Live On Stage (excerpt from chapter 11)

The British band King Crimson was one I was able to see perform in a majestic venue, the Chicago Auditorium Theatre. King Crimson produced a type of music far removed from the pop charts, even the acoustic music that I loved. It was a new direction that fused rock with jazz and other genres, played by well-disciplined, talented musicians. They were led by Robert Fripp, a guitarist who was all about the music and not about the hype. At one point during the concert, Fripp stopped playing in the middle of an extended jam. He had noticed someone talking in the front section of the audience, not paying full attention to the musical experience. Fripp was offended and made it clear he would not perform with distractions. Fripp and King Crimson then continued the concert.

I was amazed at Fripp's outrage, but realized that this was one band focused on meaningful art through music. Recently, I read an excerpt from an interview of Robert Fripp by Anthony DeCurtis that originally appeared in "Record," May 1984. Fripp talked about a revelation he had in 1981, in which the music is always present, as a friend. Instead of looking for music, Fripp suggested being quiet enough to hear the music that's already there. Reading his words, for me, was a close encounter with someone who truly visualized the music inside. Robert Fripp, genius musician and artist in so many ways.