2 ROBERT FRIPP
Steven Wilson first worked with Robert Fripp in 2009 on new mixes of King Crimson’s 1969 debut album, In The Court Of The Crimson King. Here he discusses working with the guitarist.
Words: Jerry Ewing
Working with Robert Fripp. It’s the kind of overawing challenge that could break a lesser man.
Well, yes and no. Because I knew I was arrogant enough to believe that I knew how those records should be approached because they’re part of my DNA. And I also had experience from my own work, as my fans often know the music so much better than I do. I think it was the same with the Crimson stuff, they knew those records back to front, and Robert hadn’t listened to those records for 40 years. He doesn’t want to, it’s a painful experience. Looking back to music from your past is not often an easy thing for a musician. It’s reliving politics, arguments, trouble with the record company, the touring; it’s a whole massive thing.