BEAT – Live (Review & Unboxing)
Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin & Danny Carey bring 1980s King Crimson roaring back to life.
Hi, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine with another unboxing review — and this time, we’re stepping into something quite extraordinary: BEAT – Live, the new release from the supergroup made up of Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin, and Danny Carey.
If you’re a fan of 1980s King Crimson, this set will be absolutely up your street.
What’s Inside the Box
This edition, released via InsideOut Records, comes as a media book — the kind that feels like a proper souvenir of the tour. Inside you’ll find:
2 Live CDs (recorded in Los Angeles, October 2024, plus an extra North American show)
1 Blu-ray with the complete concert, behind-the-scenes footage, tour interviews, and crew features
It’s the kind of package that Dream Theater fans will recognise: thoughtful, tactile, and beautifully designed. If you were at one of the shows, it’s a perfect keepsake — and if you weren’t, this set makes you feel like you were.
The Music & The Magic
BEAT aren’t just a tribute; they’re a celebration of an era when King Crimson redefined progressive rock for the modern age.
Hearing “Neal and Jack and Me”, “Heartbeat”, “The Sheltering Sky”, “Industry”, and “Man with an Open Heart” performed live again is nothing short of thrilling.
What’s remarkable is how these four musicians — all legends in their own right — channel the spirit of those original performances while adding their own touch. Watching Steve Vai step into Robert Fripp’s shoes is a revelation: he doesn’t imitate, he interprets. He’s a fan of this material, and you can tell. His tone and phrasing slot seamlessly into the complex, angular beauty of these songs.
The rhythm section of Tony Levin (nearly 80!) and Danny Carey is just astonishing. The precision, the groove, the sheer joy radiating from the stage — it’s infectious. And Adrian Belew, as always, remains the emotional and creative heart of this music.
A Testament to Passion and Longevity
What truly struck me while watching the Blu-ray are the interviews filmed before, during, and after the tour. You see four musicians — some in their 60s, some in their 70s — absolutely lit up with excitement about the project. There’s a sense of humility, wonder, and deep respect for the music.
This is complex, challenging material — yet they make it look effortless. You can’t help but smile as they dive into these labyrinthine time signatures and sonic textures, reminding us why this period of King Crimson (the Discipline–Beat–Three of a Perfect Pair era) remains so special.
Sound and Picture Quality
The Blu-ray looks and sounds immaculate — razor-sharp visuals, a crystal-clear mix, and that spacious, dynamic production InsideOut are so good at. The CDs are equally superb, capturing every nuance of this demanding, adventurous music.
Final Thoughts
BEAT – Live is more than nostalgia — it’s proof that great music, when played with love and mastery, transcends time. Whether you’re a lifelong Crimson fan or discovering this material for the first time, this is a set to treasure.
Out now on InsideOut Records.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
