Vai talks Belew, Bruford, Levin, Carey, and Fripp (Part 2 BEAT King Crimson interview)

Here's part 2 of our interview with Steve Vai about the King Crimson supergroup, BEAT.
If you didn't see it, here's part 1: • Vai plays (and talks) ...
00:00 Introduction
01:06 Polymeter
10:41 Adrian Belew's genius
16:01 Drummers (Colaiuta, Bruford, Danny)
25:56 BEAT enthusiasm
29:02 Tony Levin's creativity
31:38 Robert as "master clock"
38:20 Fripp emails
42:23 From frontman to guitar buddy
45:34 KC's Interlocking guitars
47:49 Learning Larks 3
55:10 Message to KC fans
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[@Nocturnal_Spectre]

We should never forget how priveligied we are to have King Crimson's music. One of the greatest and most idiosyncratic bands ever!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Completely agree. How wonderful is it that we can have Adrian and Tony in this lineup, too!

[@Nocturnal_Spectre]

​@@MakeWeirdMusic absolutely!

[@misterguy9051]

Agreed. The complete corpus is in itself a years long series of lessons in composition, orchestration, mixing, performance.

[@chrisl1797]

Ah ha! IS THAT WHAT INDICIPLINE LYRICS ARE ABOUT?..... I do remember one thing It took hours and hours By the time I was done with it I was so involved, I didn't know what to think I carried it around with me for days and days Playing little games Like not looking at it for a whole day And then, looking at it to see if I still liked it I did! The more I look at it The more I like it I do think it's good The fact is No matter how closely I study it No matter how I take it apart No matter how I break it down It remains consistant I wish you were here to see it

[@jellojoe00]

Sure buddy.... whatever

[@onthatdirtroad]

Discipline, Beat & Three of a Perfect Pair were all 50 years ahead of their time 40 years ago.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

That is a great way to put it!

[@BeatlesBowieKrimson]

My favorite version of Crim.

[@Gregorypeckory]

Time will tell, but if I had to bet, my money is on people never catching up; KC was ahead of their time and all other times, imo.

[@billjones8503]

AMEN!

[@FLMUSACanada]

Popular music has mostly regressed, so KC is now 90 years ahead of their time.

[@stefanhansen5882]

When a master guitar player speaks with so much humility and respect about another player-Fripp-you know that Fripp is something special.

[@dimitri2576]

Steve is such a nice guy.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Humble genius, for sure

[@SpintightFM]

That Stevie Vai, such a nice- TURN THAT MUSIC DOWN!

[@victorkarelin9722]

​@@SpintightFMcannot disagree more

[@dimitri2576]

@@SpintightFMhaha! I get that reference

[@robertdiggins7578]

This is the first interview with him I've checked out. In the 80s, I was a teenager and I couldn't stand the rigidity speed guitars, though I did live groove speed guitars. It took me getting past 30 before I could let myself enjoy some of those bands, bc I was so pissed that they were successful and heard my peers say things like this stuff has everything zeppelin has but faster 🙄. Anyway, I had my hang ups being young and seeing my oldest brother get his IRS record deal squashed by lawyers from a smaller company in Minneapolis. They probably spent more than they stole from him in their lawyers. So I had a chip on my shoulder too. BTW, Peter Diggins is still one of the greatest guitarist / singer /!songwriters you'd never heard of. I'd say better than all the people mentioned here, with more and more respect as I age. If you're interested ever in Northfield, MN, see if you can catch him playing gigs at The Contented Cow. Cover anthologies from the 50s-70s with a layer of jaw drop on top. His style is completely unique and in the 90s I remember watching him scream sing melodies while wailing away melodic sweep and alternate picking and that magic thing that happens when a band gets "there" and then blasts off ✨ even further. And his only claims to fame are a writing credit on Kiss's Crazy Nights album for a guitar riff and having Yanni dis him in a book calle chameleon days, because Peter left their band for that solo career that was squashed by those evil bastards. Anyway, I'd love to catch Beat, if possible and enjoyed this interview. I like this Vai guy 💥

[@hermancharlesserrano1489]

For the life of me I can’t even begin to comprehend how Adrian sings over his Crim guitar parts…can’t wait for this line up

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Adrian is, as Steve said, "a freak of nature"

[@PaulPadoan]

Agreed, totally insane, and he makes it looks easy.

