King Crimson - The Sheltering Sky (The Noise - Live At Fréjus 1982)

Visit Bill’s online store for exclusive and signed items: www.shorturl.a...
We don’t usually think of the sky affording shelter. It’s usually bringing weather, and often the wrong kind of weather, for crops, animals and humans. So what is it sheltering us from? In Paul Bowles novel, “Behind the sheltering sky is a vast dark universe, and we’re just so small”. My memory of this piece is that is started as an improvisation that was recorded, but never trust a musician’s memory. Robert Fripp focused on a section of it and moulded it into the fuller piece you hear here.
I found my small wooden ‘box’ in a tourist shop in California and parted with, I think, 25 USD for it. Robert wasn’t very keen on much of my sound or style at the time, but this was right up his street. The box was liquid, semi-pitched, limited dynamic, faintly exotic, reminiscent of an African slit drum (or log drum), evocative of Bowles’ story which takes place in Algeria. More importantly for Fripp, it chattered away quietly in his background and didn’t ‘interfere’. It had a happy life and featured on several songs: King Crimson’s ‘Discipline’, ‘The Sheltering Sky’ and ‘Two Hands’; Earthworks’ ‘White Knuckle Wedding’; and probably others I’ve forgotten.
Sheltering Sky is a slow burner. It takes it’s time to open. Doesn’t seem like there’s much happening, but it invites you to listen again, to pay attention to detail, to listen below the surface. The focus shifts between Robert and Adrian, but nothing could quite be called a solo, more sheets of sound. And when they’re both at it together it’s a powerful, handsome sound; some of their best collaborative, spontaneous guitar playing IMO.
It's all about an atmosphere. For me, it’s the slow rising of the early morning desert sun, comfortable at first with Adrian’s figure (0’47”) and the initial melody (I’45”), through to the inevitable and insufferable searing heat of midday at about 7 minutes. The late afternoon appears at around 8 minutes as things cool down over the last couple of minutes. The minimal tune - no more than a couple of phrases - re-appears (8’43”). Then a reverse order of exit. Fripp is magnificent as he snarls, burns and growls his way out of the picture (10’12”). The stick-bass ceases, Adrian’s hypnotic figure fades into the sunset and log drum wraps it up. in
My contribution was both musically minimal and structurally foundational - constant and consistent throughout. I was just happy not to interfere. Love this piece, and priviliged to have been a part of its creation.
#billbruford #drummer #paistecymbals #kingcrimson #tamadrums #jazzdrummer #earthworks #billbrufordsearthworks

[@warren_r]

4:00 I don't think people understand that at the time this album came out in 1981, NOBODY sounded like Tony Levin on bass here. NOBODY would have guessed that he was playing both the rhythmic part on the upper register while also playing the bass chords. Still breathtaking to this day.

[@creageous]

I first saw Tony play with Peter Gabriel and I was so excited when he joined crimson.

[@susanarosarojas5015]

Totalmente cierto. Absolutely right.

[@snoopstp4189]

you realize he's playing a stick and something like 95% of bassists played a fender precision.. steinberger's were becoming big in the new age crowd but there wasn't much variety of bass sounds at the time.

[@late_octoberish]

@warren_r • - really appreciate this unbelievable little great detail to take close notice on tony and that unbelievable performance I would miss hadn't I stomble upon your comment on him. I was looking at the screen listening to see who is playing back somewhere on stage, a band mate, an instrument is missing and "who is playing .. " 🤦👍

[@SoundOldies]

I was lost when i seen them on stage at that time, wondering what was going out of it, then I understood the place Tony hold in it, like in all others pieces of that era.

[@Thisbrucesmith]

For the modern kit drummer, being able to stand up and move around during a performance is a rare pleasure.

[@douglasjackson8571]

Ever Play in high school marching band?? Late-night mind plays tricks on small keypads

[@rafanj824]

Fripp killing in that guitar, seated in the dark like that seems like a villain of a movie. KC is so incredible, i'm in love with their first album right now.

