Heroes (King Crimson London 3rd July 2000)

During the interview with Robert Fripp for the BBC's "David Bowie: Five Years (2013)"
… a question was asked, answered, and edited out of the documentary.
Q: Why was Bowie so influential? (paraphrase).
A: He spoke on behalf of what is highest in all of us.

[@hakanpersson6524]

I just love to see Adrian Belew playing. He always seem to have a good time and are always smiling. And what a good musician.

[@kwizzeh]

It's so infectious that Fripp puts on a little grin from time to time too!

[@Dalwhat]

I always have the feeling that Fripp is constantly looking for something to get annoyed about with the other musicians and while Adrian Belew is a genius guitar player his natural happiness and thendency to improvise falls at odds to Fripp's taciturn perfectionism. It's not a surprise to me when he was subsequently left out of the present incarnation of the group. What is perhaps more unfathomable is that when his services were disposed of Belew's reaction was to state he thought King Crimson was both he and Fripp's baby. Was he not aware of Robert Fripp's megalomania when it comes to music?

[@ahmadkhasfol6487]

Thats made us stay till glue dry. Awesome to them.

[@DrRussPhd]

and still not in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame . . . Crimson is pound for pound in all of its incarnations better than 99% of the "artists" in the HoF.

[@VMBFV]

Jethro Tull is also out.

[@bassmike5671]

Well, we won't open that can of worms what we think of HOF. Nor Spot-a-fly insurrectionists.

[@jasonmalice]

It just works

[@busterbrown2117]

Well said. Who would win in a cage fight between Frip and Belew? I’d pick Frip.

[@junkyardangel2]

Fripp always looks like he's having fun

[@leonakita]

hmm, obviously a cynical remark...frankly he always looks like he's taking a dump'! lol

[@DrRussPhd]

actually Fripp always looks like he's ready to scold someone.

[@rudy9485]

he is a mastermind and big thinker...so u guys can take a dump...lol

[@billbill3890]

Too many slides on his guitar as well during instrumental breaks.

[@moyajanko6642]

And always in charge.

[@mikelmart]

Fripp looking at Belew like, " you better not screw up".

[@cathalmacsiurdain7762]

Robert Fripp standing there all innocent...the creator of that wonderful riff back in Berlin all those years ago. Beautiful. Bowie live in Berlin 2001(?) with Robert in overcoat and a brilliant band, the guitar almost touching the floor, and David singing Heroes and getting off on it. I "feel it" every time. RIP DB.

[@nephewbob7264]

Sitting.

[@robertkiraly4451]

This is a sensational version of Bowie song. Fripp s guitarplay is very wonderful!

[@DerekMPiec]

Eno & Fripp helped Bowie with the arrangement and production of the song!

[@moyajanko6642]

A tragedy, that Biwie never sang this with King Crimson behind him.

[@rkrokberg]

Watching Adrian Belew perform live always makes me so happy

[@p165711]

Another reason to be grateful for Zappa -- finding Belew and pulling him out of obscurity.

[@DavidBelanger]

wasnt he already touring with bowie first? then zappa?

[@lightaces]

David Belanger Bowie stole Belew from Zappa. Look up the story - it's pretty funny.

[@dennymcfastlane8530]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqW4nJJ6mtRnoKs Here's the ancient fUnNy story.

[@1mexfighter]

Denny Mcfastlane thanks

[@dennymcfastlane8530]

Enjoy Raul--that is a super duper CLASSIS TALE!!!!!!!! hahaha

[@paulmitchum8658]

Fripp played on the song originally. Belew toured with Bowie and was musical director for Sound+Vision.

[@junkiecosmonaut5050]

👍

[@ladyblackstardust390]

+Paul Mitchum - It's heaven.

[@bpkliveproductions]

I saw the Sound+Vison tour and it was great! The first time I ever saw Bowie or Belew.

[@staceybowers6783]

+Paul Mitchum and ade aren't you just wonderful!!

[@hatusage]

@PKD They actually met through Eno

[@adamicus]

I love the contrast in character and personality between Belew and Fripp :)

[@kevinf.3780]

Adam Walker magic

[@musicstewart9744]

Mr. Fripp= looks like a guy from accounting on guitar.

[@jameslaugtug8937]

Or perhaps the Principle from a British Private School.

[@Rich6Brew]

@@musicstewart9744 ... but doesn't sound like one.

[@brucemcclendon6959]

But that's why Belew isn't the current KC lineup: too much of a front-man.

