Fripp = Flop
(This is an excerpt from my review of the June 15th gig in Gothenburg, Sweden.)
"I admit I wasn’t expecting too much from Mr Fripp..
Sadly, his ”performance” was by far worse than I could have ever imagined!
I even apologised to my friend for bringing him along, can u imagine?! Several in the audience – including myself – actually thought for quite a while that some weird soundcheck was going on!
½ the audience left the concert hall during Fripp’s set.
No “real” songs, just strange loops & repeated sounds going on for 45 minutes. Even for a trained ear, it was nearly impossible to judge what was guitar/guitar synth/synth. He was sitting on a stool in the corner of the stage, 5 meters in. No contact what so ever with the audience, and not one single word spoken. He did not even look at the audience.
Ultimately, I guess it’s Satch’s responsibility to pick someone suitable for this event. I really thought he knew better what this dedicated audience appreciates. I am deeply disappointed & shocked of his poor judgement.
In fact, I can’t believe that they actually brought him along – IMO it was a big mistake – this did NOT fit G3.
Also, when reading some excerpts from Fripp’s diary, I get a feeling of sadness and pity. In the same time I think it’s pathetic – he’s actually trying to convince himself to be ignorant to a booing audience, feeling “stronger” when he walks off the stage, than on!
During the jam, I could not see any connection/contact between Fripp and S/V. They did not seem to have fun together either.
There are many many fine guitar players that haven’t gotten a chance to come along for this G3 ride, which is a real pity.
Personally, I’d like to see Neil Zaza up there!
His extraordinary melodic “singing” type of playing would suit & complement perfect with S/V."