[@victorkarelin9722]

If Adrian's playing Robert's parts - that would be, perhaps, impossible to sing like that

[@shawnmcvey7789]

He's also a fantastic singer. I love his sense of phrasing and dynamics. That's not even getting into his lyrical talents.

[@robbieriddle2325]

That moment in this interview when Vai comments that Adrian throws some of the lines away...in my listening it's similar to jazz back phrasing. Agreed, Adrian is a two-headed singer/guitar beast.

[@Cpayne30]

Vai nails Bruford's feel here. It's very hard to explain how he sat in the music.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I agree. Steve is a master listener

[@gilbertsalinas4522]

I love all the Zappa tidbits that Steve Vai always manages to share with the audience ❤

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Me too

[@Eefaux]

He’s helping keep him and his music alive.

[@Geoffreydarcy-pv4mq]

The last time I saw Crimso, was in DC - 2019, on a thursday. Three days later, I saw Dweezil play Frank's music in Richmond. 🔥💙🔥 I recently saw a Zappa/ Crimson 1974 concert ticket for sale on eBay. Time machine, anyone ?

[@JohnEaganMedia]

I'm with you there! I always love hearing that kind of stuff, and let's face it. if somebody played with Zappa for any substantial length of time, they probably have enough great stories for a lifetime.

[@gilbertsalinas4522]

@@JohnEaganMedia once you go down the Zappa rabbit hole, you understand the “conceptual continuity” especially with Vai substantially it… it’s all comes full circle with Zappa lore

[@fcamiola]

Vai is such a sweet guy. Love the FZ stories!

[@theworldaccordingto4555]

How Adrian Belew plays and sings at the same time on this KC material, just messes up my brain noodles! Never mind the interlocking guitars! Jeez! Mind blown!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Right?!

[@theworldaccordingto4555]

@@MakeWeirdMusic PS: BTW, thank you for the excellent interviews (and this great channel). I'm just hoping that BEAT record and/or film the tour. (And fingers crossed that bring the tour to Manchester, UK).

[@liveBasschannel]

It SO GOOD to hear Steve Vai now say he might not be able to learn some of that stuff... How can one get so high and be so humble about it

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Steve has always been and always will be a student of the guitar and music. He loves learning!

[@liamhemmings9039]

Adrian is always smiling and laughing when he plays. Nuff said.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I love watching him play. He is always having fun

[@liamhemmings9039]

@@MakeWeirdMusic He was always dancing about when he played (well when he was younger). Which reminds me of a Neil Peart video in which he was taking a lesson . NP was getting on and was at the top of his game. However his drum teacher, whose name I forget, told Peart to think about dancing when he was drumming.

[@danburnes722]

I love his joy when he plays. Part of the reason my oldest son is named Adrian.

[@Scodiddly]

I didn’t really get Frame By Frame as difficult until I saw the 90’s Crimson kind of laughing their way through a perfect rendition of it. To me it had just been a nice song, and I hadn’t noticed the complexity.

[@lordaertai]

vai seems so chill. he has really grown on me, now i just want o hang out and chat around dinner.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Getting better with age!

[@craigchapman8220]

Tony is an incredible musician and a very nice person.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Agreed. We’ve done a few interviews with him

[@alekandamek]

What about Europe? Come on guys, pleeeeeeeeeease! Everybody is waiting for you!

[@billjones8503]

Like Steve said, you never know!?

