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King Crimson

Live Performances by King Crimson in 1981

  • In early 1981, when King Crimson delivered their electrifying performance of "Thela Hun Ginjeet" on the *Fridays* show, they were riding high on the s... Read Full Description >

    In early 1981, when King Crimson delivered their electrifying performance of "Thela Hun Ginjeet" on the *Fridays* show, they were riding high on the success of their album *Disciples* released in 1980. This period marked a significant turning point for the band, as they had recently reformed and were exploring new musical territories with a more accessible sound compared to their earlier avant-garde style. The live performance featured the talents of Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and Bill Bruford—an eclectic mix that brought a fresh energy to their music. Interestingly, this lineup was pivotal in shaping King Crimson's legacy, as they blended rock with jazz and experimental elements seamlessly. The name "Thela Hun Ginjeet" itself, which translates to "The Man Who Speaks in Tongues," reflects the band's intricate and thoughtful approach to songwriting. Captivating audiences with both visual and auditory elements, this live recording encapsulates a moment when King Crimson was redefining their identity, creating a blend of complexity and accessibility that resonated deeply with fans.

King Crimson - Frame by Frame Live at Old Grey Whistle Test

Old Grey Whistle Test
London, UK, United Kingdom

January 1, 1981 | Video Length: 4:03
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Discipline Performance at Moles, Bath - King Crimson Concert Preview

Moles
Bath, England, United Kingdom

April 30, 1981 | Video Length: 4:12
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  • Picture this: it's April 30, 1981, in Bath, UK, where King Crimson is about to take the stage at Moles for what would be a pivotal moment in their jou... Read Full Description >

    Picture this: it's April 30, 1981, in Bath, UK, where King Crimson is about to take the stage at Moles for what would be a pivotal moment in their journey. Just before this live recording, the band released **"Discipline"** in 1981, which marked a significant turn in their artistic direction. This album was the first of their "double trio" era and introduced ambitious soundscapes that blended intricate rhythms, guitar interplay, and a newfound lyricism. What’s fascinating is that this live performance was the first gig for the 81-84 lineup—a fresh iteration that brought in members like Adrian Belew and Tony Levin. This fresh blood infused King Crimson with a vibrancy that would redefine progressive rock. It’s electrifying to think about the energy in the room that night; they were on the brink of a new chapter, paving the way for future masterpieces. Can you imagine the excitement?

King Crimson - Discipline Live at El Mocambo, Toronto, 1981

El Mocambo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

October 22, 1981 | Video Length: 6:50
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King Crimson Performs 'Thela Hun Ginjeet' Live at The Nitro, Detroit

Nitro Rock Club
Detroit, Michigan, United States

November 9, 1981 | Video Length: 8:02
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  • When King Crimson took the stage at the Nitro Rock Club in Detroit on November 9, 1981, they were riding high on the waves of their influential album ... Read Full Description >

    When King Crimson took the stage at the Nitro Rock Club in Detroit on November 9, 1981, they were riding high on the waves of their influential album *Discipline*, released just that year. This groundbreaking record marked a new chapter for the band, introducing a fresh lineup, including the dynamic Adrian Belew on guitar and vocals, alongside stalwart members Robert Fripp, Tony Levin, and drummer Bill Bruford. *Discipline* is often hailed for blending art rock with new wave elements, showcasing complex structures and intricate rhythms. This performance of "Thela Hun Ginjeet" captures the band in a moment of artistic reinvention, reflecting their vibrant fusion of melodies and experimental sounds. Notably, this era also saw King Crimson embracing a more collaborative spirit, where each member's unique contributions formed a cohesive and innovative whole. It’s fascinating to think about how that night in Detroit wasn’t just a concert – it was a living testament to King Crimson's transformative journey in the music world.

King Crimson - Elephant Talk Live Performance in Nitro, US

Nitro Rock Club
Detroit, Michigan, United States

November 9, 1981 | Video Length: 5:30
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  • Back in November 1981, when King Crimson took the stage at Nitro Rock Club in Detroit for their live performance of "Elephant Talk," they were riding ... Read Full Description >

    Back in November 1981, when King Crimson took the stage at Nitro Rock Club in Detroit for their live performance of "Elephant Talk," they were riding high on the momentum from their album "Discipline," released just that year. This album saw a significant shift in their sound, embracing an innovative blend of new wave and progressive rock elements. It was a dramatic pivot from their earlier works, showcasing the fresh energy brought by Adrian Belew’s whimsical guitar play and distinctive vocals, alongside Robert Fripp's ever-evolving creativity. An interesting tidbit about this period in King Crimson's career is that "Discipline" marked the band's first full-length studio release since 1974, making their return feel monumental. This live recording captures the dynamic chemistry between the lineup, featuring not only Fripp and Belew but also the remarkable rhythm section of Bill Bruford and Tony Levin. Their synergy during this performance epitomizes the adventurous spirit of the era. The live rendition of "Elephant Talk" offers listeners a glimpse into the evolving landscape of King Crimson, merging complex time signatures with captivating lyrical storytelling, making it a highlight from a truly transformative moment in the band's journey.

