A Retrospective Look at King Crimson's Decision to Dismiss David Cross
David Cross's tenure with King Crimson was a complex and often controversial period in the band's history. His dismissal from the band not only divided fans but also raised questions about the band's choices. In this retrospective, we will explore the context and reasons behind King Crimson's decision to dismiss Cross, focusing on his contributions to their later works and the challenges faced by the band.
The Live Version of 'Starless'
Many King Crimson fans would agree that the live version of the song 'Starless,' featuring Ian McDonald on lead vocals and guitar, with David Cross on violin, stands out as a particularly memorable performance. This version, included on the album 'The Road to Red,' retains a certain essence of introspection and haunting beauty that sets it apart from the studio version. Cross's violin work on 'Starless' was nothing short of brilliant, adding a layer of depth and texture that complements Fripp's and Wetton's intense and dominating contributions.
The Circumstances Leading to Cross's Dismissal
According to Alex Johnston, the reasons behind Cross's dismissal were multifaceted. Cross, it is noted, performed on their subsequent album 'Red'; however, he was not listed as a member of King Crimson on the album. His contribution was limited to an improvised portion of 'Providence,' which was recorded during the tour before his dismissal. It is also worth noting that the violin parts Cross normally played on 'Starless' were replaced by Fripp's guitar during the recording of 'Red.'
This change reflects the challenges posed by the live environment. The intense dialogue between Robert Fripp's trebly aggressive guitar, John Wetton's powerful bass, and Bill Bruford's percussive attacks effectively drowned out Cross's violin. Fripp once described playing with Wetton and Bruford as 'playing to a flying brick wall,' emphasizing the difficulty of integrating a delicate instrument into such a dynamic and jarring sound.
The Impact on King Crimson
The live performances of King Crimson in the early 1980s, with Cross in the lineup, were noticeably diminished. Cross's contributions to the band's later albums, such as 'Lad' and 'Mitogen,' were often marginalized. This was not dissimilar to the challenges he faced during the recording of 'Red.' The thick, layered sound of 'Red,' with its many overdubs of guitar, made it less likely for a more melodic instrument like the violin to stand out.
The making of 'Red' itself was a challenging experience for Robert Fripp. The transition from the intricate sound of 'Book of Saturday' to the more straightforward, powerful sound of 'Red' was unsettling. Fripp himself admitted that the album's creation was not a pleasant process, indicating the strain it put on the band and Fripp's leadership.
A Final Note
Despite the challenges and the difficult decisions made, it is widely agreed that the live performances featuring Cross, particularly the version of 'Starless,' are among the band's most memorable. The final lineup, with Cross as a hired hand for 'Red,' produced an album that is considered one of King Crimson's most perfect works. While the band's decision to dismiss Cross may have been necessary for the band's stylistic evolution, it cannot be denied that his presence added value to a significant portion of their live performances.
Ultimately, the question of whether Cross's dismissal was the right choice remains a matter of personal opinion. For many fans, the performances featuring Cross, especially the live version of 'Starless,' stand as evidence of the band's ability to thrive with different members and different sounds.