On October 12th, 2024, Beat—a supergroup featuring some of rock’s most revered musicians—delivered a night of sheer musical brilliance at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. With Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin, and Danny Carey performing the groundbreaking music of 80’s King Crimson, this show was a dream for prog-rock enthusiasts and fans of experimental rock alike. The setlist paid tribute to King Crimson’s early ’80s era, the band’s fusion of new wave, pop, and punk, led by their 1981 album Discipline. While not the original King Crimson lineup, Beat managed to capture every bit of the innovation and energy that made this material legendary.
Adrian Belew, who was central to King Crimson’s transformation in the ’80s, returned to revisit the material, bringing his unmistakable vocals and quirky charm to the forefront. Belew’s voice, incredibly, hasn’t missed a beat (pun intended) in 40 years—his haunting and melodic tones transported the audience right back to that era. He also exhibited his humorous side, which made him even more lovable as a frontman.
Joining Belew were three equally legendary musicians: Steve Vai on guitar, Danny Carey of Tool fame on drums, and Tony Levin on bass and Chapman Stick. Steve Vai’s solos were awe-inspiring, particularly during The Sheltering Sky, where his emotive playing took the crowd on a journey. Vai’s technical prowess added an extra layer of brilliance to the music, paying tribute to the original sound while still infusing his own unmistakable style.
Tony Levin, a member of the ’80s King Crimson lineup, was, as always, a true force. Whether tapping his Chapman Stick, playing bass, or adding background vocals, he was the glue that held everything together. As Brad Page from Love That Song Podcast put it, “Tony Levin is the band’s secret weapon.” His ability to effortlessly weave rhythm, bass, and melody, especially on tracks like Sleepless and Indiscipline, showed just how integral he is to the music’s depth and complexity.
Danny Carey had the tough job of filling in for Bill Bruford’s iconic polyrhythms, but he more than rose to the occasion. His drumming was impeccable, staying true to the original intricate rhythms while adding his own creative flair, particularly on Indiscipline, where he unleashed a series of blistering fills that were jaw-dropping. Carey may be one of the only drummers capable of taking on Bruford’s legacy while making it his own.
The setlist was a dream for any fan of 80’s King Crimson, covering material from Discipline, Beat, and Three of a Perfect Pair. Highlights included:
Neal and Jack and Me
Sleepless
Thela Hun Ginjeet
Sartori in Tangier
Heartbeat
Three of a Perfect Pair
Indiscipline
The Sheltering Sky
They even threw in Red from the earlier, heavier King Crimson era, which was a welcome surprise for the more hardcore fans in the crowd. Vai’s solo on The Sheltering Sky was a standout moment of the night, combining precision with raw emotion in a way that felt almost otherworldly.
While the concert was a masterclass in musicianship, it wasn’t without its hiccups. Just before the end of the first set, Belew’s guitar rig malfunctioned, causing a 50-minute delay. Though frustrating, the band and audience took it in stride. When the technical issues were resolved, Beat launched into a second set that was well worth the wait. Nearly every song received a standing ovation, and it was clear the crowd was deeply appreciative of the music being performed at such a high level.
Despite the setback, Beat delivered an unforgettable performance. They honored the complexity and innovation of King Crimson’s ’80s material while adding new life to the music through the unique talents of each player. The chemistry between Belew, Vai, Levin, and Carey was electric, and the fact that they managed to stay so faithful to the original sound, while still adding their own flair, is a testament to their musical prowess.
If you missed this show, don’t let their upcoming gig in Lynn, Massachusetts on December 6th pass you by. This is a rare chance to experience the music of ’80s King Crimson performed by a group of musicians at the very top of their game. Simply put, The Beat is not to be missed.
