King Crimson were only around for half of the 70s. Here’s what they did with the time
King Crimson were active for only the first half of the 1970s, releasing six albums before disbanding in 1974 after completing Red. Despite constant line-up changes, the band created bold, uncompromising and visionary music that continues to impress today. A retrospective has selected ten of their best tracks from this creatively fertile but turbulent period.
The selected tracks span albums including In The Wake Of Poseidon, Lizard, Islands, Larks' Tongues In Aspic, Starless And Bible Black and Red, featuring musicians such as Greg Lake, Keith Tippett, David Cross and Bill Bruford. The songs showcase King Crimson's distinctive sound across styles ranging from sparse, cinematic passages to complex, improvised pieces, with several considered overlooked classics within the progressive rock canon.
- King Crimson released six albums in just half the 1970s before splitting in 1974.
- The band endured numerous personnel changes whilst creating visionary, uncompromising music.
- A retrospective highlights ten of their best tracks from this period.
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King Crimson were a progressive rock band that rose to prominence in the early 1970s and became known for bold, uncompromising music. The group was characterised by constant changes to its line-up, with different musicians joining and leaving throughout their brief existence.
Between the early 1970s and their disbandment in 1974, the band released six albums with styles spanning from sparse, cinematic passages to complex, improvised pieces. Their sound incorporated classical influences and virtuoso musicianship, distinguishing them from the mainstream rock of the era.
Influential musicians such as Greg Lake, Keith Tippett, David Cross and Bill Bruford featured in the band at various points. Many of their tracks from this period are now regarded as overlooked classics within progressive rock, maintaining a legacy that continues to influence musicians and resonate with listeners.