King Crimson to Hold Court at the Orpheum Theatre

Alexander Volz

King Crimson may not be a household name like Led Zeppelin or the Rolling Stones, but their influence is just as great. While progressive rock is usually associated with a slick clean production style, King Crimson made it gritty by infusing aspects of hard rock. The band’s influence has made artists like Yes, Genesis and Emerson, Lake & Palmer more powerful and boldly creative. Recently, the King Crimson sound has been recognized in Kanye West’s “Power,” as he sampled their song “21st Century Schizoid Man” from the album In the Court of the Crimson King to use the vocals and spastic drumming to great effect. That same album is considered to be the first to set the tone and sound for alternative rock music. The Who’s Pete Townshend has called In the Court… “an uncanny masterpiece,” and bands such as Tool, Nirvana, Boris, Bad Religion and the Mars Volta all cite King Crimson as an influence.

As other ’70s rock bands focused on blues music, King Crimson was all about jazz and this distinction set them apart from their peers. The album Islands is heavily influenced by Miles Davis, while Red is the most straightforward rock album the band has recorded and was considered to be the band’s swan song. Throughout the years, King Crimson has had a number of hiatuses and new band members, but the one thing that remained consistent was the presence of Songwriter/Guitarist Robert Fripp.

Currently, King Crimson’s performances include songs from their classic albums Red, Islands, Larks’ Tongue in Aspic and In Wake of Poseidon, and fans say the latest incarnation of the band is just as solid as it was in the ’70s. Today’s King Crimson is heavier with less focus on keyboards and more on rock music, which is exemplified by featuring three drummers for their live performances. King Crimson’s new concentrated rock is still appealing to their original fan base as the beats and lyricism echo as a driving force. A pre-recorded message by Fripp has opened the band’s shows, advising concertgoers to “embrace the moment” and not to even consider using cell phones, but instead to “use your ears to record and your eyes to video.” Indeed, King Crimson’s connection is best live and real. It’s a time to unplug for what is sure to be two of the best hours of authentic rock you’ll ever witness in Los Angeles.

King Crimson will reign over your senses on September 30 and October 1 at the Orpheum Theatre.