[@JohnLloydDavis]

This is fantastic. This project is going to kick ass!. One other thing I can't wait to see as a big Vai fan, is the influence this project is going to have on Steve's music going forward :)

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I know, right?!

[@djlehara]

Riiiiight??!!

[@MobiusBandwidth]

seriously! I'm so excited. hope they release a dvd of this tour.

[@tres913]

@@MobiusBandwidth Yes! A dvd. Unfortunately it will be impossible for me to see one of the shows live.

[@carlgrovestudios1]

Dang Over $300 per ticket in the nose bleed section at the venue near me. I truly hope a live album is released…

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Yeah, it's hard to get an affordable ticket at this point.

[@carlgrovestudios1]

I love all eras of Crimson and have enjoyed Adrien’s music for over 40 years. I’ll take a live recording to enjoy again and again.

[@chadmitchell7648]

The prices really seem to vary a lot depending on the venue. You might check some of the new dates in cities you could reasonably get to.

[@antoniodalfonso]

what a generous offering of musical knowledge! thank you, mr Vai.

[@JulesFox]

The idea Steve mentioned about Larks 3 - harmonic content honoured, with Vai being Vai with a tapping opus - sounds fantastic. Great move being the guitar buddy Steve. Loving your embracing of the material and your committed study of KC. Love Steve mentioning your friendship and including you as a musical contributor to the culture of this music , Anthony. That was cool.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thank you, Jules! I hope he can pull of the new intro!

[@wowzee898]

If it helps, the humility you see with Steve Vai and the host is how musicians talk when a high level of technicality, musicianship, and expression is reached. As a jazz player with a higher education, we learn from each other and support their playing.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

♥️

[@stephenv6054]

This means so much to me. In a way I went to the Frank Zappa / King Crimson school of music. I learned that being disciplined with your craft is a sign of respect, maturity and skill. I never made it professionally with my music, but these life lessons burrowed deep and as an adult I am grateful to have found “High Information” music. “Will that be an aisle or a window?” 🧐

[@superdananderson1382]

Steve Vai is so eloquent in his answers. Love it.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

He really is. I love it

[@djlehara]

I have 8th row orchestra seats in front of Vai for the Reading PA show, and I CAN'T WAIT. THESE 4 ARE BRILLIANT.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

🙌💥

[@stevemora7845]

Man! Can't wait to hear and see this lineup! 🔥👍

[@ernestotavo1538]

Awesome interview....well done!!...that intro to Larks III with Steve Vai tapping out the harmony would sound so cool!!!! Great job again, Anthony!!!!!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I kinda hope he finds the time to make it work because I would kill to see it!

[@andreaiachini7517]

This is a great time for me. Imagine a young guy at the end of the 90s that was discovering for the first time the giants of music. Mostly I am a progressive lover, so King Crimson was on the top of the list. I started with the classics (21st, Red etc.) and then I bought the 80s trilogy, and just blew my mind. At the time there was already internet, but you could not find too many infos on the musicians, making of the album, anecdotes etc. Not like now, that you can find podcasts etc. So for so many years I listened to the music knowing not so much about the making of (and I would have liked so much to know more!). In the following years I became also a HUGE fan of Steve Vai, and fast forward... Now I am here listening to one of my favourite musicians, talking about some of my favourites records ever done. The work will be complete if they will Tour in Europe, I am crossing my fingers since the first time I heard about it (I watched live Steve 3 times, one a G3 with Fripp, and King Crimson 2 times so...) I am so thankful to people like you that makes this kind of interview. Thank you so much.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I feel so similarly. KC is one of my favorites and so is SV. Steve is the main reason I started playing guitar. Robert is one of the main reasons I continue to play.

[@andreaiachini7517]

@@MakeWeirdMusic you know what is kind of funny? I am a keyboard player.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Wild! What amazes me is when non-musicians like this music. They are a minority.

