Beat is a band put together by Adrian Belew to play songs from the three classic 80s King Crimson records: Three Of A Perfect Pair, Beat and Discipline. The band is Adrian Belew, fellow KC alum Tony Levin, along with Steve Vai and drummer Danny Carey (from Tool). Quite a bit of firepower there. It was conceived pre-COVID, but had to wait until this year to get going. And now it's touring.

Playing 'Waiting Man'. Carey is playing a set of melodically-tuned drums for this.

Carey handled original KC drummer Bill Bruford's parts nicely. Dude's got power and technique to spare. Was fun watching him using 80s electronic drum pad triggers to make all those wacky percussive sounds.

Belew and Vai.

Vai had the unenviable job of playing Robert Fripp's parts. And he managed to do it! Yes, he's the great Steve Vai, but Fripp has a unique and formidable technique. Few even try. Vai did adapt some things to fit his own style - ex. using tapping where Fripp would pick. But it sounded great regardless.

"Red". The only song not from the classic 80s lineup.

The great Tony Levin was, unfortunately, out of sight for us. I bought box seats because they're fun. They don't cost any more, but they do, usually, offer great views. So I grab them when they're available. Unfortunately Levin was standing right below us, and didn't move around, so I could only see him if I stood up and leaned over.

They played almost everything I would have picked as a perfect set list from that era, and included many things I wouldn't have picked but were nonetheless fun to see and hear.

Loud as hell.

Twas a nineties night.

Wife and I went out into the summer air to watch a double bill of Toad The Wet Sprocket and the Gin Blossoms, with Vertical Horizon opening.

Toad was tight and polished with those pretty melodies and lush harmonies. Their voices all sound great. Exactly what you would hope they'd be.

Gin Blossoms were a little looser and did a few improvisational bits to start their songs. They also sounded great.

'Twas a nineties night.