BEAT: "The Sheltering Sky" (9/13/24; Napa, CA) - Belew, Vai, Levin, Carey

[@bzeines]

Vai has done a fabulous job here. He actually stepped out of his comfort zone to truly impress. Most of Fripp's work is unapproachable. All of these guys deserve a round of applause. This was a monumental undertaking.

[@KickflipGnasty]

Very well said! I agree!

[@ursafan40]

I'm not a Steve Vai fan. Don't get me wrong. I truly appreciate how talented he is. I'd put him on any list of top 50 guitarists. His style just isn't my cup of tea. However...... I really like what he's done with his Fripp role in the band. Never thought anyone could do it effectively, but, he's doing Robert while staying Steve. Kind of amazing.

[@KickflipGnasty]

I’ve always said Vai doesn’t really have a limited comfort zone, just a very distinctive style; he’s carved out a niche. And I agree, this clip is proof positive that he is fully capable of stepping into the shoes of someone else extraordinary, using their techniques and taking a step out of the spotlight.

[@kanasatka1]

No kidding. This could have gone terribly wrong. He is nailing it.

[@schplug]

He went and Vai’ed it all up!

[@michaelkeegan262]

Thank you, Robert Fripp, for allowing music to be center stage and not money

[@servercannell5853]

So hope they take this tour worldwide.

[@MarioZupanovic]

so do we all in europe

[@servercannell5853]

@@MarioZupanovic I'll add Japan!

[@215Gallagher]

Australia and NZ after Japan.

[@ZosAos]

NZ please! 🙏

[@carlspringer2869]

First they take Manhattan, then the world.

[@mightymartianca]

I have no idea what the criticism is about. I close my eyes and I hear 80s-era KC. Yes Carey and Vai are different players than Bruford and Fripp, so it's not going to be identical, but this is one of my favorite KC songs of any era, and they pulled it off with economy and style.

[@MusicAsMedicine88]

Well said... being a millennial I recognize *

[@ToolOb133]

Just a Bunch of Lesser Mortals pushing out Hate!!

[@georgehart9183]

Ditto

[@David-iv6je]

Carey does an excellent job. Vai is a bit problematic. He "metalizes" King Crimson. His playing is full of 80s metal guitar cliches, like shredding and guitar dives, tinny distorted tone, etc. And yet Fripp and Crimson were intrinsically against cliches. You could even say that was their mission: to play music with minimal popular music cliches. Vai's style on this tour defuses that. It's almost antithetical to the Crimson ethos since 1969. And that's what the criticism is about.

[@jerometrujillo1297]

@@David-iv6je what in the hell are you talking about? Steve is a product of the 70s and Frank Zappa. He has shreds that is OK. He stands on his own. He is not a Fripp imitator…

[@charlesberton2581]

This is now the best progressive rock band in the world.

[@Alex_Martz]

Steve Vai homages himself at 7:45 with a little phrase of "for the love of God", thanks for uploading these videos, this tour MUST come to Europe!

[@h.o.2078]

Nailed it!

[@DS76204]

Yes!! Hilarious!

[@acarbonbasedlifeform70]

Ahaha yes!

[@vinvanveen]

Nicely spotted!

[@ThePedroDB]

Absolutely correct! Can't believe I missed that but, to be fair, I don't know the King Crimson track...

[@kubolkudesai]

The Sheltering Sky is one of my favorite pieces. Hypnotic.

[@jonsnow5518]

weird. i always found it totally boring and throwaway

[@stevew3421]

That's the one that stuck with me that night. (in Napa)

[@stevew3421]

@@jonsnow5518 Super glad you decided to enlighten us all with your opinion. Boring and a throwaway

[@drewreid1313]

Agree. King Crimson’s “Kashmir”

[@mrdylanja]

It was absolutely transcendent at the Phoenix show.

