A 55th Anniversary Of In The Court Of The Crimson King Listening Party

Join Prog, Record Collector, Classic Rock, MOJO and The Wire journalists Jo Kendall, Sid Smith and Mike Barnes for a celebration and observation of the world's first progressive rock album, King Crimson's In The Court Of The Crimson King.

In Part I Jo will chat to Sid and Mike about their books In The Court Of King Crimson and A New Day Yesterday: UK Progressive Rock And The 70s.

After a refreshment break, in Part II we will have a playback of the 1969 debut in its entirety, plus selected formative tracks with observations by Jo, Mike and Sid – and you, the audience. Please tell us your ITCOTCK tales and bring your Crimsobilia!

Mike and Sid will be happy to sign any books and have a chat and a mingle post-listen.

Says Sid Smith: "Some groups take a while to find their feet but in 1969 King Crimson hit the ground running with their debut LP and although it rapidly became a best-seller on both sides of the Atlantic, it came at great cost to those involved in its recording. Fifty-five years on, exploring both the music and the context in which this hugely influential record first appeared is something fans will find both fascinating and rewarding."

Mike Barnes adds: "When I first encountered In The Court Of The Crimson King aged 13 I had experienced nothing like it: the combination of the music, lyrics and cover made it seem like a chronicle from a parallel world, a feeling that holds to this day. It’s a cornerstone of my book, A New Day Yesterday, as in 1969 it was arguably the first major statement of the emerging progressive rock genre and definitely the most original in its mix of jazz, grandiose Mellotron ballads and free improvisation. I look forward to sharing my views and having my horizons expanded by Crimson expert, and my friend and Prog magazine colleague Sid Smith."

Sid's book is available here: In The Court Of King Crimson

The May 2024 edition of Prog magazine featuring Sid's Red cover feature is here: Prog Magazine - King Crimson

Mike's book is available here: A New Day Yesterday Remastered, with a foreword by Steve Hackett

Jo's recent Record Collector King Crimson Bookazine is on sale here: Record Collector Presents King Crimson