[@PossiblyTheRealSirSqualo]

I am absolutely PRAYING that they play some of their older stuff from the 70s just like they did in their 80s live shows, but even if they don’t this show will knock the minds outta people!

[@nelsonshuchmacherendebo7688]

Awesome interview man. Steve rules! I’ll be seeing Beat in San Jose in September. Haven’t been this stoked about a show in a long time!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I can't wait for the show in Phoenix! Glad you got tickets. That one sold out quickly!

[@RenzoRavioli]

The reimagining of the Beat era with a "VAI" interpretation is going to be epic

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Totally agree

[@sharonbaker3007]

The bit where Steve was s talking about rushing/pulling and dragging/being behind, very interesting. I used to play with a drummer that rushed so much that we shaved several minutes off a 40 minute set. They’ve since remedied that, and has perfect time, 30 years later! Dragging, on the other hand, can be really interesting when it’s deliberate, and when a section locks back into “one,” is fun and engaging, like you’re part of winning a game!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Nothing like working with a great drummer who keeps time well. Thanks for your constant support Sharon!

[@CoveredByKyle_]

Great video Anthony! Hope you’re well..

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thank you, Kyle

[@barrowsworm1226]

Wow, so awesome to hear how hard Steve is working on this music, and to hear how he approaches this music and RF's playing which such respect. So glad I jumped on tickets instantly, and so looking forward to hearing how this band approaches this great music.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I think it's gonna be a very dynamite show

[@AndreGWolfMN]

He’s such a cool person. Got my tickets for November :)

[@stephenxian]

Really great interview. I will be seeing the tour in San Diego. Was incredibly fortunate to get 3rd row seats.

[@iainrae3618]

Great to hear and learn from Steve’s eloquent knowlegable analysis of KC konstructs which I first experienced in ‘72, loved since. UK visit please

[@realPangu]

Discipline not on the set list 😓 still very excited about that project - hope they tour Europe, too!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Same!

[@crispyrobot77]

Indeed. The early 80s rocking teenage combo comprised of Fripp, Belew, Levin and Bruford was pure magic.

[@rickschmiderer1380]

Dignity and honor ✌️🍀🌞

[@PooNinja]

Love this talk but so distracted as always by the harmony hut. Oooh how i long to be the hermit of the harmony hut. Patching and making cables configuring equipment, preparing for sessions, cleaning tape heads and dusting and polishing everything so its a clean organized place to create.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

You should talk to his engineer, Greg Wurth!

[@PooNinja]

11:03 im like that, it’s like pissing and sneezing ones gotta stop . At least for me.

[@PooNinja]

@@MakeWeirdMusic getting approval from my Mrs. is the first step. Then I’ll reach out to Steves people. I saw him mayday and remembered to pitch my idea for a woody pia and a carbon fiber/ synthetic material pia guitar design for a companion or sister guitars the natural and unnatural series. Hopefully the idea sticks with him. Have a great week Sir

[@user-jo3kd5gh7i]

Can’t wait for this show!!!

[@andrewmeilman61]

This is so great . I can’t wait to see this live 🎉

[@fisch723]

Love you, Steve. So happy you’re so happy with this gig. The world can’t wait!

[@jimdukeproject]

I think Adrian took his Talking Heads experience and shared it with King Crimson. Gave them a different voice.

[@barrowsworm1226]

Do not forget that RF also worked with Talking Heads, producing and playing on Fear of Music.

[@victorkarelin9722]

Every experience changes us, but Adrian would be Adrian even without Talking Heads

[@mikebozik]

Great interview, Steve you are a class act!😊

[@omerorhun3373]

Steve's and your ability to detail some of those complex musical ideas and nuances lucidly for non-musician fans like myself is the cherry on top. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

We have both studied this music deeply so I’m glad to finally have someone to geek out with haha

[@hwareing]

PLEASE record the shows , or even better come to the UK :)

[@stinzstinz]

To France too

[@Al_Murdoch]

Amazing interview. Great to hear Vai so buzzed about the project. Cant wait to hear what they are doing. 🎸

[@HerrSint]

Wow! Those 55 mins flew by! Great interview. As always. Couple of thoughts: - Guitar Craft tutored by Vai would be interesting. And different. And great. - Vai revisiting Allan Holdsworth's music would be equally amazing!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Oh man, I agree. Also, I have a new video about Steve and Holdsworth. I totally forgot about it! Thanks for the reminder

[@nuke97]

Awesome interview. Hope to catch him on this tour. Definitely a very special tour.