[@nonahyobusiness8063]

I am seriously impressed at Steve Vai and Dany Carey stepping into this AND GOING FULL CRIM. Wow. Those two brought themselves into the music with complete respect not overshadowing or changing it. And yet their personalities are all over what they are playing. Man, that's proof of their master musicianship. HEY BEAT - PLEASE RELEASE A DVD/BLURAY OF THIS !!!!

[@DarkJeffau]

A CD and vinyl too!

[@meshica7]

Agreed! Steve has such a unique voice and his ability to chameleon Fripp's riffs and vibe are amazing. Still Vai but respectfully Fripp!

[@cbdilger]

It's truly remarkable.

[@markseagraves5486]

Lovely. I feel sheltered. Thank you guys.

[@ClarkSpark77]

Hells yes please

[@Mo_Ketchups]

Thank God I saw last night’s show in T.O.-Vai’s solo on this was divine intervention! He got a STANDING O … he was playin w only his right hand, the guitar as far from him as possible, then doin a jazz-hand w the other (arms stretched wide apart) as if it were puppeteering his RIGHT hand! Place - went - nnnnNUTS!!! 😮‍💨🤦‍♂️🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@bengalinsky4300]

I think that’s the best playing I’ve ever heard from Vai

[@vcp93]

So cool that they're allowing Steve and Danny to add their "flavor" to these classic songs. Breathes new life into them. Can't wait to see them in Richmond. 🤟👽🤟

[@andrewhoag6167]

Abso - @#!! - lutely. For those who want to hear the records reproduced exactly: go buy the records. They're great records. But this is a living breathing band, bringing life to this music again.

[@DKStanford]

100%. I've never really followed Vai's career but became interested in him after the announcement he was joining this band. I'm just loving what I'm seeing and hearing from these shows. Obviously the guy is a virtuoso, but he's playing very tastefully and I'm digging his take on these complex songs. This whole tour is just a major win for fans. I hope the guys in the band dig it as much as me.

[@GCKelloch]

I don't want to promote the EVH vs Via thing because they each had their own style worth appreciating, but I dare say Via's tapping is more intricate. The last tapped arpeggio in his solo was awesome, but I really liked the sweet descending melody he played after it. Just beautiful. Such natural flow he has when he allows it to happen. I do wish he'd abandon the cheesy Vegas magician stage moves, though.

[@rc-my9tc]

I be at both RVA and DC shows, cannot wait

[@robertfliegler6013]

Vai has too much flair

[@dhass757]

I've seen this show 3 times now, beyond fantastic. This song is absolutely hypnotic. God bless Steve Vai for his selfless act of taking this project on.

[@JohnGauge790]

It’s come full circle. You can literally hear the influence of this song in Tool’s and Via’s music and now they’re playing in the band that left that indelible mark on them.

[@billmay7364]

1982 KING CRIMSON Were the Best Live Band on the Planet. Disipline Era Crimson comes back as BEAT. 2024 BEAT is the best Live Band period .❤ Robert Fripp & Bill Bruford are Smiling Right Now.

[@sneakerfacevids441]

FYI Bill Bruford retired in 2008, but he’s still with us. In fact he un-retired and is doing a brief UK tour with a jazz trio this fall.

[@michaelg6641]

I saw the 1982 tour in Detroit and cant wait for this show

[@timwhite5647]

I kinda hope they're a bit jealous. Bill's sittin' in with a small jazz trio...they are currently working on this material, so Bill can join them sometime...maybe on an English tour. Since I made that rumor up, I can't confirm it.

[@ianmackenzie686]

Just a hunch that Bruford doesn't give a rip one way or another.

[@timwhite5647]

@@ianmackenzie686I disagree with you. Bruford was very "instrumental" in creating this music, he should be proud to have participated in these 3 fine albums. I'm quite sure he's very interested in this re-vamped line-up. I'm also sure that he's interested in how Danny Carey comports himself on the "Batterie".