[@imoffthehillma8013]

This performance means so much to me. Fripp and Belew for crying out loud! - I want to say "Two of Bowie's guitarists" but we all know they're so much more than that. I've liked "Heroes" for more than 40 years (gulp!) but the guitars and passion in this version really grabbed me . Thanks guys.

[@luizkulmann7193]

,2 k Mm q ,

[@remisramosc]

I always liked this version better than the original, Adrian's voice on the verge of cracking up gives it an emotional depth that even now resonates as sad as ever... Somehow we managed to coexist with all this brilliant musicians, I'm glad we did.

[@ladyblackstardust390]

+remistofeles Belew is so exuberant! He makes me happy at a sad time.

[@ladyblackstardust390]

***** It's a Bowie style. He went through lots of phases. I wouldn't say cold I'd say Mr. Cool. Have you seen his 1985 Live Aid performance. He absolutely channels Elvis. His 2002 Berlin Heroe's with his banter with the audience? Anyway. Belew rocks and I think I saw the corner of Fripp's lips turn up! These guys are English, too. Belew strikes me as American. Enjoy the music!

[@ladyblackstardust390]

+piotor arman I came across this article that was on a Marc Bolan Blog after Bowie's death. I'll have to check Bolan out. In the Daily Mail. "David’s generosity helped my mother and me survive': How Bowie saved Marc Bolan's son" By David Wigg Updated: 03:19 EST, 12 August 2011. And Bowie's interviews are wonderful. His intelligence, insight, sense of humor. Except for the one with Dick Cavett in 1974. Too painful to watch.

[@ladyblackstardust390]

+piotor arman www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2025138/How-David-Bowie-saved-Marc-Bolans-son.html

[@zootzrats]

We are so blessed

[@danielscott1749]

It always amazes me when I see Fripp and Belew together: no egos just pure skill and love for their craft.

[@mikemandel5775]

Fripp's sustain is unbelievable!

[@IAmInfinitus208]

One of my favorite techniques of Fripp! The alternative mix to Matte Kudasai, Requiem, and some of his stuff on Frippertronics!

[@Drewbott1]

I was there, second row, immediately in front of Robert. Bloody marvellous.

[@1mexfighter]

Drewbott1 i envy you

[@Magspiper]

Drewbott1 hope you enjoyed. The crowd doesn’t appear impressed

[@jamescarter9973]

I was at the back of that gig and the band really failed to engage the crowd. I saw the double-trio at the same venue four years earlier and that was one of the best gigs I have ever seen. The standing ovation continued even when the roadies were taking the stage gear out of the back door .... MORE, MORE, MORE, MORE

[@walkinghills]

My favorite version of this song. Adrian Belew is always smiling having a wonderful time.

[@susanarosarojas5015]

Yes, he looks at Fripp and smile, laugh, ... he is amazing!

[@robertfripp62]

La pura y puta verdad!!!!

[@samepstein6163]

Unlike that Ice cold jakko

[@MongerOfStrings8222]

@@samepstein6163 I've seen interviews with him and he seeks like a nice guy but it definitely doesn't come off live.

[@TrevorDennis100]

This bought a tear to my eye. I'm sure we all miss David Bowie, and Adrian more than most of us, but he at least has some amazing memories of working with, and being buddies with David.

[@grahamtaylor8912]

You could see how well Adrian And David got on with each other when you watch the Isolar 2 video..

[@ursafan40]

Zappa, Bowie, Talking Heads Belew worked with some extremely forward thinking and influential artists.

[@shaunkelly9860]

I love this - it's almost better than Bowie doing it - almost. Robert Fripp is just wonderful - a slight smile from him is the biggest praise any musician can get.

[@davidhollyfield5148]

Two of my guitar heroes in one. What a treat!

[@ianddavidson1]

Two words. Fripp. Genius. Nothing else matters. no drama, no nonsense, total control. Just watch Fripp. Try to catch your breath if you can.

[@krombergbf]

Fripp, l'un des plus grands génies de la guitare rock de ces 50 dernières années. totally underrated ! Genius at work.

[@garycallihan4206]

Damn right.

[@pliozhkapliozhkapliozhkapl7414]

Belew is so charming. Watching his performances always makes my day happier!

[@ladyblackstardust390]

Love Bowie and Fripp's song. Belew is jubilant! Nine months since Bowie left us... left us this remarkable musical legacy.

[@adrianalvarado1206]

Lady BlackstarDust ñp

[@Paul-11]

Robert Fripp is a mastermind, he's up there on stage performing while all us can't. So who's smiling really ? He's a good man.

[@garylongden]

Fripps guitar piece is sublime

[@tommytee8387]

Fripps playing is hypnotic.....

