Adrian Belew - Exclusive Beat Tour Interview

How it came together to include Tony Levin, Danny Carey and Steve Vai—plus King Crimson, Bowie, Zappa, Talking Heads, and more.

The BEAT Tour, featuring a superband of Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Steve Vai, and Tool’s Danny Carey, begins on September 12 in San Jose, California, and continues into December, playing repertoire from King Crimson’s highly influential ’80s albums Discipline, Beat, and Three of a Perfect Pear. PG’s editorial director Ted Drozdowski sat down with Adrian in his home studio to talk about how these four great players came together, Adrian’s decades in Crimson, and Robert Fripp, Bowie, Zappa, Talking Heads, and more. Also, stay tuned for our exclusive Rig Rundown, coming soon!

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#guitar #guitarist #kingcrimson #guitarplayer

[Einherjer]

What a sweet, chill guy. I could listen to him talking about Zappa, KC and especially Bowie for hours.

[GuitarJawn]

Adrian's bass player, Julie Slick deserves a rig rundown

[Mo_Ketchups]

What an outstanding interview. He’s the first guy I’ve heard ever address the beauty of Belew’s singing.

I was an 11-year-old budding drummer when Discipline came out. The FIRST thing that grabbed me, covering my extremities in goosebumps, was HIS voice on “Matte Kudasai.” That was the beginning and end. 🙏👌

[dukeviking]

HANDS DOWN theeee most anticipated tour of the year for me. Only saw King Crimson once in 2003 but the Belew era holds a special place in my DNA; as that was my first exposure to KC as a 7 yr old in 1991. Thank you Thank you Thank you Mr. Belew; see you in Detroit!

[THumanQTip]

My college roommate and I saw the original Discipline-era band back in 1981, and we're getting together again in October to see Beat. Very pumped.

[ChuckSchickx]

The epitome of "done it all". Thank you for sharing your amazing gifts with the world 💓

[DaniloMarrone]

Wonderful interview with a living legend! Can’t wait to see “Beat” in Vegas in November. What an incredible lineup.

[penguinchk]

❤ We are going to see the show 3 times in different venues - can't wait!!!

[wil]

All four members of Beat are very chill dudes. I saw the 3 of a perfect pair tour in the early 80s and it was one of my all time favourite shows period. I can't wait to see Beat in Montreal this October

[mikebrodhead]

I had the pleasure of meeting Adrian when the Remain In Light tour came through San Francisco. He is a delightful human. I can’t wait to see the Beat show in a couple weeks.

[Emlizardo]

Great interview with Adrian! For those that might be interested in the timeline regarding Fripp's "new standard tuning, " the first time he used it with King Crimson was the VROOOM EP in 1994. The first time he used it on a record was the tune "Maquillage" on the album Bewitched with Andy Summers in 1984.

[shawnmcvey]

Props to Ted for asking about his singing, Adrian is a fantastic singer.

Great lyricist too. Oh, and he's one of my all time favorite guitarists. I was introduced to him on Lodger and loved everything else.

Love Ted's articles for various publications over the years. Putting out positivity around art is a wonderful thing.

[lucasanfilippo]

Finally Adrian talking about Beat, I was waiting since they Started the rehersal..

[JeffreyTheTaylor]

Ade is too modest about his Talking Heads period. Those albums drip with his talent and contributions.

[johnm]

Love Mr.Music head - so glad the Crimson magic can continue !

[lynchaxxonn]

i see adrian i click. unbelievable talent.

[JohnLloydDavis]

Adrian Belew is the whole deal. Amazing singer, songwriter, guitarist and general musician. Beat is going to be awesome :)

[Alun]

I hope they eventually come to the UK as I would love to see them live. I assume there will be a live album though. I first saw Adrien Belew when he was touring with Bowie. I became an immediate fan of his playing!

[gravl]

Have my tix for Sept 28th. Can’t wait!

[snjsilvan]

I'll be at the Napa show. See you there! Also, please make some new music with these guys!