[@bitegoatie]

This is one of the great drum parts in modern music: restrained, complex, and beautifully supportive of the song.

[@andrewhoag6167]

When I was in college, I saw the "Discipline" incarrnation of Crimson in November 1981 at he Savoy in NYC. When they did this song, Dr. Bruford produced an epiphany in my head about how less is more. The best drumming I've ever seen, and he did it with a couple of strokes.

[@primate68]

Nothing wrong about Danny, bill played it standing with one hand, see Munich 1982

[@VDGG2112]

This is one piece of music that shouldn’t be played without Bruford.

[@19712218]

One of the great drum parts in modern music!!! LOL that’s your and some others opinion but does not quite fit reality dude! Your pretty dramatic How would you even measure such a thing! You are so wrong on this one LOL ONE OF THE GREAT DRUM PARTS IN MODERN MUSIC Holy shit

[@stevelandress]

I'm 71 years old and have been playing guitar since I was 9 and of course every time I see Steve Vai play I tell myself, "I should have applied myself more."

[@bzeines]

Don't let the ultra chops of Vai intimidate you. That's his job. You have plenty of space and time to get better and keep practicing. It is never too late.

[@davidtomkins4242]

Vai is not normal, he's neurodivergent as they say these days ('on the spectrum'). He took his guitar everywhere, home, school, the bus stop, the toilet, wherever. He practised 10 hours a day. He was solely focussed on that to the exclusion of all else. That's not 'normal' human behaviour. Some people are just like that. He's been open about his mental health battles as a result, particularly in his twenties. It's more than just "he practised a lot". So don't beat yourself up. You did lots of things that he didn't.

[@JDubzDrumz]

@@davidtomkins4242 ^ This right here. I took online lessons from Pebber Brown... I had one Zoom style lesson but took his courses. He said that he was in Class with Vai... Vai would finish before everyone and then go out in the hall and practice guitar in the hall. Vai is on a Freak level of guitar playing. Pebber had NOTHING but nice things to say about Vai but moved on pretty quickly from that convo, the point was "No one is Vai, there's only one Vai and don't feel intimidated or bothered cause no one is ever going to be at that level again more than likely." Pebber didn't say that, but that was the point. Vai just lives and breathes guitar and music theory.

[@josephwilliamson7350]

@@JDubzDrumz @davidtomkins4242 and Frank Zappa his mentor was the same way with but with composition paper.

[@loucontino4804]

Vai is killing on this. That tremolo is singing!

[@ledzeppelinqwe]

vibrato

[@KickflipGnasty]

@@ledzeppelinqwe the whammy bar is also referred to as the tremolo system.

[@Ducky-face]

I don't think there are too many guitar players on this planet that could adequately fill in for Robert Fripp - Steve Vai is certainly an excellent choice. The man is a musical dictionary. I have GOT to catch at least one show from this tour!

[@standandelivery]

Class, these legends have revived music that never would have otherwise seen the light of day on a stage. This is an excellent show to see if you're a fan. Vai and Carrey step out of their egos and service the music like stewards honoring the music that has influenced us all so much. Deep appreciation to them both for being outstanding and same to Ade and Tony for being such legends and masters of the craft. We love you BEAT, please tour more and we will fill the auditoriums with enthusiastic joy for you!

[@DJBuglip]

I love Steve making it his own and still totally respecting Robert's sense of melody and time. Very well done.

[@evalonious]

Steve's solo in this is out of the park ⚾️

[@jameslennane1549]

Absolutely - I thought Sheltering Sky would be a great song for him. He really turns it up to 11.

[@davidshaffer9573]

Vai killing it, putting his own vibe in and respecting on Fripp’s GOAT stamp.

[@wowwhywow]

Having watched both shows, I noticed that Steve Vai is not doing exactly the same solo every night in this song...he finishes with the same thing Fripp did, but besides that... tonight's solo was different. For Steve... that's a little out of the ordinary.Kudos.