[@renesegat235]

See that? The joy, the sheer pleasure shows in Adrian’s face. Of the many guns for hire that Bowie has gone through, Ronson, Slick, Fripp, Alomar, Frampton, Gabrels, Stevie Ray Vaughn and of course Belew, It was so familiar yet so new, crisp and fresh with Adrian’s untoward yet perfectly fitting reinterpretation of our favorite licks.

[@NigelT57]

Robert' I turned up and had no idea what they wanted so sat in the corner and played along' :) And here he manages to combine the three separate tracks he laid down. Now he dresses like a bee and dances around his garden with the stunningly delicious Mrs Fripp.

[@ladyblackstardust390]

4:50 - The corners of Fripp's lips turned up! He loves Heroes, too. Thank you Bowie for this song. I thank you forever and ever.

[@junkiecosmonaut5050]

What an awesome song and an extraordinary tribute to David Bowie, King Crimson rules!!!!

[@lennartborg7029]

just love the humor that Belew has and how enjoys to play

[@AlencastroPedro]

Belew's voice is so beautiful, how come I never noticed it before?

[@PNL_King]

Pedro Camargo cause he mostly spoke in elephant talk. Sang in it as well.

[@guitaristssuck8979]

Listen to Frame By Frame

[@susanarosarojas5015]

Search Accoustic Belew. Awsome

[@susanarosarojas5015]

@@guitaristssuck8979 is excelent! I was 18 first time listened to KC when came out Discipline, and blowed/belewed my mind.

[@JDogggg69]

Walking on Air?

[@jasonrushton5991]

Brilliant Men!!!!!! Isn't that bloke on drum's, the same drummer you & David Sylvian used on your THE FIRST DAY Tour?? Brilliant.

[@franciscoortegaarevalo9260]

Escuchar a Robert Fripp es disfrutar de la MÚSICA: en mayúsculas. Este tributo a David Bowie, con los arreglos que Fripp ha realizado, es una auténtica maravilla del talento de un músico irrepetible a un cantante maravilloso.

[@finnmcginn9931]

Wonderfully put, cheers.

[@colinslant]

Crikey, is that the Frippster cracking a smile? Wonders will never cease! 🤨

[@ghostrider5378]

Such a shame to hear about Bowie's passing...lovely rendition of Heroes, too. Thank you Eno, Fripp and of course Bowie for making such an amazing song and album together.

[@robg4791]

Brilliant gig 20 years ago today - I was one of the four people in the moshpit during this song!

[@jbmakinmoney1010]

Adrian belew and Robert Fripp are the best

[@bethgiles1444]

I was there...sitting on the floor because I was so tired. But it was FAB.

[@highlandhen]

Been a King Crimson fan since I was oh a teen and somewhere around the mid-70's I guess. It's a total delight to hear and watch the masters of my days

[@ladyblackstardust390]

One of my favorite "Heroes" performances. Infectuous optimsm in the face of certain oppression. Kind of like now.

[@Wilantonjakov]

I want Philip Glass and Robert Fripp to collaborate. For the first time. It would be brilliant

[@robertfripp62]

No pedís nada!!! Ja😊😊😊😊 ... Saludos!!!!

[@officialkonton-control]

I can't forget the impact of playing this in the encore performance in Japan. And actually I didn't know the original song of DAVID BOWIE. So recently I've covered too. For the time being, as a “world-class” (CNN global) musician, I am honored to hear that cover. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZuri6JrgaZ7fpY

[@olsen1957]

Fripp brilliant as ever. Balancing the long tunes silently.

[@soundpainter2590]

Torgeir Olsen Fripp played the Exact "Sustained notes" ( Not Licks) As Bowie wanted, & at that time, With an ( E-Bow) Held in the right hand, over the desired string to Sustain notes Indefinitely. Now using ( in place of the front pickup) a "Sustainer" mfg, by Fernandez. Belew , Fripp & myself ( not paco) Use this Extensively.

[@gustavocavazos4874]

@@soundpainter2590 according to the sound engineer and producer Tony visconti, Fripp don't use a e bow, he marks the floor with tape in the spot of feedback of each note, and only uses the amp and the guitar.

[@MarceloKatayama]

@@soundpainter2590 Like the other guy said, Fripp didn't use an e-bow. He marked the spots on the floor where the amp's sound would feedback the best for each note he played.

[@seanfrancis9934]

An absolutely grand take on this absolutely class tune. I'd go as far to say it gives the original a run for its money, Adrian is terrific, they all are..And as usual, Fripp looks like he's waiting for a bus, all the while delivering a real groove on guitar.

