BEAT brings King Crimson’s progressive rock legacy to Waukee

9/30/2026

In 1968, as rock styles emerged with the Beatles, the Who and other classic rock groups, one genre slowly began making headlines: progressive rock.

Leading the prog-rock revolution was King Crimson. The band’s 1969 debut album, “In the Court of the Crimson King,” is regarded as a landmark of progressive rock. The band released seven albums in the 1970s before breaking up as its members moved on to other projects.

Various iterations of King Crimson evolved over several decades with longtime band member Adrian Belew playing a key role. Belew sang, played guitar and wrote songs for King Crimson while also performing with other bands and pursuing a successful solo career.

In 2019, Belew wanted to honor King Crimson’s 1980s albums. His vision was simple: Present a creative reinterpretation of the band’s albums “Discipline,” “Beat” and “Three of a Perfect Pair.” Belew’s producers assembled a band, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted production.

“We all had other commitments,” he said. “It took five years to corral all the guys back.”

In 2024, BEAT formed, featuring a powerhouse foursome of experienced musicians: Belew, Tony Levin, Steve Vai and Terry Bozzio.

BEAT kicked off a 40-concert tour with the first show selling out in three hours. The successful tour led to international dates, including stops in South America and Japan.

“We did a show at the Budokan. It was my favorite and a memorable venue,” he said.

The tour continued through Europe with 31 shows in 21 countries. Now BEAT is back in the United States, performing King Crimson’s music at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee on Oct. 18.

King Crimson developed a distinctive sound that incorporated electronic drums, synthesizers and other experimental elements, blending rock with classical, jazz and other genres. The musicians pushed boundaries with longer songs, complex arrangements and unusual time signatures.

Over the years, King Crimson’s resurgence and presence on social media have introduced the music to a new generation.

“The younger generation has tuned in,” he said. “There are no other bands that sound like it.”

When Belew first took guitar lessons at age 16, he never dreamed he would have a career in music. Record making was a slow process, and he was 27 before experiencing significant success.

“Frank Zappa heard me playing in a dark nightclub and asked me to come in for an audition,” he said. “Within four years, I played with Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel and Talking Heads. I came in riding high on Bowie’s success. My music career? I came in the back door.”

Throughout his career, Belew has recorded 28 solo albums, writing, playing all the instruments and singing on each one.

Along the way, he has played with numerous bands, including Nine Inch Nails. He also won an Oscar for a Pixar movie. Yet performing the music of King Crimson endured.

“I took a left turn playing King Crimson. It wasn’t always a popular band, but it was the music for me. I don’t regret it,” he said.

As a longtime musician, Belew has witnessed numerous changes in the music industry.

“Live performance is really the only way you can make money. It’s not about album sales,” he said. “I’m not a businessman. I’m a creator.”

He understands the impact of social media yet is often discouraged by public comments.

“There are a lot of things not true. I have to stop myself from looking at Instagram or Reddit. If you’re in the public eye, you’re a target,” he said. “The only truth I want people to know about are the 28 solo records that I wish everyone would listen to.”

Making music has not always produced hit records.

“I don’t care,” he said. “I write what I want to hear. I write to get it out of my head.”

Belew says he is fortunate to perform for his fans.

“It’s all about the fans. When the love pours back at a concert, it’s an adrenaline rush. You feel great. People tell me that I can’t stop smiling,” he said. “The show is done in a flash. It’s not a bad job to have.” ♦