mind, was released in September 2016.

Sadly, founding member Greg Lake died in December 2016, and John Wetton died in January 2017.

In 2017, Bill Rieflin returned, and Jeremy Stacey stayed. This made King Crimson an octet with four drummers. Later, Rieflin became the band's first full-time keyboard player. Fripp called this lineup the "Three Over Five" Formation.

In June 2017, King Crimson released a new live EP called Heroes, covering the David Bowie song. This was a tribute to Bowie, for whom Fripp had played guitar. The video for their "Heroes" cover won "Video of the Year" at the 2017 Progressive Music Awards.

In October 2017, King Crimson released another live album, Live in Chicago. It included new music and old songs from the 1970 album Lizard.

In 2018, King Crimson toured the UK and Europe. Another live album, Live in Vienna, was released in April 2018. In October 2018, Meltdown: Live in Mexico City was released.

In 2019, Bill Rieflin took another break. The band decided to continue as a "Seven-Headed Beast" without a temporary replacement. Other band members took on keyboard duties. In June 2019, King Crimson's entire music collection became available online for streaming.

In 2020, Bill Rieflin, Keith Tippett, and Gordon Haskell all passed away.

King Crimson toured North America and Japan in 2021. Live recordings from the American tour were released as Music Is Our Friend: Live in Washington and Albany.

The End of an Era (2022)

After the 2021 tour, King Crimson stopped playing, though they didn't officially announce a breakup. Reasons included the age of some members and rising costs.

In February 2022, founding member Ian McDonald passed away.

In March 2022, a documentary film called In the Court of the Crimson King was shown at a film festival. It covered the band's history and featured interviews with members.

As of 2022, King Crimson has stopped all activity. Tony Levin said Robert Fripp felt it was "over." Fripp called the 2021 lineup "the final incarnation" of the band. He said he needed to be involved in all aspects of the band for it to exist.

King Crimson's Music Style

King Crimson was probably the most versatile of all progressive rock bands. Their changing lineups led to entirely new sounds. You could play a song from their first, third, and fifth albums, and you wouldn't know it was the same band. That's a big part of what progressive rock is about.

Pop Matters (7 March 2023)

King Crimson's music is known as progressive rock, art rock, and post-progressive. Their early music was called proto-prog. They started with 1960s rock, like acid rock and psychedelic rock. But King Crimson removed the blues parts of rock music. Instead, they used ideas from classical composers. For example, they played parts of Gustav Holst's The Planets live. This influence made In the Court of the Crimson King a starting point for progressive rock.

King Crimson also used strong jazz influences, especially in "21st Century Schizoid Man." They also used English folk music for songs like "Moonchild." In 1972, Fripp wanted to mix the music of Jimi Hendrix, Igor Stravinsky, and Béla Bartók.

When the band reunited in 1981, they added more styles. These included funk, post-punk, new wave, gamelan music, and modern classical composers. For their 1994 reunion, King Crimson combined their 1970s and 1980s sounds with new technology. They also added influences from electronica, drum'n'bass, and industrial music.

The 2013 version of the band mostly went back to their 1960s and 1970s influences. They used modern technology and new arrangements for their larger group of musicians.

How King Crimson Created Music

King Crimson used several unique ways to create their music:

  • They often built up a rhythm slowly. Examples include "The Devil's Triangle" and "The Talking Drum."
  • They played complex instrumental parts. Songs like "21st Century Schizoid Man" and the "Larks' Tongues in Aspic" series had very complex rhythms.
  • They wrote difficult solo parts for instruments, like the guitar solo in "Fracture."
  • They mixed beautiful melodies with unusual, sometimes harsh, sounds. Examples are "Cirkus" and "Ladies of the Road."
  • They used a lot of improvisation.
  • They often used ascending note structures in their songs.

Improvisation in King Crimson

"We're so different that one night someone will play something new. You listen, then react in a different way than expected. Improvisation makes the group amazing for me. We discover things while improvising and turn them into new songs, keeping the improvisation alive."

—King Crimson violinist David Cross on the mid-1970s band's approach to improvisation.

King Crimson always used improvisation in their live shows and recordings. Instead of one person soloing, all musicians made creative decisions together as they played. They listened to each other and reacted to the group's sound. Fripp called this process "magic" when it worked well.

King Crimson's improvised music was very diverse. They released many albums and box sets made mostly or entirely of improvised music, like THRaKaTTaK and their ProjeKcts series. Sometimes, improvised pieces were later developed into official studio songs.

King Crimson's Influence

King Crimson greatly influenced the early progressive rock movement and many artists today. Bands like Genesis and Yes were inspired by their use of the mellotron. Many King Crimson members also played in other famous bands: Bruford in Yes, Lake in Emerson, Lake & Palmer, McDonald in Foreigner, Burrell in Bad Company, and Wetton in U.K. and Asia. Rush's drummer Neil Peart said Michael Giles influenced his drumming style.