[@peterresetz1960]

Back in 1996, I was sitting in my little Dodge Neon with an upgraded stereo, with my brother sitting in the passenger seat. Playing was the CD of this album with the volume set low as my brother and I were still yada yada-ing. After about two minutes of the song SHELTERING SKY was playing, my brother reaches to the stereo and turns the volume up, and your sits quietly and listens to it. When the song ended, my bro said "Damn. That song needs to be longer". I'll never forget that because my brother was into bands such as KISS, Ted Nugent, AC/DC, etc.. I never made my brother a KC disciple, but he really liked that song. He said it reminded him of fishing. My brother also drink a lot of beer.

[@rods6405]

Top Comment!

[@taxirob2248]

the deep, intense bass lines on DISCIPLINE are what Les Claypool built his whole career on

[@davemoskot1776]

I would love to have a beer with you and your bro whilst enjoying a cold one… This song rules.

[@nizarchebbi322]

Sheltering Sky, on rainy day in a long car ride. Ending when the evening sun breaks through the clouds. That's what comes to mind when listening to this track.

[@sawbonesquad4876]

your brother was onto something, smoking a bowl to the melodic basslines and trippy synth right now

[@alexv850]

It is one of my favorite KC songs. I had the privilege of hearing this song live in 1994. Due to my age it was my first chance to see KC live. Back then I was living in SE Asia. I bought a plane ticket and flew home to Hungary just to see this concert. Actually two concerts. One in Budapest and the next day in Prestov, Eperjes in Slovakia. And in the second day they played The Sheltering Sky too. Never forget. It was worth the plane ticket many times over. Thank you Bill. This music is a big part of my life.

[@arpodyssey7913]

I appreciate the descriptions you write for all of these videos. It’s nice being able to have insight into the band and it’s songs from a direct source and member.

[@pauldavies4070]

Absolutely agree. Bill's commentary goes beyond "tales from the trenches" (amusing though such anecdotes are) to provide insights that deepen my appreciation of the music. Bill's contribution to this piece ("both musically minimal and structurally foundational") is reminiscent to me of the silence that he contributed to "Trio".

[@herb6677]

I am not a musician , but my son is. whenever I go visit a shop for musical instruments with him and I see a slit drum, I have a go. Maybe someday I'll buy one for my own sheltering sky.

[@thomasmeadows2632]

And that tongue drum still sounds good today! It’s a bit battered but still sounds great and I own it now! Thanks Bill😊

[@nintendoor1]

do you have any clips of you playing it?? would love to see / hear!

[@AcidNoir]

😮😮😮

[@Blank_Frank]

Adrian's guitar part makes me shiver every time I listen to this

[@Bunny99s]

:) It Belews you away. This is pretty much my favourite track from this concert in frejus. Had it burned on a CD years ago and had it on repeat when driving in my car :)

[@808sos7]

This is one of my favourite crimson songs. This song really turn me in to a King Crimson fan.

[@wasabiflavoredcocaine]

This is probably one of my favorite songs ever

[@yaserdavidcruzdelgado182]

The entire albums Larks and Discipline

[@gnyx1566]

If this is the BBC film of the concert, I was a camera assistant on it. Heady days.

[@Bunny99s]

That's great. You rarely hear or notice anything from all the people behind the scenes. I just wasn't around yet to witness it around that time (born 83). My dad was a huge Crimson fan alongside Yes, Genesis, U.K.. Though he already passed away in 2007. All this music is linked to great memories

[@bencarter6702]

Still a classic. Only Bill could make a piece of wood sing like that for 10 mins straight.

[@yukas1ngas]

He had a great teacher David himself told this

[@snoopstp4189]

remember the first time I actually saw that wood box, and what it was, just assumed it was like a marimba with custom bars or something..

[@KeithRowley]

It’s called a tongue drum. Based on Central African log drums.

[@marylikens6847]

Yea, and who taught Fripp to play like this

[@marylikens6847]

The walrus

[@nickpollard9998]

This is probably my most played song. It's on my "Sleep" playlist and I drift off to slumber land most nights with it. It actually makes me feel closer to my kids as I was playing it as a comforting tune while my marriage was falling apart and as much as a gorgeous tune as it is, I play it more so to be "with my kids" coz it was the song I played every night when we were all under the same roof ❤️

[@nickpollard9998]

@TobinMiller-el6yk Thanks mate. Still gets played every night and I drift off thinking of my babies 🥹 (who I can't wait to see this weekend ☺️)

[@Itsjustjess352]

I can relate to your comment so much. 🫶🏼This one gets played almost as much as Phil Collins Take Me Home (live 1990 w/ Chester on drums).. when nothing else makes sense, the music seems to keep me on the right side of things. I hope you have found a little peace in your life now. 🙏🏻

[@nickpollard9998]

@@Itsjustjess352 Thanks for your kind words ❤️ That peace is still eluding me for the moment but I have the kids as my pillars of hope. I know one day it will all fall into place and things will be better. I know it will be, it's just the getting there that is hard work.

