On November 18, 2024, the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks, California, was transformed into a sonic playground as the members of BEAT reunited for a spellbinding concert. In a bold move, bassist Tony Levin and guitarist/singer Adrian Belew decided to revisit the classic King Crimson albums from the 1980s, and the result was nothing short of breathtaking.
In the early 1980s, King Crimson underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming a quirky, jazzy, and experimental powerhouse. This legendary lineup—featuring Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, and Bill Bruford—left an indelible mark with their iconic albums Discipline, Beat, and Three of a Perfect Pair. Now, BEAT, a band born from this same creative DNA, has finally taken to U.S. stages.
After five years of development, BEAT is now a reality, with Adrian Belew once again taking center stage as frontman and guitarist. Joined by Tony Levin on bass, the duo is ably supported by Steve Vai and Danny Carey, who step into the roles originally held by Fripp and Bruford, respectively. The result is a stunning recreation of King Crimson’s ’80s era, with a setlist drawing heavily from the trilogy of albums that defined this period.
Fans of the original lineup will be thrilled to learn that the setlist includes most of these iconic tracks, with only a few notable omissions. The band’s ability to recapture the essence of King Crimson’s ’80s sound is remarkable, while Vai and Carey bring their own unique energy to the music.
Belew’s masterful guitar work and vocal delivery remain as compelling as ever, and Levin’s bass lines, along with his virtuosity on the Chapman Stick, add depth and texture to the performance. Vai’s sinuous solos and Carey’s thunderous drumming infuse a new intensity into the music, making this incarnation of BEAT a must-see for fans of King Crimson’s 1980s output.
The wait has been well worth it—BEAT represents a triumphant rebirth of King Crimson’s ’80s legacy, demonstrating the enduring power of their music. As their live performances now grace stages across the U.S., fans have the chance to experience firsthand the magic that has been reborn in BEAT.
With Steve Vai (of Frank Zappa fame) replacing Robert Fripp on guitar and Tool drummer Danny Carey joining the ranks, the group launched into a two-hour set that was both nostalgic and forward-looking. The opening numbers, “Neurotica” and “Neal and Jack and Me,” set the tone for the evening, as Vai’s fluid solos and Belew’s wry humor laid the groundwork for a night of intricate melodies, complex rhythms, and angular riffs.
As the concert progressed, Vai’s virtuosity shone on tracks like “Sartori in Tangier” and “The Sheltering Sky,” where he wielded his guitar like a magician’s wand, conjuring sounds that felt both timeless and cutting-edge. Meanwhile, Belew’s interplay with Vai on “Model Man” created a kaleidoscopic experience, as they traded licks over Carey’s thunderous beats.
Levin proved himself a master of the Chapman Stick, adding texture and groove to the band’s expansive soundscapes. His work on “Heartbeat” was especially noteworthy as he seamlessly switched between Stick and guitar. On keyboards, his pulsing, synthetic tones contributed a dystopian feel to “Industry,” evoking a sci-fi soundtrack.
The setlist was essentially a greatest-hits package from King Crimson’s Reagan-era repertoire, including the Devo-esque “Dig Me,” the anthemic “Red,” and the cerebral “A Full Heart.” Belew’s wit and humor shone throughout the evening as he bantered with both the audience and his bandmates between songs.
Ultimately, BEAT’s reunion concert at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center proved a triumphant return. With Vai’s virtuosity, Belew’s charm, and Levin’s sonic mastery on full display, it was clear that the band’s creative well remains far from dry. Even those encountering their music for the first time left with an indelible memory, carrying the night’s energy with them long after the final note had faded.