King Crimson - Indiscipline Live Performance in Detroit

Nitro Rock Club
Detroit, Michigan, United States

November 9, 1981 | Video Length: 10:58
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  • In November 1981, when King Crimson performed "Indiscipline" live in Detroit, the band was riding the waves of their groundbreaking album *Discipline*... Read Full Description >

    In November 1981, when King Crimson performed "Indiscipline" live in Detroit, the band was riding the waves of their groundbreaking album *Discipline*, released earlier that year. *Discipline*, a musical milestone, not only marked the band's return after a long hiatus but also established their innovative use of rhythm and melody, setting the stage for a new era in progressive rock. It introduced a fresh sound, combining elements of post-punk with the complex arrangements King Crimson was known for—it was a real game changer! What's particularly captivating about this live recording is the presence of the iconic lineup featuring Adrian Belew, Robert Fripp, Bill Bruford, and Tony Levin. Their chemistry is palpable; it's as if the stage itself is electrified by their collective energy. The performance showcases an almost conversational interplay among the musicians, highlighting not just their technical prowess but also their deep emotional connection to the music.

King Crimson Live in Detroit: 'Matte Kudasai' Performance from The Nitro

Nitro Rock Club
Detroit, Michigan, United States

November 9, 1981 | Video Length: 4:30
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  • On November 9, 1981, when King Crimson took to the stage at Detroit's Nitro Rock Club, they were riding the wave of their iconic album "Discipline," r... Read Full Description >

    On November 9, 1981, when King Crimson took to the stage at Detroit's Nitro Rock Club, they were riding the wave of their iconic album "Discipline," released just earlier that same year. This album marked a transformative period for the band, featuring a lineup that included virtuosos like Adrian Belew, Robert Fripp, Bill Bruford, and Tony Levin. They were diving deep into a blend of progressive rock and new wave, which infused their sound with a fresh sense of energy. Interestingly, "Discipline" is often hailed as a cornerstone of their discography, showcasing intricate polyrhythms and innovative guitar techniques that would become hallmarks of King Crimson's style. This live recording, capturing the essence of their performances during that era, illustrates the band's ability to weave complex musical ideas while engaging the audience— a feat not easily accomplished. The electricity in the air on that night in Detroit must have been palpable, as fans witnessed a pivotal moment in King Crimson's evolving legacy.

King Crimson - Full Concert at The Nitro, Detroit - Featuring Frippertronics, Discipline, and More

Nitro Rock Club
Detroit, Michigan, United States

November 9, 1981 | Video Length: 1:30:09
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  • Let’s set the stage for King Crimson in the early '80s, shall we? By November 9, 1981, the band was riding high on the waves of their album "Discipl... Read Full Description >

    Let’s set the stage for King Crimson in the early '80s, shall we? By November 9, 1981, the band was riding high on the waves of their album "Discipline," which had dropped just that year. This album marked a significant shift for King Crimson, embracing a more structured and tightly woven sound that leaned into new wave influences while incorporating their signature progressive rock flair. It was a fresh era, spotlighting their experimental side but with a polished edge. During this live recording at the Nitro in Detroit, fans witnessed the band’s dynamic evolution, highlighted by tracks like “Thela Hun Ginjeet” and “Frame by Frame.” Interestingly, this concert is often remembered for the energetic interplay between band members, showcasing Robert Fripp’s unique guitar work and Adrian Belew's innovative vocals. Not to mention, it was a pivotal moment in their history, marking a time when they were boldly redefining what it meant to be a progressive rock band. So, the vibe was electric, and you can feel that night’s essence in just about every note played!

King Crimson - 'Red' Live Performance at The Nitro, Detroit

Nitro Rock Club
Detroit, Michigan, United States

November 9, 1981 | Video Length: 7:48
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  • In November 1981, when King Crimson took the stage at the Nitro Rock Club in Detroit, they were riding high on the momentum of their album "Discipline... Read Full Description >

    In November 1981, when King Crimson took the stage at the Nitro Rock Club in Detroit, they were riding high on the momentum of their album "Discipline," which had dropped just that year. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, embracing a more angular, rhythmic approach that emphasized intricate guitar work and bass lines—thanks in large part to the contributions of Adrian Belew and Tony Levin. It's fascinating to note that this concert was part of a pivotal tour, showcasing the band's experimental spirit and willingness to push boundaries. The lineup back then was electric, with Robert Fripp leading the charge on guitar, complemented by the dynamic drumming of Bill Bruford. This period was marked by a focus on blending rock with avant-garde elements, redefining what progressive music could be. And honestly, seeing them live must have been a transformative experience—it’s clear that King Crimson was not just performing songs; they were crafting a moment, an atmosphere that fans still cherish today.