[@joshuacampbell3413]

I watched an interview that he said it would be more his style

I can't see the problem

[@matshanssen2070]

That's exactly what Zappa did. Never the same solo. And Vai was in Zappa's band..🥴

[@Crimsonphilosophy]

Once they get a few shows in, I hope they release a live album

[@stevealbert6962]

Man I hope they’re producing a video of this group. No dis to the poster here, but a multi camera, direct audio concert release Must. Happen! These 80’s KC albums were the soundtrack of my twenties.

[@deborahdixon5323]

I was at the show last night, and it was wonderful and joyous. Belew, Levin, Vai, and Carey played with genuine pleasure, and the audience was living a dream come true - at least I was! Vai definitely added a very no-Fripp je ne sais quoi, and Carey was very impressive handling the percussion - and had the stamina for 'Indicipline' and 'Thela Hun Jinjeet' at the end. Just an incredible experience all around!

[@michaelg6641]

So that's what Fripp played.. excellent to see Steve Vai bringing it to life like that showing Fripps work and his mastery of it too!

[@marcelbritsch5127]

I love how relaxed Adrian Belew is on stage... what a master.... we'll they all are :) I also love his guitar sound which is extraordinary...

[@darsaana]

With Tony 78 years old, master mister zen. What a great vidéo looking forward to watch then in Europe next

[@lorcazola]

Goosebumps since 1982.

[@overem8092]

The use of the guitar synthesizers from back in the day, and belew with his 1984 guitar, it's perfect. The sound is reeaaaally good.

[@winstonschwarz1636]

They’re using new gear with regard to those sounds.

[@BenCDaugherty]

Belew is still using his Roland gr synth system from 1982. It’s just now integrated into his modern rig :)

[@lazarolazo7341]

Vai’s using newer gear. Belew’s using his old Roland GR-300 w/his G505 guitar/controller.

[@mancuniancandidatem]

I love those GR 300 sounds. An old band mate of mine had one. You could get all of those great sounds including Andy Summers, Pat Metheny and the Crimson tones here.

[@toobsnake]

Saw it tonight, it delivered, industry and red highlights, long live the crim

[@mh-random-numbers]

These are the best versions i've seen of this concert so far thanks for posting. I'm so glad Adrian got these musicians to bring this era back to life.

[@billstrohler]

Amazing version. They made it their own

[@demonicsweaters]

great way to start my morning

[@W1LLi4m_]

I thought the same thing! Good morning! 🙌

[@j.reveille6815]

Exactly what I just said. Cheers. Good morning.

[@verbo108]

First time ever applauding when a video ends. I felt so inmersed. Magnificent!

[@Re4mation4ever]

I audibly said "wow" to myself. What a performance.

[@michaelg6641]

Yeah .. was stunning

[@riqui53]

Belew es la vanguardia. Compositor intérprete, cantante y guitarrista. Es un deleite escucharlo. Por dios!

[@crpeterman]

Having some great memories of a teenage event where I was at a summer music school program, the teacher asked us to play something we'd like to share with the class so I played this for them with the lights out so we could all journey inward to the sounds. It was a jazz program so this was a bit afield from what some of them had probably listened to, so it was fun to share it and maybe expand a few fellow budding musicians' sonic horizons.

[@PauloRoldan]

Steve Vai didn't need to become someone else in order to fit into this lineup. It's amazing to see how he just had to be himself. Seems like he was born to play these songs with finesse and flair.

[@pechugaslarou3433]

exactly, my friend

[@frankcouture428]

Tony Levin is incredible...also, he doesn't seem to age😂

[@PolyQuasi]

This was the first song I thought of when the news broke - could hear Vai and Carrey on it right away. So far a highlight in what I've looked at today.

[@wjblake]

Steve Vai, sounds like Robert Fripp, looks like Johnny Winter...so cool. I can't wait to see this show.