King Crimson influenced many bands from different music styles, especially in the 1990s and 2000s. Kurt Cobain from Nirvana said the album Red greatly influenced their album In Utero. The band Tool is also heavily influenced by King Crimson.

Modern progressive, experimental, psychedelic, and indie rock bands like MGMT, the Mars Volta, and Primus have said King Crimson influenced them. Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree said remixing King Crimson's music greatly influenced his own work.

King Crimson is often seen as a pioneer of progressive metal. They influenced bands like Dream Theater, Opeth, and Mastodon. Members of metal bands like Mudvayne and Voivod have also mentioned King Crimson as an influence.

Other artists influenced by King Crimson include video game composer Nobuo Uematsu, hip hop producer RJD2, and film director Hal Hartley.

In popular culture, the manga and anime JoJo's Bizarre Adventure has a villain named Diavolo with a power called King Crimson. Stephen King's The Dark Tower series also features a main villain called the Crimson King, named after the band.

Bands with Former King Crimson Members

Since the early 2000s, several bands with former or current King Crimson members have played and recorded King Crimson music.

The 21st Century Schizoid Band was active from 2002 to 2005. It brought together several former King Crimson members. They played songs from King Crimson's 1960s and 1970s albums.

Since 2007, Tony Levin has led the trio Stick Men, which also includes Pat Mastelotto. This band plays and reinterprets King Crimson songs in their live shows.

Between 2011 and 2014, Stick Men and Adrian Belew's Power Trio joined forces to play as The Crimson ProjeKCt. They covered music from the 1980s and 1990s King Crimson eras.

Adrian Belew has also performed King Crimson songs during his solo career.

In March 2024, a new group called "Beat" was announced. It features former members Adrian Belew and Tony Levin, along with guitarist Steve Vai and drummer Danny Carey. They will perform King Crimson's 1980s music.

King Crimson Members

Final lineup

  • Robert Fripp – guitar, keyboards, Mellotron, electronics (1968–1974, 1981–1984, 1994–2008, 2013–2021)
  • Mel Collins – saxophones, flute, clarinet, Mellotron, backing vocals (1970–1972, 2013–2021; studio guest in 1974)
  • Tony Levin – bass guitar, Chapman Stick, synthesizers, backing vocals (1981–1984, 1994–1999, 2003–2008, 2013–2021)
  • Pat Mastelotto – drums, percussion, programming (1994–2008, 2013–2021)
  • Gavin Harrison – drums, percussion (2007–2008, 2013–2021)
  • Jakko Jakszyk – lead vocals, guitar, flute, keyboards (2013–2021)
  • Jeremy Stacey – drums, keyboards, backing vocals (2016–2021)

Former members

  • Peter Sinfield – lyrics, lighting, synthesizer (1968–1972; died 2024)
  • Michael Giles – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1968–1970)
  • Greg Lake – bass guitar, lead vocals (1968–1970; died 2016)
  • Ian McDonald – saxophone, flute, clarinet, keyboards, Mellotron, backing vocals (1968–1970; studio guest in 1974; died 2022)
  • Peter Giles – bass guitar (1970)
  • Gordon Haskell – lead vocals, bass guitar (1970; studio guest earlier in 1970; died 2020)
  • Andy McCulloch – drums (1970)
  • Ian Wallace – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1970–1972; died 2007)
  • Boz Burrell – bass guitar, lead vocals (1971–1972; died 2006)
  • Bill Bruford – drums, percussion (1972–1974, 1981–1984, 1994–1999)
  • John Wetton – bass guitar, lead vocals (1972–1974; died 2017)
  • David Cross – violin, viola, keyboards (1972–1974)
  • Jamie Muir – percussion (1972–1973; died 2025)
  • Adrian Belew – guitar, guitar synthesizer, lead vocals, drums and percussion (1981–1984, 1994–2008)
  • Trey Gunn – Warr guitar, Chapman Stick, backing vocals, bass guitar (1994–2003)
  • Bill Rieflin – keyboards, synthesizer, Mellotron, drums, percussion (2013–2016, 2017–2019; died 2020)

King Crimson Albums

  • In the Court of the Crimson King (1969)
  • In the Wake of Poseidon (1970)
  • Lizard (1970)
  • Islands (1971)
  • Larks' Tongues in Aspic (1973)
  • Starless and Bible Black (1974)
  • Red (1974)
  • Discipline (1981)
  • Beat (1982)
  • Three of a Perfect Pair (1984)
  • THRAK (1995)
  • The ConstruKction of Light (2000)
  • The Power to Believe (2003)

Images for kids

See Also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: King Crimson para niños

kids search engine
King Crimson Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.