In the Court of the Crimson King: King Crimson at 50

Legendary rock band King Crimson has been inspiring generations of musicians for over 50 years. After starting off with great success in 1969 in London, the band effectively split up in the same year, which then started a process of fragmentation and reinvention that has continued for 52 years. 

Documentary film In the Court of the Crimson King that premiered at this year's SXSW festival, captures life on the road with King Crimson. The group's legendary cult following has long waited for a doc, but you do not have to be a fan of the band to appreciate the film, which still awaits wider release. 

The acclaimed director, broadcaster and co-producer Toby Amies joins us to discuss the film, the essence of being in a rock band, the philosophy of music and the meaning of life.

Watch the episode at https://www.factualamerica.com/king-crimson

"As a filmmaker, I’m interested in human condition, and King Crimson matter as a band because they speak to human condition." - Toby Amies

00:00 - The trailer for In the Court of the Crimson King.
03:11 - When the film will be widely released.
06:23 - Who King Crimson are, what they stand for and what makes them special.
12:04 - How Toby became involved with the project despite knowing little about the band.
16:15 - Toby’s passion for music and the challenges of making a documentary about top-class musicians.
23:34 - The challenges of making a documentary with limited access to your subjects.
29:05 - The benefits of filming without a crew and the power of post-production.
36:28 - The failures of English punk and how punk rock King Crimson are.
39:40 - How the band remained successful in recent years.
43:40 - How Robert Fripp feels about the final version of the film.
48:40 - The pressure of making a film about a subject that has so many fans.
1:01:45 - What’s next for Toby Amies and his hope for future projects

In the Court of the Crimson King (2022)
Sherman’s March (1985)
The Man Whose Mind Exploded (2012)
Alternative Nation (1992-)
MovieMaker Magazine
Innersound Audio
Alamo Pictures

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