[@duncan-rmi]

stevie ray vai

[@onetrueslave]

MAN, I haven't heard this piece in forever. So atmospheric.

[@richspizzaparty]

Steve's solo is masterful.

[@JonnyDee123]

Love it. Hypnotic brilliance.

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

I saw two of these guys play this 42 years ago. It is just as good now as it was then. Thank you for posting.

[@CraigMarshall-qv4hm]

I didn't think this song could have been done by any other than the original cast. This was absolutely fucking beautiful.

[@roberttarrh3969]

So love this performance of Sheltering Sky by Steve Vai especially. I absolutely loved his 'self-control' and genius in playing while harnessing his immensely innovative energetic style in check as much as possible for this song. Mr. Fripp would be proud.

[@BbB-rh6sj]

IM NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING\\\\\\\\\\\

[@meyerbax]

Amazing!! Long life to King Crimson!! I can’t wait to see them in Europe

[@eduardorogeliorodriguez7012]

En 1981 un gran amigo me regalo el casette por eso aprecio esta interpretacion porque esta musica esta en mi alma

[@frankierodriguez8661]

completely mesmerized and crying profusely. My dreams came through!!

[@davidschonberger8609]

Oh man, that was gnarly! So glad I bought a ticket to see this band when they come to town.

[@jorgedaher3992]

There's always a reincarnation of King Crimson that hits the mark, this is absolutely wonderful, I could guess that in 100 years there will be a reinterpretation of this genius music and there will be still fans out there getting the thrill we get from this today! IMPECABLE!

[@torbennielsen7642]

This music never grows old, so beautiful ❤

[@timkibbey2218]

Wow - Steve brings a different feel to Robert's guitar parts. Fantastic! Can't wait to see them in October.

[@HSR107]

Grateful beyond words for this. Even if they were to come to my neck of the woods there is no way I'd be able to attend.

[@1968barry]

Was at this show and really felt the spirit of fresh Crimson, no holds barred!

[@AmbientMusicStudio]

Wow! Mr. Vai! Incredible and perfect.

[@crpeterman]

Soooo pumped to see this band twice in a few weeks. I reveled in hearing that band three or four times back in the 80's heyday, delighted to get to hear this new take on that singular music by these masters.

[@bobule]

Thank you so much, I am the other side of the Atlantic and living through your videos right now!

[@MitroSquad]

The Sheltering Sky is one of KC's songs where Steve can truly be himself. The song fits him like a glove. And the sound of Danny's drumming... i'm sure Bruford is proud. It's not a easy song.

[@keysersoze3977]

This is so amazing live.. these videos don’t do it justice. Vai and Carey are wonderful, I hope they keep this tour going

[@jamesbatcho]

Wow, I love what Steve Vai is bringing to these songs.

[@michaelg6641]

@@jamesbatcho Yes for sure .. with Robert sitting down l could never really tell who was playing what from Adrian and with Tony too playing the Stick sounds..but Steve V makes it perfectly crystal clear in a very entertaining way. I plan on catching them but had no idea they were in this top form and great they're allowing or posting these crisp live videos.

[@jamesbatcho]

@@michaelg6641 Robert definitely would not allow videos like these 😅

[@TMZR248]

Saw Crimson at Santa Cruz Civic center for the Three of a Perfect Pair tour. Made my life better. Thanks for posting

[@Raykibb1]

To see the joyful expressions of Belew and Levin tells me they are pleased with the new line up. I am totally impressed with Steve Vai and Danny Carey.😮

[@paulklaiber1431]

One of the most frightening tracks ever written

[@juliahenrik]

That vais solo was beyond beautiful

[@juliahenrik]

What a moment

[@docbobster]

I've collected versions of this song from back when it used to be hard to collect versions, and this is a great one. This is more polished than the version I saw in San Jose the night before --- these guys are going to get stronger and stronger as the tour progresses, no doubt.

