Interview Roundup: King Crimson
When it comes to progressive music, King Crimson is the heaviest of heavyweights, the most gigantic of giants. Since their formation in 1969 and through myriad changes in personnel and musical approach: two things have remained constant: Robert Fripp, and the group’s uncompromising commitment to originality. The group may or may not have played its final performance, and almost certainly has long since finished making its final studio recordings. But – as David St. Hubbins might say, its legends lives on.
I’ve been fortunate to see the group live a few times, and have interviewed quite a number of band members and alumni. Sadly, several of them are no longer with us, but the work they did stands as a testament to the lasting value of King Crimson.
Here are links to my interviews with King Crimson members.
- Adrian Belew (2014)
- Adrian Belew (2017)
- Adrian Belew (2022)
- Adrian Belew, Pat Mastelotto, Tony Levin interview #1
- Crimson Adrian Belew, Tony Levin interview #2
- Trey Gunn
- Jakko Jakszyk (2017)
- Greg Lake
- Tony Levin (2014)
- Tony Levin (2022)
- Jakko Jakszyk, Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto (2017)
- Pat Mastelotto
- Pat Mastelotto, Mel Collins (2021)
- Ian McDonald
- John Wetton
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.