[@jossbsure]

I love everything about this!

[@BeatlesBowieKrimson]

Great interview! Thank you so much for not interrupting Steve ... thank you for letting him talk. Can't wait to see Beat in October in DC!

[@andrelafosse]

This is really great! Thanks so much for giving us a peek into you guys' world.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

So glad you liked it, Andre!

[@SophiaShredz]

Such a great interview!!! I’m so excited to see the show 🤘🤘🤘🎼

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Let’s go!!!

[@MikeConnelly-gz6cw]

FANTASTIC interview!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thanks so much!

[@jeffjeff4477]

Great interview. Sooooooooo looking forward to seeing this lineup. This is no doubt a dont miss show and doesn't reach a higher high , musically, sentimentaly and emotionally for myself personally. Dream come true lineup

[@reidwhitton6248]

An endlessly fascinating discussion! Its always extremely interesting to listen to Steve talk music. But your questions structured the interview intelligently and comprehensively to create a truly satisfying deep dive into the world of 80s King Crimson soon to be brought to life by Beat.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I’m a lifelong fan and I’ve studied this music very deeply. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to talk to Steve about it.

[@jimriz]

Man, great interview! Got my tix, can’t wait!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thank you!

[@christophmeyer-eh1fz]

Oh man that is sooooo interesting…to all crimson guitar drum an musiclovers…biiiiiig big thank you!!!🙌🏻🙌🏻😎😎💥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@eugene_iodine_psychedelia1960s]

🍻 Much better! Tk. 2 was not just an honest and informative interview with no fillers, but one of the most interesting interviews I've seen! Now I understand Steve's real attitude for the project, and I'm glad that my interpretation of it was false. The smoke has cleared. Congratulations, Anthony! Level up! 🍻

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

So glad you enjoyed it, Eugene! I seem to recall you were bothered in one of my previous videos.

[@gabrielperrymusic]

What a wonderful interview. So glad you are able to produce this type of content. Thank you!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thank you Gabriel!

[@stephenv6054]

Vai mentioned he is building a new guitar and rig. Can’t wait to see those signal paths.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I know, right? That was from part 1 of this interview

[@epbeagle4242]

I saw the Beat tour on a Pier in NYC when I was in High School. I saw them a few Years ago In South Fla on what has now become their last US tour. Life is a Trip! Literally.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Wow. Lucky!

[@joedossantos5718]

I was there

[@epbeagle4242]

@@MakeWeirdMusic In ten days that summer. I saw KC, Queen and Jon Anderson Animation tour. Probably for less than 50 bucks total. The great old days.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

@@epbeagle4242 incredible. Now you can’t see one show for that much.

[@santimosso]

Great! Thank you for this❤

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

You're welcome 😊

[@specialkonacid6574]

cool interview Adrian is an amazing singer, one of my all time faves for sure

[@building436]

Thank You for this fantastic interview!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

You’re welcome!

[@leddygee1896]

“I don’t have a guitar around”… Steve Vai - 🤣🤣🤣🤣 We love you Steve! My wife and I will be in Attendance at the Ryman In Nashville on October 28th…

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

It's funny, there's about 10 headstocks in the background, but I don't think any of them are normal guitars.

[@AudioAtmos]

Great interview! I love that you and Steve are so willing to shed some light with inside information so to speak. As Steve inferred, it’s great to have someone like you who seems to be as enthusiastic by this music as I and many others are. Thanks!👍

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Aw, shucks. Thanks a lot!

