King Crimson

Robert Fripp – gtr, mellotron
Ian McDonald – reeds, kybds
Greg Lake – bs. vcls
Mike Giles – drms
Pete Sinfield – synthesizer

Above was original line-up, though Fripp (b. Wimbourne, Dorset, 1946) was only surviving founder-member when group split September 1974 – First group formed January 1969, evolving from pop-oriented Giles, Giles And Fripp trio (the second Giles was Mike’s brother Pete – bs) which originated from Bournemouth 1967 and cut one flop album for Deram 1968.

Of above, McDonald had briefly joined trio, while Lake was also from Bournemouth and Sinfield started out as roadie/lights man. Even before first gig (19 April at London Speakeasy), word had spread of this amazing new group. Appearance on bill at Stones’ 5 July 1969, Hyde Park concert enhanced reputation further.

(I) released few months later, on wave of near-unanimous acclaim – though it hasn’t worn well with time. Group then swiftly dropped into characteristic pattern of constantly shifting personnel. Giles, McDonald both quit during debut U.S. tour in December 1969 (they later collaborated on (11)), and during recording of (2) Lake left to form Emerson. Lake & Palmer. Gordon Haskell (vcls), Mel Collins (reeds), and the afore mentioned Pete Giles (bs) helped out on sessions, while Mike Giles stayed on until new drummer was found.

Not surprisingly, (2) was disappointing album. For much-improved (3), line-up had settled at Fripp, Collins, Sinfield (lyrics), Haskell (bs, vcls), Andy McCulloch (drms). But even before release, Haskell had been edged out of band. Always the perfectiollist, always idiosyncratic, Fripp once more reformed Crimson for (4). Collins was retained, Sinfield began to play synthesizer. Boz Burrell (bs), Ian Wallace (drms) completed line-up which, yet again, fell to pieces in America.

In flurry of ill feeling late 1971, Sinfield was first to go. Followed early 1972 by other three, who formed short-lived Snape with Alexis Korner, then went own ways: Collins to Kokomo, Burrell to Bad Company, Wallace to itinerant drumming. (5) was live album from this U.S. tour.

Fripp returned to U.K. for lengthy sojourn in Dorset cottage, until in late 1972 emerging with what some regard as best-ever Crimson incamation. This teamed Fripp with Bill Bruford (drms), ex-Yes, John Wetton (bs), ex-Family, and two unknowns, Jamie Muir (pcsn) and David Cross {vln, mellotron).

(6) was Crimson’s finest thus far, though Muir subsequently quit and, reportedly, entered a monastery. (7) cut as four-piece, after which Cross too left. (9), released after (8), was live album from Concert at New York Central Park, 1 July 1974 – Crimson’s last gig.

Back in U.K. September 1974, Fripp announced final disbandment. the remaining trio cutting excellent (8) as last testament. Mel Collins, Ian McDonald made guest appearances. Wetton subsequently played with Roxy Music before joining Uriah Heep; Bruford had stints with Gong, Pavlov’s Dog, Genesis; Fripp went into parttime alliance with Brian Eno. (10) is Fripp compiled double-set anthology.

(1) In The Court Of The Crimson King (Island 1969)
(2) In The Wake Of Poseidon (Island 1970)
(3) Lizard (Island 1970)
(4) Islands (Island 1971)
(5) Earthbound (Island 1972)
(6) Lark’s Tongues In Aspic (Island 1973)
(7) Starless And Bible Black (Island 1974)
(8) Red (Island 1974)
(9) USA (Island 1975)

Compilation:
(10) A Young Person’s Guide To King Crimson
(Island 1975).

McDonald and Giles solo:
(11) McDonald And Giles (Island 1970).