King Crimson - Frippertronics / Discipline Live Performance in Detroit

Nitro Rock Club
Detroit, Michigan, United States

November 9, 1981 | Video Length: 6:46
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  • In November 1981, when King Crimson graced the Nitro Rock Club in Detroit, they were riding high on the success of their album "Discipline," released ... Read Full Description >

    In November 1981, when King Crimson graced the Nitro Rock Club in Detroit, they were riding high on the success of their album "Discipline," released earlier that year. This album marked a significant shift for the band, showcasing a more structured and experimental sound compared to their earlier works. Featuring members like Adrian Belew, Robert Fripp, Tony Levin, and Bill Bruford, "Discipline" was characterized by intricate rhythms and innovative guitar techniques, setting a new standard for progressive rock. The live recording from that night encapsulates the band's evolution, blending Frippertronics with tight, dynamic performances. Interestingly, this period also witnessed King Crimson’s bold departure from their earlier, more chaotic sound, positioning them as pioneers in the emerging post-punk scene. Their Detroit show is a perfect representation of this fresh musical direction, where avant-garde met accessibility, making it a pivotal moment in their storied career.

Bill Bruford Solo Performance of 'Indiscipline' in Fréjus, France

Showbox
Seattle, Washington, United States

November 30, 1981 | Video Length: 3:50
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  • Before the live recording at the Showbox in Seattle on November 30, 1981, King Crimson had just released their studio album *Discipline* earlier in th... Read Full Description >

    Before the live recording at the Showbox in Seattle on November 30, 1981, King Crimson had just released their studio album *Discipline* earlier in the same year. This marked a significant transformation for the band, as it showcased a fusion of progressive rock with an unmistakable new wave influence. What's fascinating is how *Discipline* laid the groundwork for the compelling live performances that followed. Bill Bruford's solo from the video resonates deeply with this shift in the band's sound, acting as a precursor to the track "Indiscipline," which was rooted in the tension between improvisation and structure—a recurring theme for King Crimson. This era was pivotal, as it revealed their innovative approach to music, blending complex rhythms and daring experimentation, all while continuing a legacy that started in the late '60s. The excitement of that transformation is palpable in Bruford's electrifying drumming, captivating fans and setting the stage for a new chapter in their musical journey.

King Crimson - 'Elephant Talk' Live Performance on ABC's 'Fridays'

Fridays TV Show
Los Angeles, California, United States

December 4, 1981 | Video Length: 5:02
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  • In December 1981, King Crimson was in an intriguing phase of its career, having just released the album "Discipline" earlier that year. This record ma... Read Full Description >

    In December 1981, King Crimson was in an intriguing phase of its career, having just released the album "Discipline" earlier that year. This record marked a significant shift in their sound, embracing a more new wave and post-punk approach, which truly set the stage for the band's dynamic path in the early '80s. The performance of “Elephant Talk” on the TV show *Fridays* captures this era perfectly, illustrating their innovative sound with complex time signatures and a unique blend of instruments. An interesting tidbit? The audio from this performance is sourced from a rare half-track reel-to-reel recording, giving fans a crisp glimpse into the band's live energy that often gets lost in polished studio recordings. So, can you imagine the excitement of witnessing such a transformative moment in music right there on your TV screen? King's ability to evolve their sound while still performing with raw intensity was, and still is, a hallmark of their legacy.

King Crimson - Live Performance of 'Elephant Talk'

Fridays TV Show
Los Angeles, California, United States

December 4, 1981 | Video Length: 4:50
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King Crimson Live Performance of 'Elephant Talk' & 'Thela hun Ginjeet' on ABC's Fridays

Fridays TV Show
Los Angeles, California, United States

December 4, 1981 | Video Length: 9:13
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  • In December 1981, just a stone's throw from the release of their iconic album *Discipline*, King Crimson lit up ABC's *Fridays* with their dynamic per... Read Full Description >

    In December 1981, just a stone's throw from the release of their iconic album *Discipline*, King Crimson lit up ABC's *Fridays* with their dynamic performance of "Elephant Talk" and "Thela Hun Ginjeet." This period marked a significant revival for the band, as *Discipline* not only showcased a fresh lineup featuring Robert Fripp, Bill Bruford, Tony Levin, and Adrian Belew but also introduced innovative elements, fusing progressive rock with new wave sounds. Interestingly, the 1981 concert highlighted not just the band's musical evolution but also their newfound accessibility in the mainstream, coinciding with this energetic live appearance. It's fascinating to see Fripp, known for his intense demeanor, smiling and engaging with the audience, as they delivered their signature blend of complex rhythms and captivating lyrics. It’s a reminder that live performances often capture those fleeting yet magical moments—turning notes into something electrifying.