[@gregorbingham]

Such a great interview! Thank you, it's so good to see Steve so engaged and thoughtful, he'll be so much fun with that team on stage! Looking forward to Massey Hall!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Enjoy!

[@billjones8503]

I was introduced to KC by a friend with Discipline. At first I thought it was crazy noise, but after a few listenings-yes, something compelled me to-I became entranced! I found myself playing it almost constantly. Then Beat came out, & 3 of a Perfect Pair. I loved them all. Now have my ticket for October 15! Steve Vai is so accepting of being the back man, so to speak-he's doing Fripp, & Fripp was in a sense also a back man, so in good company Steve. I love his attitude & humility. Is amazing how Beat is selling out everywhere-too bad many won't be going who really want to. Anyway, I'm pumped to see!

[@Martha-jl6eu]

Steve Vai is an excellent choice for the Beat band!

[@jayblack4315]

They should put a chair on the right side of the stage as a nod to Robert.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

In the dark

[@stephenmarsh3986]

Great interview / insight. Thank you both. 🖖

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Our pleasure!

[@paulburke9198]

HA HA !, Yess !, Frank's Music ,had NO IDEA what he was doing , But Love it Soo Much.

[@yotorecords]

What a lovely humble guy Steve is. Fantastic interview I could listen to him talk all day. Praying this tour comes to Europe/UK. 🙏

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

He’s wonderful!

[@bill_AZ]

Good stuff, love hearing how Steve is breaking all this down, music and elsewhere. Much respect. This will be amazing.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thanks for watching, Bill!

[@Chuckles..]

Great interview. I thought Discipline was ok, but I was blown away when KC released Beat and Three Of A Perfect Pair. Those two are like the evolution of Discipline to me.

[@museinglis1979]

Poly-meters…? Gentle Giant! 👏 Foxtrot, Super’s Ready 9/8?! 😊

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Have you watched our GG content/interviews?

[@jonnyosteo5984]

Just subscribed. I know nothing about this channel but that was the best interview I've ever seen with SV. - a crazily talented and NICE guy. I look forward to see what else MWM has to offer us. Great interview sir... keep up the good work 🫡

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thank you, Jonny! I've known Steve for almost 30 years. We have a few interviews on the channel you'll enjoy.

[@swainsongable]

What a wonderful unexpected interview, like the music itself. I've been a KC fan and guitar player since the 70s, the Greg Lake daze, so they were a huge influence. My playing style was described as asymmetrical, abstract strumming, which I took as a compliment, but I can only sing when when I play :)

[@tasteapiana]

I would NEVER have picked Vai, even out of a hat, to cover Fripp in any context. That said, I'm glad the universe did make that pick because he's so much of a musical glutton and he has the necessary brain skills to make a damn good (and certainly interesting) attempt. Plus, I honestly believe he loves being involved and the people that he is going to be working with. It's the right time in his life, with all he knows and has been through, for such a kick in the rear to get him back in that hungry mode (hopefully without it graying him out like Obama's second term). I'm fairly certain that I would actually say these things to his face and get at least a few grins and nods. Looking forward to the films that come from the tour.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I think Steve is having a blast and he's going to bring that to the music. This is a thing that can't really go wrong unless egos get involved

[@tres913]

@@MakeWeirdMusic I don't think there is a more egoless band on the planet today.

[@robbieriddle2325]

I feel like this moment in time, "Rock," becomes classical music. When Steve Vai, one of the most educated, creative and consummate guitarists in history talks about musical re-creation and discussing the score like an interpreter, that's the stuff of classical music. I don't think its a good or bad thing but it is interesting to watch and live with. This interview is musicological gold. I'll see BEAT in Las Vegas!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Wow, thanks Robbie! Glad you enjoyed it. Enjoy the show!