[@Itsjustjess352]

@@nickpollard9998 I hear you my friend. 🫶🏼 I’ve been fighting for freedom since 2018 now…and my (seemingly never-ending) divorce case has been open for over 1100 days now. ❤️‍🩹 I look to my babies & my music for whatever peace I can find, even if it is just briefly. I hope things turn around for you soon!!

[@tomtownley6871]

I saw this comment and just had to say, I'm in the exact same boat. I have no doubt that one of things that has kept me sane in that situation has been music. This era of Crimson is a good contender for my favourite music of all time, so it's got a lot of play recently.

[@philluck4649]

I’m French, I’m a musician and I attended this concert in Fréjus, I was 20 years old. They played the first part of Roxy Music. Everything was very sober. There were only these 4 guys without special effects of light or pyrotechnic. Just their music that literally stuck me and my buddies. Wow, it was magical. then we went to the end of the fourth song of Roxy Music which played next: sorry Brian but it seemed dull and already seen. I saw a lot of concerts but this one is etched in my memory forever. Aliens

[@nickfoster3916]

❤

[@tamara8908]

Fantastic cinematography and sound. I saw them in NYC during that era. I had the biggest crush on BB. I cornered him for an autograph he gladly gave it to me being almost surprised saying women don't usually come to these concerts as fans. 2024, still love these guys.

[@juresaiyan]

How can Bill move around, with the kit in his arms and never miss a beat is beyond me.

[@Bunny99s]

Yes, this has to be tiring especially since the piece is almost 11 minutes long :)

[@perameter444]

I've met and known thousands of people. Only two knew more about music then me. I was introduced to King Crimson by one of them in 1984. I tell people today that I think that Discipline is the best album ever made.

[@davemoskot1776]

You are correct, sir…with absolution.

[@VDGG2112]

One of the jewels. Along with lark, tongue, and red

[@benhogan6675]

Clown shoes

[@francoisbaugey2570]

​@@VDGG2112.... For me Discipline, In the Court of the KC, Starless & Bible Black and Lark's Tongues in Aspic....

[@jdmresearch]

Perhaps my favorite song from the 80s Crimso

[@beckfreak2000]

I was lucky enough to see them twice ,The first time when they were undecided what to call themselves and were billed as Discipline ,second time they decided back to King Crimson .

[@kumoyuki]

Absolutely brilliant version from absolutely the best KC lineup of all time. SO much patience with everyone just grooving on each other's improvisations! I saw this tour at Robin Hood Dell West in Philadelphia. _Indiscipline_ was the single loudest thing I have ever heard. "I LIKE IT!"

[@rnemchev]

Totally agree!

[@GerardPetrone-n4n]

The best lineup of Crimson in my opinion.

[@shanehagan]

Mine too

[@davidraymer397]

Seeing this concert was a life changing experience as a young musician.

[@bAgRiMoIrEsS.4]

King Crimson was my gateway music to jazz and Bebop.

[@ConcernedCitizen-pc4ql]

The magic of these musicians producing a timeless masterpiece

[@robertnobody]

It's called a "Slit" or "Log" drum, it's a percussion instrument you can still buy today.

[@brakinggnus5229]

Pine Knob Theater in 1984. Most beautiful sound I've ever heard. Screaming my lungs out because, you know, musicians need encouragement.

[@clockworkthoughts7830]

Didn't think there was any way this track would actually sound this good live. Amazing.

[@jameslennane1549]

You should check out BEAT - Belew, Vai, Carey, Levin playing the 80s Crimson. Steve Vai brings a whole new dimension to Sheltering Sky

[@songmanl1480]

I saw bruford when he was with King Crimson during the discipline tour Syracuse New York.

[@Bronco541]

I was so happy they did this song on the new beat tour. I didn't think they were going to do this one.