[@m.j.f.c.4794]

La guitarra de Robert Fripp a quedado para la eternidad en esta tema donde puso su guitarra ya en aquella epoca con David Bowie . Quizas el mejor guitarrra de todo la historia , ya con uno de sus maravillosos grupos como sigue siendo King Crimson

[@mmmmmmmmm95]

Muchas gracia, Fripp por colaborar , tan hermosa canción de tu maravilloso amigo , el duque blanco!!

[@picardbs]

Bowie, Fripp, Belew... I wonder if another generation of such musicians will ever be possible.

[@jorgericardooller8088]

And Levin!!! And Bruford, and Weton, and Zappa...

[@pizza7738]

Unfortunatley not

[@notaguy4289]

I believe that in the future there will come a band that's tired of repetitive music and actually have the talent to start a change, like the beatles when they introduced more complex music to the public. Or at least i hope so

[@soundpainter2590]

There are 3 Mega CORPORATIONS That OWN ALL of Media... That IS the Problem. & People don't Buy much Music anymore... it's free. You expect to get Paid for what you do.... & the odds of financially surviving as a Musician.... Now are about as that of living Comfortably as a Pro Surfer... I know One... Kelly Slater.

[@ScisaacFisaac]

Naively speaking, it's very doable. Care to join in setting out to do it ourselves?

[@rickb.4168]

If you watch Tony Visconti breaking down how Heroes was made, the 3 Fripp tracks all sound (to my ears) horrendous until Tony mixed them together and it became the unbelievable sound we all love fucking geniuses

[@bugeanuflorin1531]

Absolutely, King Crimson is king, magical voice Adrian.

[@neerajkumar-vp9yu]

Wounderfull Base with awesome guitar Yahoo we are Heroes always and forever!!!

[@PNL_King]

Super cool watching guys who played with Bowie jamming out to this one.

[@alxcortes7265]

La voz de Andrew, de lo mejor que aún nos queda en la tierra. Maravilloso, magnífico!

[@williammazzotta5595]

Saw Blew on stage May 1978 in NYC at the Garden as The Thin White Dukes guitarist...He played his ass off!!!

[@noelmajers6369]

I saw the seven piece King Crimson play this in Aylesbury in 2018. Still magnificent but I really would had liked to see this live with Belew as here. Mind you Fripp has always played more or less the same guitar parts on Heroes regardless. He’s such a sublime technician.

[@shaungalloway5035]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@NaviafromtheSDR]

Fripp's been sustaining those notes for a bit...

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

Forever and ever.

[@GFabio2011]

Fantastic. Robert Fripp may not be the easiest character around, but his genius is amazing. Those apparently easy guitar licks could actually melt the polar ice even faster, stop that man! :-)

[@finnmcginn9931]

Blelww has perhaps the most impressive resume out there and smiles like a child while playing.

[@Crichton51]

If anybody deserves to copy this song it is tha man who gave it such a distinctive guitar line

[@emredondo]

Maravilloso!! Me emociona hasta las lágrimas..

[@judithlewis9634]

Love this.

[@andylewin3029]

I was there!! Met them afterwards. Well everyone apart from Fripp, he wouldn't sign my program.

[@psicoanalisis4748]

Excellent work of Robert Fripp on guitar. Incomparable seal in the original Heroes recording

[@littlemouse7066]

oh my both Belew and Fripp worked with Bowie on important albums and Fripp played on Heroes original recording.

[@stephenmapstone7133]

that intro!! ... 2 guitar legends

[@monikaszymanowska5142]

Wow, Robert's answer may be uplifting or devastating, depends how well we know ourselves:-). Thank you for posting it.

[@gerardoerak]

Another awesome guitar riff by Robert Fripp is on I'll Come Running included in the Brian Eno 1975 Another Green World album.

[@ladyblackstardust390]

The best 2 minute, 59 second of guitar heaven is Fripp's guitar solo on Baby's on Fire on Eno's 1973 album "Here Comes the Warm Jets". "I'll Come Running" is the best love song ever written, so think my college boyfriend and I back in 1975.

[@arekhautaluoma4276]

Worth noting, there's some contention over who played the solo, as both Fripp and Paul Rudolph (he lives here, in Victoria BC) are credited. I always thought it was Fripp myself, then someone told me it was Paul..maybe both of em, with Eno's mixing? Just throwing some interesting info out there ;)

[@gerardoerak]

Arek Hautaluoma Paul who?. 🤣🤣🤣

[@arekhautaluoma4276]

Gerardo Erak use the internet

[@ladyblackstardust390]

Fripp announced yesterday that King Crimson will be touring the US, down west coast then up the east, this 2017 year. Go if you're able. Mind blowing.

