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In what feels like a long-awaited reunion of musical titans, the announcement of the BEAT tour has sent waves of excitement through the prog rock community. Spearheaded by none other than Adrian Belew, the iconic guitarist and vocalist of King Crimson during the 1980s, BEAT promises to be a celebration of the revered band’s repertoire from that era. Joining Belew are the incomparable bassist Tony Levin, who was also a member of King Crimson during that period, and the legendary guitar virtuoso Steve Vai.
The genesis of BEAT stems from Belew’s initiative, which was met with enthusiastic support from his former bandmate and King Crimson founder, Robert Fripp. Fripp, in a recent social media post, expressed his encouragement for the project, highlighting his discussions with Steve Vai and even contributing to the band’s name suggestion. The endorsement from Fripp, a central figure in the progressive rock scene, further solidifies the significance of this collaboration.
Adding to the excitement is the inclusion of Tool’s powerhouse drummer, Danny Carey, in the lineup. Carey’s distinctive style and virtuosity behind the drum kit bring yet another dimension to the ensemble. The convergence of these exceptional musicians promises an electrifying reinterpretation of King Crimson’s seminal works from the 1980s.
The tour, aptly named after King Crimson’s trilogy of albums from the era – “Discipline,” “Beat,” and “Three of a Perfect Pair,” is set to embark on a journey through these iconic compositions. From the intricate polyrhythms to the experimental soundscapes, BEAT aims to capture the essence of the Eighties King Crimson while infusing it with a fresh energy and interpretation.
Reflecting on the significance of King Crimson’s legacy, Adrian Belew acknowledges the unique character of the band during that period. He describes it as a “perfect storm of elements,” citing the incorporation of cutting-edge technology and the exploration of complex musical structures. The result was a sound that was both avant-garde and accessible, leaving an indelible impact on listeners.
Despite King Crimson’s intermittent hiatuses and lineup changes over the years, the BEAT tour serves as a testament to the enduring influence of their music. Tony Levin, reflecting on the upcoming tour, expresses his anticipation for revisiting these beloved compositions alongside such esteemed collaborators. With a lineup comprising some of the most innovative musicians in the genre, the stage is set for an unforgettable musical experience.
For Danny Carey, joining forces with his longtime inspirations is a dream come true. He sees the tour as an opportunity to push musical boundaries and ignite creative sparks in a collaborative environment. The prospect of venturing beyond his comfort zone alongside musical luminaries excites him, underscoring the mutual admiration and respect shared among the ensemble.
As preparations for the tour unfold, the setlist remains a subject of anticipation and speculation. With Adrian Belew curating a selection of songs from the trilogy, the possibilities for reinterpretation and improvisation are endless. Steve Vai, renowned for his improvisational prowess, anticipates surprises and musical exploration during the performances, promising an enriching experience for both the musicians and the audience alike.
In a landscape where nostalgia often reigns supreme, the BEAT tour offers more than a mere trip down memory lane. It is a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the timeless allure of progressive rock. As the tour dates draw near, fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness these icons come together on stage, breathing new life into the classic sounds of King Crimson’s golden era.
Here are the complete dates for the BEAT tour.
9/12 – San Jose, CA @ San Jose Civic
9/13 – Napa, CA @ Blue Note Napa Summer Sessions at Meritage Resort
9/14 – Los Angeles, CA @ The United Theater on Broadway
9/15 – Anaheim, CA @ City National Grove of Anaheim
9/17 – San Diego, CA @ Humphrey’s Concerts
9/18 – Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
9/20 – Austin, TX @ The Paramount Theatre
9/21 – Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Centre
9/22 – Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre
9/24 – Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
9/26 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ The Parker
9/27 – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live
9/28 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
9/29 – Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Hall
10/1 – Charlotte, NC @ Knight Theater
10/2 – Durham, NC @ Carolina Theatre of Durham / Fletcher Hall
10/4 – Washington, DC @ Warner Theatre
10/5 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
10/6 – Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theatre
10/8 – Richmond, VA @ Carpenter Theater in Dominion Energy Center
10/9 – Red Bank, NJ @ Count Basie Center
10/11 – Boston, MA @ Shubert Theatre
10/12 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
10/14 – Halifax, NS @ Rebecca Cohen Auditorium
10/15 – Moncton, NB @ Casino New Brunswick
10/17 – Montreal, QC @ Theatre Maisonneuve
10/18 – Toronto, ON @ Massey Hall
10/19 – Rochester, NY @ Kodak Center
10/21 – Albany, NY @ The Egg
10/22 – Greensburg, PA @ Palace Theatre
10/23 – Reading, PA @ Santander Performing Arts Center
10/25 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre
10/26 – Cincinnati, OH @ Taft Theatre
10/27 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre
10/28 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
10/30 – Indianapolis, IN @ Murat Theatre
11/1 – Chicago, IL @ Copernicus Center
11/2 – Milwaukee, WI @ Pabst Theatre
11/3 – Madison, WI @ Orpheum Theater
11/4 – Minneapolis, MN @ State Theatre
11/6 – Denver, CO @ Paramount Theatre
11/8 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Theater at Virgin Hotels