[@mentalrectangle]

this song lives rent free in my head and I'm okay with that

[@lorenzofeugg7540]

Masterpiece. Like the full Discipline record. Thank you Bill

[@Charles-d4j]

Long love Bill Bruford! 👍🙃

[@zackzallie8735]

Way ahead of its time. KC is so different to their prog contemporaries with their unique approach. Post-rock must be owed a lot to Fripp's soundscapes. Adrien Belew is so damn amazing, that touch of sound effects that made the band sounded like it launched them to the seventh sky or something

[@mentalrectangle]

It's cool to see Fripp how does the first solo, then Belew does the 2nd solo, then they dual for the final act with their styles being very distinct and perfectly complementary to each other.

[@RivLoveshine]

This is exactly what I was looking for. A song using a slit drum instrument. The first few seconds are exactly what I needed to see.

[@elemkay5104]

I'm not a massive fan of KC by any stretch, but this song is mesmerizing, hypnotic, rhythmic, powerful, angry, brooding, soulful, whimsical, and so much more. I love the interplay between dissonance and harmony, and how each of you grounds the song and evolves the flow at different sections, underpinned by your never missing a beat on the box. Can tell by your smile how much you loved just beating out the rhythm and watching what your fellow bandmates would lay over it.

[@Magnetar2049]

Mesmerising, one of the best compositions ever.

[@barrowsworm1226]

So glad to have heard this played a couple of times... One of my absolute favorites from the 80s Krim. Shivers right now listening to it again. To me this one of the most "perfect" musical statements of this incarnation of King Crimson, born of improv, refined later in some structure, but still allowed to breathe and morph in performance.

[@superDavid12341]

always love reading the descriptions from you on these vids ♥

[@viktorasbalykov]

Bill, its the greatest piece of music ever created.

[@ringoliverpond965]

This is, without question, the most compelling piece of music ever produced by mankind. This was King Crimson's best lineup in my humble opinion, but every lineup is extraordinary.

[@toddglacysacredsoundandliv7971]

Best $25. you probably ever spent on an instrument Bill! I always loved how you incorporated it into this music...perfect.

[@fernandodebisogno6428]

Love your comments, Bill. Please, keep doing them.

[@georgewaters8592]

I just found out about this new video here via a post on Sticklist, which prompted this observation from me: Post Re: New King Crimson video That's one of my favorite songs of all time, and was a huge reason why like 35 years later I purchased 2 Ironwoods. Everything about The Sheltering Sky is magnificent, Bills playing, Tony's playing, and of course the interplaying between Robert and Adrian. Every time I hear this song, it brings me right back to say 1985, in Greenwich Village, 8th ave... say near the street that brought one to Golden Disk, looking south at the twilight sky as a very bitter cold day turns into night. I remember a pizzera in the area, across from a small park that ran south along 8th ave, but more than anything else I remember the deep deep dark blue sky, and the bitter cold on my face. What a time to be young and alive !! *The mid 80s were so special to me, and I suspect many many others as well... Thanks for posting this video, watching it and listening to it very carefully brings me back to a very special place which sadly no longer exists.... PS: Bill, your playing is so important here... without it, this amazing composition which is brilliantly preformed here would not have worked.

[@PhilRounds]

This is so incredibly outside the box! One of my fav KC tunes.

[@elbosco8715]

Excelente. El retorno de King Crimson en los 80 fue un romper esquemas, la única banda de "Rock Progresivo" que al volver a escena no dio lástima, todo lo contrario. Gracias Bill, Robert, Adrian y Tony. Cuatros pesos pesados en acción. Saludos desde ciudad de Canelones, Uruguay,

[@Jimbowlcoach]

My favorite piece of music ever. I like the version from the 84 Japan show. I used to own the show on VHS and watched it to the point I annoyed my family.

[@21st_Century39]

Bought the "original" vinyl LP back in 1982. Was a little shocked by what l heard first time,as l had been a Crim fan for years before that. Completely different from the 70s albums, but just as good. Getting Belew and Levin on board was a masterstroke. But then Fripp usually knows what's going to fit!

[@snoopstp4189]

'just as good',, oh my god this is WAY better than the old Red sound..