[@colincooks]

The part in 13- was called "13" (by Frank Zappa) with L Shankar: such an INCREDIBLE piece of music ❤‍🔥! Shankar played a phrase that mimic'd the Star Spangled Banner!!! So incredibly great 😌!!!!!

[@GarthMidgley]

It'd surely be considered somewhat criminal to NOT bring this tour outside of America ;) This will be such an iconic tour. PLEASE bring it to Australia! And I'll put in a vote for Europe while I'm at it as well :)

[@srDanaBenedicta]

I love King Crimson, and I am so pleased to see that Steve Vei, who I treasure so much, now become a part of their history, too. In my opinion Mr Vei's "For The Love of God" hits that "sacred note" one can hear in the "Starless" theme. Thank You for that lovely, informative conversation!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I agree! So glad you enjoyed it. Thank you, Sister Dana. (I am a Catholic, too!)

[@BeatlesBowieKrimson]

Steve, you are very articulate. I enjoyed all of your stories.

[@ragsrecords5371]

Fantastic interview/discussion. The only analog for the Belew/Fripp interlocking guitar thing I know of is Television. Richard Lloyd and Tom Verlaine did that, albeit quite differently from Fripp/Belew.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I'll have to check that out!

[@joshuarobson1426]

I thought that straight away. Marquee Moon is amazing!

[@MobiusBandwidth]

@@MakeWeirdMusic check out Big Country's albums the Crossing and Steeltown, some brilliant celtic tinged rock they build a forest of guitars, with beautiful interlocking parts, soaring ebow melodies, achingly soulful, in a Scottish way. holy cow. so underrated. ok it's mostly 4/4 but Adamson was a genius.

[@forever3797]

I really hope this band does an album.

[@davidgoode7416]

Great interview, thanks!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidgoode7416]

@@MakeWeirdMusic You definitely draw out the passion in the person

[@DanMcOgden1]

I always find it interesting when Vai compares Zappa and Fripp. It often makes me wonder what a Zappa/Fripp pairing would have sounded like. Crimson didn't have many session musicians, even if its membership over the years effectively could, to the uninitiated, make everyone but Fripp look like a session player. Nevertheless, the King Crimson environment is a highly improvisational one, so it seems likely that Zappa in a King Crimson setting would have had a lot of his own flavor integrated into a mélange that would be equal parts Zappa and all the individual members in KC at that time. What would Zappa have looked like, as as a featured performer on a KC album with the "Red" trio? How about the full "ITCOTCK" ensemble? How about the "Discipline" era? So many totally different possibilities from these alternate realities. Zappa, of course, surrounded himself with a regularly shifting series musicians, and made a habit of highlighting individual talents - Belew doing a Bob Dylan impersonation on "Flakes" is a great example. How would Zappa have taken advantage of Robert Fripp's "particular splendor", as he's called it? Would he have written a part for Robert, and asked Robert to put his own tone/sound onto it? Would Zappa have given Fripp some chord charts and time signatures, and left it completely open for Fripp to do his own thing, as RF did on Bowie's "Heroes"? For that matter, might Zappa have written a Bowie sendup ("Captain Tom"?) for Fripp as some kind of payback for Bowie having "stolen" Adrian Belew? Would he have asked Fripp to come up with his own interlocking parts to a polymeter Zappa complication? Possibilities here, too, are really interesting. The only difference Zappa's "solo" albums have to albums with either albums from either The Mothers of Invention or Frank Zappa & The Mothers is financial (who gets paid for album sales) so far as I can tell. So I can't imagine there's be difference with RF playing on a Zappa album versus a MOI or ZATM. But RF does have a robust solo catalogue. FZ on a Soundscapes album could be really interesting - I can imagine it being its own variant within the ambient genre. But the most exciting possibility of FZ on an RF album would have come from FZ making an appearance on "Exposure" - that would be absolutely incredible. Imagine a Zappa solo in "Breathless"! Finally, there's also the possibility that these two titans could have found a place to collaborate that was independent of their prior production environments. What if, in the 70's or 80's, we had FZ/RF: Red Hot Rats, or FZ/RF: FraKCture Flake, or FZ/RF: No Warning In The Dangerous Kitchen? This seems like the most interesting pairing to me. Such a shame that we'll never know. Maybe one day Steve Vai or Mike Keneally will get together with Ade and Robert and create something akin to it. We can always hope.

