King Crimson’s Robert Fripp Reconnects With Adrian Belew
King Crimson leader Robert Fripp has settled his differences with former member Adrian Belew, and listed the guitarist as the “Ninth Man” in the current lineup. However, that doesn’t mean there’s any activity planned in the near future.
American Belew fronted the British band from 1981 until 2009, but relations seemed to cool between the pair for reasons that have never been made public. When Fripp announced a new lineup in 2011 Belew was told he wouldn’t return to be part of the project. The “Seven-headed Beast of Crim” was extended to a “double-quartet” earlier this year.
Belew shared his joy via a Facebook post in which he said, “Oh happy day! Robert and I just spoke on the phone for quite a while. All is well between us and I am very relieved and happy.” He quoted Fripp saying, “Very happy to report I have spoken to Brother Belew and addressed various issues beginning with B and D. Ade and me have pledged to continue a convention of pumping down monster margaritas. Adrian has also agree to be King Crimson’s Ninth Man. Who knows what the future holds for this strange outfit?”
In follow-up posts Belew was at pains to emphasize, “It allows KC to continue to evolve with the possibility of me being in the band at some form in the future. The correct term is ‘ninth man-inactive.’” Asked to clarify Fripp’s “B to D” comment he replied, “I’m puzzled by that as well. I’ll ask him the next time we talk.”
King Crimson toured the U.S. in June after releasing their live cover of David Bowie classic “Heroes,” on which Fripp played in 1977.
Masterpieces: The Very Best Albums From More Than 100 Classic Rock Acts