[@wasabiflavoredcocaine]

This was peak Crimson

[@SoundOldies]

Dear Bill, i can't tell you how much I love this song, I had the chance to hear you playing it in Paris in the 80s. for me this the is a simple proof of your talent, having the intelligence to stay on a basic rythm like this , leaving all the place needed to the others. Thank you so much, i 'm keeping it in my mind for bad days, knowing how much joy mixed with softness I find in it.

[@Grissongs]

A thoughtful, generous and informative reflection by BB on (for me) a landmark KK performance, now shared in great AV quality: texture, atmosphere and rhythm to burn... And let's not forget the great Tony Levin's indispensable contribution, somehow overlooked in the initial commentary.

[@davemoskot1776]

“Discipline” changed people’s lives…

[@TimJackson-eq6iy]

The first time I heard this, many years ago, I couldn't believe just how in sync Robert and Adrian were. They keep swapping roles all the way through. Adrian able to match Roberts electronics. Bill and Tony are the solid support. I never get tired of either listening or watching this .

[@eduardofiolmujica2996]

this is much more than a simple description of what happens, it's introspection, really profound

[@robertforman3494]

I always thought of Bill’s part in this song as being what this album was about, discipline. For 10 minutes Bill beats out the same thing on that box, never getting never missing a beat. How many drummers have that kind of discipline?

[@creageous]

Pretty freekin amazing. Hard to believe this was 40 years ago. And even harder to believe that Fripp was not keen on bruford's style.

[@rods6405]

4 Outstanding musicians we are so lucky to be graced with their existence! I never knew that Adrian played those bits and Tony is playing 2 instruments really, wow! Just wants to make you "dwindle of into the twilight realm of your our secret thoughts" as Zappa once wrote!

[@_Helm_]

Thank you, mr. Bruford.

[@AudioAtmos]

Like many this is one of my favorite KC songs of this lineup. This is an excellent version and great sound. I saw them many times, but the first show of this lineup was in 82 and the beginning of the Beat tour at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland. I was 17 and my same age friend got his parents car and we had a great day. Jon Anderson of Yes was doing a solo tour and opened the show and was excellent. I had already been familiar with Sheltering Sky, but I was mesmerized that day. Bruford sets the mood and everyone continues. Another friend (RIP) was inspired to buy a Log Drum after hearing and seeing KC. I used to always grab it and play it when at his place. Of all the many concerts I’ve seen this show was at the top. Thanks so much for this upload. Brings back great memories of the greatest music of my lifetime.

[@JoanneAndPaulH]

This, and the rest of Discipline, is just a masterpiece.

[@pickgee]

Goddamn these guys are good! A real, professional, band! Amazing!!

[@SonOfWinter]

Every day I am convinced more and more that TOOL wrote Reflection after getting inspired from this beauty of a song!

[@01goldg1]

Best musically capable 4-piece in the history of R&R...

[@waruder]

This is immensly powerful and at the highest of difficulty. You don’t find any Crimson cover-bands aroud: this is why

[@JamesDuffy-k7b]

You need to be two things in exactly the same quality and quantity to pull this masterpiece off: a genius, and totally cool!

[@StephenShankland]

This was one of my least favorite King Crimson songs, but watching it performed really changed my opinion. Being able to see how it was put together, the interplay between Belew and Fripp, the whole arc of the song - quite enlightening. Time to dig up more old KC concert videos.

[@davidjenkins8659]

My favourite piece from Discipline, probably from the whole of the 80s incarnation. A great piece to listen to with the lights out.

[@JoshFox-zy5eg]

Amazing, timeless piece of music. Love every second !

[@SKarlsson]

Lucky to to see them in Berkeley, Greek theater in '82 and '84. That was some really wonderful stuff.

[@jhonnydrucker4519]

J y etais et quel souvenir ...fan absolu a l epoque et encire aujourdh ui ...jecduivais ke grouoe depuis les debuts mais DISCIPLINE a marque l histoire de la musique pour toujours ...il marqua un tournant dans l histoire du groupe et cet album demeure depuis toujours un omni 🙏

[@snoopstp4189]

and it was after seeing this I realized, Adrian really is an amazing guitarist in his own right..

[@WillCate]

I have always loved this piece very, very much, Bill; thanks for posting the clip. Just finished watching the new KC documentary, which is excellent, tear-jerking, even. Highly recommended for all fans.