[@jonjones1553]

Thanks for uploading! Great camerawork! Mr Fripp is something special! It's like he's saying " I can do this all day ".

[@officialkonton-control]

大阪公演にて、アンコールでこれを聴いた時の晴れ晴れしさが忘れられない！

[@moabeprusse3234]

What a voice! So beautiful

[@dr.weaklicksofcrashedcurse4535]

Yet another great version by a different incarnation of King Crimson - I would say David Bowie is being celebrated for eternity here, these versions by King Crimson are as good as the original one. Hats off!

[@lawrenceaderneck7165]

this is the best version of this song, Robert Fripp nails it

[@ECCENTRICERIC69]

But the vocals are poor!

[@Steve-ix2un]

The version at Wembley with Mick Ronson and David Bowie at the Freddie Mercury benefit was the best.

[@fredtiff1836]

Who would down vote this. Awesome!!

[@steveifko255]

Adrian Belew is an underrated guitarist.

[@gogbone]

i wonder which lineup fripp liked the most. i recall someone saying cross was his favorite member? so maybe the larks/starless lineup. almost everyone who has been in the band tho has been incredible. belew is amazing

[@toothsnaggleer]

such heroic live !! seeing Adrian Belew & Mr. Fripp means, close to being incensed. The bassist spreads magic throughout. forca heroes.

[@seankayesmith]

I was there; Shepherd's Bush Empire. Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Trey Gunn, and I thought it was Bill Bruford, but it's clearly Pat Mastelotto.

[@lucasjankowski7117]

Fripp looks more like a professor examining his students than musician enjoying playing with his mates from the band ;-)

[@terrywatts674]

Discipline is a vehicle for Joy

[@monikaszymanowska5142]

My grandson called him "this old mister with guitar on his breasts":-)

[@jpcpm1340]

While playing amazingly

[@enriquemurillo5355]

It's very satisfying to see and hear Fripp. He makes it look easy. Great version. 'Masterlotto' does his job as well. Greetings from Costa Rica.

[@marcelopucheta]

Maravillosos los Crimson !!!! De las mejores bandas de la historia. Belew y el Frippo la rompen !!!!!!

[@daniloyanez7865]

Maestros interpretando a otro maestro

[@astronomiac]

Lots of fun to see and hear these musicians

[@timregester1173]

I was there that night, amazing gig and such a delightful surprise as, iirc, the encore.

[@MADMAX-yj8ff]

David Bowie siempre supo rodearse de los mejores músicos a lo largo de su generosa carrera artística...me emociona escuchar está versión con dos grandes Fripp/Belew

[@enriquemurillo5355]

Resulta muy gratificante ver y escuchar a R. Fripp. Lo hace ver todo tan facil! Gran version. 'Masterlotto' hace lo suyo. Saludos desde Costa Rica.

[@beenjammin8284]

Fripp and Belew / Garcia and Weir - King Crimson and The Grateful Dead - two of the all time great bands each with two incredibly talented and fantastic guitarists

[@fernandoespinoza1480]

Cuánto perdió King Crimson, con la partida de Adrián Belew...

[@cesaraugusto974]

Fernando Espinoza cierto

[@owlman33]

Amazing performance of this awesome song !

[@lysaarvideo]

I saw King Crimson on that tour in Copenhagen in the summer of 2000. "Heroes" was a big surprise.

[@thelastlocust]

Hasta se enchina la piel. Que grupazo.

[@fvazquez64]

wow... no words needed, just wow... !! and a thank you, of course...

[@katherinehunter9526]

Love Belew as the front man for King Crimson. ✌❤👑🎸🎶🙏

[@paultomic8113]

Anyone know what guitar Fripp is playing here? It looks like a Gibson, but the headstock appears different.

[@jonnybgoode007]

Thanks. Totally blew my doors off. Love it.

[@EMGoudsmit]

Respect. And a knighthood for Robert.

[@moseleynick]

Much as I love Bowie this has to be my favorite version of Heroes, superb!!

[@voice_of_reason5604]

Is this not the best ever live version of heroes? Why, coz Robert Fripp is playing. His guitar work makes the song imo. Great job by Adrian on vocals and the rest of the KC boys.

[@jizhou7262]

Belew's voice fits this song perfectly. I think the verison in Heavy Construkction set, which was performed in Warsaw, is the best one.