In 1980, Robert Fripp formed what would become a new configuration of King Crimson. Originally called Discipline, the quartet featuring Bill Bruford, Adrian Belew and Tony Levin went on to record three albums with a very different sound from that which had helped to shape prog’s golden years. As Discipline, Beat and Three Of A Perfect Pair are reissued on superheavyweight vinyl, Prog explores the makings of King Crimson’s 80s trilogy.

Words: Sid Smith Images: Tony Levin/DGM

Discipline playing Moles in 1980. See if you can spot Tears For Fears’ Curt Smith in front of Tony Levin (right).

“We’d all like to think that our better rock groups ‘compose’, but Crimson sort of scuffles for its music.”

Bill Bruford

Significant moments in musical history sometimes happen in the most humble of locations. Moles club in the city of Bath was the unlikely crucible from which an entirely new King Crimson poured forth. Robert Fripp had previously performed in the tiny basement dive with his most recent outfit, The League Of Gentlemen, and decided that the postage-stamp-sized performance area would be the perfect launchpad.

Though they would change their name to King Crimson a couple of months later, Discipline, as they were then known, were scheduled for two gigs in April/May 1981. Capacity audiences cheered Fripp, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin and Bill Bruford as they made their way to their instruments. Levin had played there before with Peter Gabriel as a low-key, pre-tour warm-up show.

“I guess we were sure to have no press present there, as they wouldn’t fit. Trouble is, the audience don’t fit too well either,” the bassist recalled. “Only those in the front row could see the band and the restrooms are located behind the band, so during the set people would constantly squeeze between me and Bill to get to the loo. But hey, no place is perfect.”