[@tristanavakian]

I like that vai does his own take on the thing - that’s where he is at his best. You don’t call him in to do a slavish imitation. He is going to reinvent it his own way and that’s exactly what he did here. Well done

[@nem0fazer]

Normally I hate folks who hold their phones up throughout gigs but... thank you thank you thank you!

[@Turcomichael]

What an amazing era of music and the immense impact KC has had over these decades. Great to see the members left honoring that. I hope to catch them when I can!

[@cfroh]

Oh lord, a Vai solo classic, filtered within Crimson. And what an envelop the rest of the band created in this soundscape. Wow.

[@sniggity]

That lead from Vai seriously is a contender for best human solo ever, the current title holder is Zappa from the City Lites. I didn’t think he could emulate Fripp so well but I shouldn’t be surprised. WOW man.

[@louis_0064]

Listening to this album all those years ago I always imagined it was Fripp playing those trippy washes of sound. Had no idea it was Adrian.

[@tymanngruter1808]

The magic off this show dropps from my screen...... 😲

[@cjmesq]

Nice! I saw KC do this 3 times in the 1980s. Phenomenal

[@teacherrussell5206]

Since the time that I first discovered and fell in love with this album, I've aged 35 yrs, and Levin has aged 1. I've got to get me one of those magic sticks.

[@MatteoBiasio]

I am a Vai fan and I think this Project is one of the best he made it

[@PLively]

I'm fairly sure this isn't coming to the UK. I just hope that there will be a BluRay of the concerts. I'd buy that in a heartbeat, heartbeat...

[@mdstmprs]

This is a very good video document. Nice work! I don’t want to watch too much before I see them in Vegas and Seattle. But this is good stuff!

[@ClarkSpark77]

omg this is amazing, so good to hear these guys together. legends

[@ZosAos]

Epic and beautiful. Imagining a studio recorded version 🤤

[@connshawnery6489]

Brilliant job by these men.

[@rhampton1914]

Steve Vai is such a pleasure to watch Live...His style is soooo kooool

[@MB-uw6eh]

It takes a lot of Frippian concentration to sustain those notes throughout Sheltering Sky. Carey is doing an excellent job supporting the guitar forays.

[@leoquesto9183]

I’ve always loved this awesome reference to the great Paul Bowles’ novel. 🙌🏻✊🏼💛

[@MichaelSheffield-ox8yd]

Hello from another reader. An homage.

[@rolenbishop3757]

never sell short collaboration amongst true professionals...farkin badass!

[@rwbullock4197]

Steve Vai = Staggering Genius, I had trouble typing this !!!

[@fischman26-China]

Planning on going to the show at The Taft in Cincinnati. Don't know much about King Crimson but have seen Belew with The Bears. Live shows are the best, you get to see the heart and soul of the musicians.

[@schplug]

These videos are making me excited for The Ryman, 10/28. I love the new interpretations of the songs with Danny and Steve. I would hope they can keep this going, maybe create some new material along the same vein.

[@MochaDaisy8645]

I was there, thanks for posting. My brother would have loved this! I miss his presence on earth so much

[@unkillbilly3158]

Saw this last night. I can honestly say it brought tears to my eyes....

[@gregorystange-wo6yk]

So good I had to watch it twice.

[@KickflipGnasty]

Vai once again proving he’s not a human. One of the best players of all time across all genres. Love that dude.

[@mr.orange8205]

That was incredible.

[@tedpikul1]

Great to hear Mr. Vai make it his own.

[@marcosborne6540]

Fantastic. I've always loved this piece of music

[@HerrSint]

That was magical! Material still better than any string quartet ever written, executed with understanding, exploration, personality and pure love. Oh, bliss!

[@Vinylathome]

Stunning what a great show

[@gregurosevic5412]

Just saw the show in L.A. Probably the best concert I've ever seen. And I'm 62 and seen alot.

[@zarathustra8326]

They are evoking a very powerful eternal spirit here!!!