King Crimson
As part of the pre-nuptial agreement with Fripp, Bill renounces both EG Management, whom he promises to leave, and any pretence towards artistic democracy in the group, and Crimson, now a “double trio”, duly de-camps to Woodstock, New York, to record an E.P., “Vroom”.
As part of his leaving present, E.G. hands Bill an £11,000 bill for his efforts with Earthworks to date. Clearly if there is to be a second edition, it will have to be re-thought financially.
Sessions with the Buddy Rich Big Band, Joe Hisaishi, and Keyfax Software follow in the summer, and the new Crimson departs for almost three weeks of wonderful concerts to a delirious crowd in Buenos Aires in the autumn. News of the band’s presence in the city spreads by word of mouth, and the more concerts it does, the longer it could stay. Like “Cats”.
In November, the full scale “Thrak” is recorded at Real World, back in the UK. An abysmal headphone mix tests the musicians’ professionalism, but the CD gets made.
Modern Drummer offer a cover story on Bill and Pat Mastelotto.