King Crimson Live Performance of Thela Hun Ginjeet

Fridays TV Show
Los Angeles, California, United States

December 4, 1981 | Video Length: 4:47
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  • In December 1981, when King Crimson performed "Thela Hun Ginjeet" for the *Fridays* TV show in Los Angeles, they were riding high on the success of th... Read Full Description >

    In December 1981, when King Crimson performed "Thela Hun Ginjeet" for the *Fridays* TV show in Los Angeles, they were riding high on the success of their album *Discipline*, released just that same year. This project marked a significant evolution in their sound, shifting toward a more streamlined, rhythmic approach while retaining their innovative edge. Notably, *Discipline* showcased the talents of the newly formed lineup, featuring guitar virtuosos Robert Fripp and Adrian Belew, who infused the band with fresh energy. The performance itself is electrifying—a testament to their intricate musicianship and the collaborative spirit that defined this era. Interestingly, “Thela Hun Ginjeet” reflects the band's knack for melding complex themes with captivating melodies, something they've always excelled at. It's amazing to think about how this live moment, captured on TV, played a part in framing their legacy—not just as progressive rock icons, but as pioneers of a genre that continually reinvents itself.

King Crimson - 'Thela Hun Ginjeet' Live Performance on ABC's 'Fridays'

Fridays TV Show
Los Angeles, California, United States

December 4, 1981 | Video Length: 4:58
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  • In December 1981, when King Crimson performed "Thela Hun Ginjeet" on the ABC show "Fridays," the band was in a period of artistic exploration marked b... Read Full Description >

    In December 1981, when King Crimson performed "Thela Hun Ginjeet" on the ABC show "Fridays," the band was in a period of artistic exploration marked by their album "Discipline," which had been released earlier that same year. "Discipline" was a significant record for the band, showcasing a more structured and accessible sound compared to their earlier, more experimental works. The band's lineup at this time included Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and Bill Bruford, who contributed to this innovative sound blending rock, jazz, and avant-garde influences. The performance, noted for its high-energy and complex rhythms, captured the essence of the band's hybrid style during this era. This live recording is especially noteworthy due to its high-quality audio, derived from a professional network feed, ensuring the authenticity of their dynamic performance. This period also represented a revitalization for King Crimson, paving the way for subsequent projects that embraced new technolo

King Crimson Performs 'The Sheltering Sky' Live in Tokyo

Asakusa Kokusai Gekijou
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

December 16, 1981 | Video Length: 9:18
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  • In December 1981, when King Crimson took the stage at the Asakusa Kokusai Gekijou in Tokyo, they were riding high on the wave of their innovative albu... Read Full Description >

    In December 1981, when King Crimson took the stage at the Asakusa Kokusai Gekijou in Tokyo, they were riding high on the wave of their innovative album *Discipline*, released earlier that year. This album marked a significant turning point for the band, showcasing their transformation into a new sound characterized by a blend of intricate rhythms and a more disciplined approach to songwriting—hence the title! Interestingly, *Discipline* introduced a lineup that included Adrian Belew, whose unique guitar work and vocal styles profoundly influenced the band's sound during this era. This live recording of "The Sheltering Sky" is a testament to King Crimson's complex live performances, where improvisation and structure fuse seamlessly, showcasing their pioneering spirit. It perfectly captures a band that, in that moment, was not just about playing music, but about creating an experience—an exciting slice of their artistic evolution.

King Crimson Live Performance of 'Matte Kudasai' in Tokyo, Japan

Asakusa Kokusai Gekijou
Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

December 16, 1981 | Video Length: 3:52
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  • In December 1981, during the performance of “Matte Kudasai” at the Asakusa Kokusai Gekijou in Tokyo, King Crimson was riding high on the success o... Read Full Description >

    In December 1981, during the performance of “Matte Kudasai” at the Asakusa Kokusai Gekijou in Tokyo, King Crimson was riding high on the success of their album "Discipline," released the same year. This record marked a significant shift for the band, embracing a more disciplined, structured approach to songwriting while still showcasing their characteristic complexity. It was during this period that King Crimson redefined their sound with a unique blend of new wave and progressive rock, featuring the innovative guitar work of Adrian Belew and the intricate rhythms of drummer Bill Bruford. Interestingly, "Discipline" included tracks that became staples in their live performances, reflecting the band's knack for capturing the energy of the moment. This Tokyo concert exemplified their dynamic stage presence and the fresh energy they brought to fans, making it a standout moment in their storied history. Isn’t it fascinating how live performances can encapsulate an artist's growth?