[@FFlyDDrum1]

A unique piece and I almost bought a similar drum in a gift store after hearing “the beat”. But it was too expensive for me at the time.

[@kitwalker520]

Tony’s bass lines fantastic

[@icu12cme]

Just read the description, thanks. I had known the piece for several years in the Eighties when I suddenly had the impression of terror potential from the thought 'imagine if the gravity & atmosphere disappeared', like we were just clinging on in hope of it not happening, the fear of being flung out into empty space. On that occasion I was quite happy when it was finished. Brilliant stuff

[@albertocampagnoli9330]

Masterpiece.

[@ogrelord2011]

Simply, WOW! Everyone was totally on fire in this one. Especially love Tony doing little drum rolls on the stick. Totally Awesome!

[@edgeman148]

Just bloody amazing :)

[@philwildcroft1764]

The Fripp-ness of playing with a drummer whose style you're "[not] very keen on" and the Bruford-ness of being aware of that and carrying on regardless is honestly hilarious but also a big part of why this KC made such interesting music.

[@srb99100]

Enjoying Bill’s description of this piece more than anything else at the moment. Amazing!

[@heatheddy8654]

I appreciate the perspective you provide Bill. This is one of my favorite live performance songs of the 1980s period King Crimson. It's just a marvelous collaboration of 4 superior musicians working together.

[@myrifoxtrot]

you guys were on fire here, thanks for sharin'!

[@hoedanook8181]

Jammie .... I get so emotional, every time, hearing this, so beautiful, without embellishment, just playing

[@aldertdevries]

Saw KC playing in Amsterdam 82. Opening with this incredible song. Magical concert. The joy of Bruford. Subtility of Levin. One of the best guitarsolos in history by Fripp. And the sound of Belew.

[@ChipTill1]

A sublime KC masterpiece… my fave KC song of this era.

[@fml4542]

Love this. Saw this version of KC in So Cal in the early 80’s. Such wonderful energy. A classic lineup performing classic music.

[@zappatx]

That number had me believing I was trekking across the Australian desert.. Then I concluded it was more of Fripp running out of gas in the Channel realizing he has to walk the last 5 miles. But as others here have said - Tony's work here is amazing!! I had to watch again thinking was he really doing all of that? I must be said - that looks like film to me - the quality of the filming captured here is epic! Makes me wish Exiles was caught on film like this.

[@wildelmo925]

This live version is epic !

[@ulfingvar1]

KC, best band ever! I think most fans would agree. Oh, and I include the ProjeKcts

[@davidhankins7776]

Some of the greatest songs of all time don't need vocals.

[@styven77]

Had the pleasure of seeing you in 1990 with AWBH and in 1984 with KC. Such a delight, thank you for the music, been following your career since early YES days.

[@klongyawseven9118]

I actually think that Bill could make a couple of cardboard boxes and a trash can lid sound good...

[@darrenrunning5415]

It's watching performances like this that make me wish I was old enough to have seen them live in concert.

[@snjsilvan]

Saw this live in Ca. Such a great great moment.

[@theo9952]

I went to their first concert in London. They played as Discipline. All the songs they played were unknown to the audience except Red and Larks Tongues part 2. I was stunned by what I heard and saw, especially the guitar synths and the Chapman Stick. Two or three months later with the Discipline PL released, I saw them again playing as King Crimson. No surprises this time, but just as captivating and enjoyable performance.

[@mignoneloise3680]

Here in 2024 adoring the crimson that is KING 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@davidhankins7776]

Absolutely! I can't get this song out of my head! I play it every time it shows up on my KZbin algorithm. Best 10 minutes of my day!

[@nocturn3579]

the best song in all of music

[@sergiocosta5837]

Genios 👊👏👏😎🇦🇷🇦🇷

[@Yeagerade]

This is literally the greatest thing ever!

[@taxirob2248]

Tony Levin, Adrien Belew, Bill Bruford and Robert Fripp. At the time there was a schism within Yes that led to two Yes bands touring simultaneously within the next couple years, but neither held a candle to KC. They were just trading on the band name at that point.

[@frankswarbrick7562]

Such a uniquely beautiful song.

[@jimijam48]

... Yesss' !! ~ (oops, wrong band), lol... Truly Remarkable and Amazing, Epic K.C. ~ Thank You !!