[@MrDjslav5]

Great point about Adrian's lyrical and vocal accessibility. Not simple by any means, but melodic and clear. Brings a consistency to the complex rhythms and sounds.

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

That's what I love about this music phenomenon: If you put a few musicians in a room and just let them have at it and jam, whole concepts can come of it, and that's kind of how Robert fripp aproached it. He asked musicians he saw something unique in, got them together, and they built on what made their individuality and combined it into one of its own! I also can't agree more, that a lot of exceptional musicians can't do it all, I can sing and play guitar pretty good, but both together? that's when I mess up and lose track of it all! Shit, If I could play like Vai, I wouldn't worry at all if I couldn't sing, play yo yo, and chew gum all at the same time, and his understanding of music theory is top freakin' notch! No need to feel inferior. Yes! If you lose track of the click, meaning you can't hear it, then you are spot on, and everyone should learn how to be that tight! Then put it aside and play the way it feels right instead, so with the off-ness of human timing based on the emotional content of the tune, and if you can keep perfect meter yourself then locking on to others human timing becomes easier. Not sure why it works (psychology is vast), but it does! In the end, if you play live or record in perfect timing, rather than in human timing, something gets lost, and that something has the most impact on your audience, and it's the human element.

[@tonyweitner]

Anthony, you are doing great work. Keep going...

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Thanks, Tony!

[@TheRealHucasys]

I am still in awe, I don't know what to think! I don't even know if I'm gonna be able to see this live.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Might have to fly to see it

[@scottmyers9360]

Great interview! Super excited to see Beat at the Ryman. I'm not at all familiar with Vai or Carey but understand they are monster players. Disappointed that Steve didn't wax poetic more about Bruford! His playing on these albums is *so* innovative (as was his whole career)...all we got was a passing (albeit accurate) comment on how he sits in the groove.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

It's funny, Steve was a huge fan of the UK album. I have a special exclusive story/clip about that...

[@scottmyers9360]

@@MakeWeirdMusic I'm sure he appreciates Bruford, I was just hoping to hear more!

[@Alun49]

Although the trilogy of albums from LTIA through to Red marks some of Crimson's greatest music, the next trilogy , from Discipline to TOAPP progressed the band into a whole new world. KC remain probably my all time favourite band because they are so unpredictable. I really hope that Beat come over to the UK. I would love to see them live!

[@joshuarobson1426]

Good call. On Larks-Red they went further than Zeppelin and maybe were getting swallowed up by the mysticism and witchery which is required to get there (which is why Fripp stopped in 74). To come back in counterpoint as a fun and joyous band is no small feat. And that magic is still there in abundance. The Sheltering Sky might be the most mystical thing they've ever done but mixed in with Elephant Talk and Heartbeat the dynamism within that group was astounding

[@sockeye007]

Can’t wait to watch steve performs for the KC Reborn (Beat) live concert, even i cant attend for it. Hope there is a DVD.

[@tonyweitner]

Larks 3 intro is pure Robert and completely insane.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Totally insane

[@pisotones2348]

It is a joy to hear this guy talk.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

I agree. He did a great job on this

[@onemerlin]

Playing a Fripp part in Vai hammer-on instead of Fripp shredding sounds amazing. I'm so looking forward to seeing you.

[@pacalvotan777]

Thank you ❣️ 🔥✨🎶

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

You're welcome 😊

[@sammydjursfeldt4938]

great stuff good work and thanks

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

You're welcome