King Crimson, the legendary progressive rock band, was formed in 1968 in London. Spearheaded by the innovative guitarist Robert Fripp, the band quickly became known for its eclectic musical style, drawing influences from classical, jazz, folk, heavy metal, gamelan, blues, industrial, electronic, experimental music, and new wave. Their groundbreaking approach had a profound impact on the early 1970s progressive rock scene, influencing contemporaries such as Yes and Genesis, and continuing to inspire musicians across various genres.
King Crimson was founded by Robert Fripp, Michael Giles, Greg Lake, Ian McDonald, and Peter Sinfield. Their debut album, “In the Court of the Crimson King” (1969), is considered a milestone in progressive rock, blending jazz, classical, and experimental elements. This album remains their most commercially successful and influential release. The band’s early sound was characterized by the use of Mellotron, McDonald’s saxophone and flute, Giles’ complex drumming, Fripp’s unique guitar work, and Lake’s powerful vocals, complemented by Sinfield’s gothic lyrics.
The mid-1970s saw King Crimson at a creative peak with the release of “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic” (1973), “Starless and Bible Black” (1974), and “Red” (1974). This era featured Bill Bruford, John Wetton, David Cross, and Jamie Muir. The band disbanded in 1974 but reformed in 1981 with a new direction, incorporating influences from African music, gamelan, post-punk, and New York minimalism. This line-up included Adrian Belew and Tony Levin, resulting in the albums “Discipline” (1981), “Beat” (1982), and “Three of a Perfect Pair” (1984).
King Crimson celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2008 with a tour featuring Gavin Harrison of Porcupine Tree as a second drummer and the return of Tony Levin. After a brief hiatus, they re-emerged in 2013 as a septet, later expanding to an octet, with an unconventional three-drumkit lineup and new guitarist and vocalist Jakko Jakszyk. This formation toured extensively from 2014 to 2021, releasing multiple live albums.
King Crimson’s influence on progressive rock and beyond is undeniable. Their innovative approach to music and constant evolution have earned them a dedicated cult following. As Robert Fripp aptly summarized after their final show in 2021, King Crimson has “moved from sound to silence,” leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.
For more details, visit their Wikipedia page
King Crimson: Pioneers of Progressive Rock
King Crimson, under the leadership of Robert Fripp, is a band that shaped the progressive rock genre from the late 1960s onward. Their debut album, "In the Court of the Crimson King," is often regarded as a landmark release in rock music history, blending elements of jazz, classical, and experimental rock. Tracks like "21st Century Schizoid Man" and "Epitaph" have become synonymous with the progressive rock movement.
King Crimson vinyl records are cherished by fans and collectors alike, providing an opportunity to experience the groundbreaking sound of a band that continues to influence modern music.
King Crimson - USA Blue Sparkle Vinyl LP 2024, 50th Anniversary, Limited Ed New
Price: £0.00
Condition: New
McDONALD & GILES UK vinyl LP in gatefold sleeve Polydor Records King Crimson
Price: £14.99
Condition: Used
LP VINYL KING CRIMSON ALBUM IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON JAPAN PRESS 1974 EX+/EX+
Price: £64.99
Condition: Used
King Crimson - In The Court of the Crimson King 1969 - ILPS 9111 V/G A2B3
Price: £0.00
Condition: Used
King Crimson In The Court Of The Crimson King LP Album vinyl record 200g reissue
Price: £26.79
Condition: New
King Crimson Starless + Bible Black + Three Of A Perfect Pair + Another Cds
Price: £18.40
Condition: Used
KING CRIMSON - IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON. UNDOCUMENTED 1970 PROMO LP. VG+ Offers?
Price: £0.00
Condition: Used
King Crimson King Crimson Starless And Bible LP Album vinyl record 200g reissue
Price: £19.44
Condition: Used
King Crimson : Starless and Bible Black: 40th Anniversary Steven Wilson and
Price: £23.33
Condition: New
King Crimson "In The Court Of The Crimson King" 200gram Vinyl LP NEW & SEALED
Price: £21.39
Condition: New
King Crimson - In The Court of The Crimson King, ORG 1969 12" Vinyl L.P
Price: £0.00
Condition: Used
KING CRIMSON - COURT of the CRIMSON KING - 1ST PRESS VINYL LP - PINK ISLAND i
Price: £0.00
Condition: Used
King Crimson The Court Of Crimson King (1st Pressing Pink I Label) LP
Price: £0.00
Condition: Used
King Crimson : Earthbound VINYL 50th Anniversary 12" Album (2022) ***NEW***
Price: £0.00
Condition: New
King Crimson ~ Beat Vinyl EG Records EGLP 51 UK 1st Lyric inner Prog Rock
Price: £13.19
Condition: Used
KING CRIMSON - SHELTERING SKIES (LIVE FRÉJUS AUGUST 27TH 1982) 2X VINYL LP (NEW)
Price: £34.99
Condition: New
KING CRIMSON - IN COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING 200G VINYL LP REISSUE (NEW/SEALED)
Price: £25.99
Condition: New
King Crimson Lizard 2012 Remaster version 180g vinyl excellent condition
Price: £0.00
Condition: Used
LP KING CRIMSON IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING ILPS 9111 UK 1ST PRESS EX/NM-
Price: £439.99
Condition: Used
King Crimson–In The Court Of The Crimson King -1969-FIRST UK PRESS-(A-2;B-3)-EX+
Price: £0.00
Condition: Used
LP KING CRIMSON IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING ILPS 9111 UK 1ST PRESS EX/EX
Price: £299.99
Condition: Used
KING CRIMSON, IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON ORIGINAL UK PINK I STEREO ALBUM ON ISLAND.
Price: £0.00
Condition: Used
KING CRIMSON 'IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON' VINYL LP. FIRST UK PRESSING. TEXT. SLEEVE
Price: £0.00
Condition: Used
Job lot 4 rock LPs King Crimson, Black Sabbath, Jeff Healey, Formula 30 dbl comp
Price: £0.00
Condition: Used