Opening Night | First King Crimson Show Since 2008

The eyes of the prog world turned to the unlikely location of Albany, NY last night for the return of King Crimson. KC mastermind Robert Fripp has assembled a seven-piece version of the band to embark on an 18-date U.S. tour that marks their first jaunt  since 2008. Fripp, Gavin Harrison (drums), Bill Rieflin (drums), Pat Mastelotto (drums), Tony Levin (bass and vocals), Mel Collins (Sax, flute) and Jakko Jakszyk (guitar, vocals) presented material with a focus on the ’70s phase of King Crimson at The Egg’s Hart Theatre on Tuesday night.

[Onstage photo via Tony Levin’s blog]

Before the show a pre-recorded message from the band urged fans to “be in the moment with us” by keeping their phones and cameras out of sight. Fripp and his ensemble began the show with “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part One” and rolled through a total of 18 songs over the course of two hours. Jakszyk handled vocals on “The Letters,” “A Scarcity of Miracles” and the encore of “21st Century Schizoid Man” according to a review from the Times Union. Among the bigger surprises was the first live take on “Sailor’s Tale” since 1972 and the live debut of “One More Red Nightmare” off 1974’s Red LP.

So far reviews from critics and fans on social media have been overwhelmingly positive. The tour continues tonight in Albany.

Here’s a look at the setlist from last night’s tour opener: