Dating back to the late 1800’s, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium has played host to a vast array of performers and entertainers. “The Mother Church of Country Music” has seen its fair share of country music legends but this October 28th evening brought along quite a different sound.
Paying tribute to prog legends King Crimson, BEAT, features former members of the prog titans along with a superstar lineup. Former members Adrian Belew and Tony Levin brought upon guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, and the highly praised Danny Carey of Tool on drums. Belew taking lead vocals and guitar duties, while Levin played the unique Chapman Stick and bass.
The line of fans that arrived before doors stretched nearly 2 blocks. The early arrivals came prepared to take in the historic Ryman walls and pews, and likely to escape the party buses and pop-country tunes coming from the neighboring bars and honky tonks. No cowboy hats and boots would be seen indoors at the Ryman for this show.
What you did see and hear inside was an onslaught of technical chops, 80’s new wave, exploratory sounds, and a crowd on the edge of their seats taking in the sounds resonating within. The setlist consisted of songs from Discipline, Beat, and Three of a Perfect Pair, which are the albums from the early 80’s that featured Belew and Levin. “Red” would also fit in towards the end of the evening, bringing fans a brief view into the 70’s catalogue.
King Crimson’s many lineups have always featured world class musicians. Having Vai and Carey join only solidifies the level of musician needed to take on the complexities and intricacies of King Crimson’s music.
This is not a show you will leave disappointed after seeing. The show featured a great sound mix where each instrument can be distinguished, and a beautifully fitting light show to set the mood on stage. You’ll certainly find plenty of moments within the show where your jaw drops, your eyes open wide, or maybe even turn to your neighbor and mouth “wow”.
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