The Revolving Door of King Crimson Quiz

Answer: Ian McDonald

Ian McDonald, who wrote most of the music on KC's debut album, "In the Court of the Crimson King," wasn't prepared for sudden stardom. He freaked out under the pressure, and left the band after their first tour of America. Drummer Michael Giles decided to follow McDonald, but stayed with King Crimson long enough to record their followup "In the Wake of Poseidon" album. Greg Lake provided the vocals for that album, but since it was clear that the band was falling apart, he decided to leave and form a new band with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer. That left just guitarist Robert Fripp and lyricist Pete Sinfield to piece together the first of many new lineups for King Crimson.

McDonald & Giles recorded one unsuccessful album together before going their separate ways. Emerson, Lake & Palmer, of course, went on to stardom.

Answer: He ran the band's psychedelic light show during concerts

In addition to writing lyrics, Sinfield put together an elaborate light show from rudimentary equipment.

Fripp eventually got tired of Sinfield's fantasy-themed lyrics, and broke off their partnership. Sinfield then began writing lyrics for Greg Lake's new band, ELP.

Answer: saxophone and flute

Mel Collins made three albums with King Crimson (four, if you count the hard-to-find live album "Earthbound"), and has been a much sought-after session musician ever since.

Answer: Alexis Korner

Live recordings from the "Islands" tour show that Mel Collins, Boz Burrell and Ian Wallace were taking King Crimson in a bluesy direction (their live renditions of "In the Court of the Crimson King" were very different from and much earthier than the original version), so it's appropriate that they teamed up with Korner.

After their departure, Robert Fripp was all alone with nothing but legal rights to the name "King Crimson." One might have expected him to pack it in, but instead, he assembled a new King Crimson, with John Wetton on bass and vocals, David Cross on violin, and the zany Jamie Muir on assorted percussion instruments. He also lured drummer Bill Bruford away from Yes.

Answer: Percussionist Jamie Muir

Muir played an odd assortment of percussion instruments from around the world. "Larks Tongues in Aspic Part 1" begins with a lengthy solo by Muir on the thumb piano.

Answer: Journey

King Crimson bassist-vocalist Boz Burrell played bass for Bad Company. John Wetton was bassist and lead vocalist of Asia. Foreigner was founded by Ian McDonald, who played a host of instruments.

Answer: Robert Fripp taught Boz Burrell how to play the bass.

In 1971, Fripp had hired Boz Burrell as a singer only. After weeks of auditioning new bass players, and not finding anyone to his liking, Fripp gave Burrell a crash course in playing the bass. Boz learned well enough to become Bad Company's bassist, and later, a successful session bassist.

Answer: Frank Zappa

Singer-guitarist Belew played in Frank Zappa's band for several years. He later played for David Bowie, Laurie Anderson and the Tom Tom Club.

Answer: Mr. Mister

Mr. Mister hit #1 on the Billboard charts with "Broken Wings" and "Kyrie".

Answer: Discipline

Adrian Belew considers himself a laid-back, mellow person, and didn't like the name Discipline.

Fripp broke up King Crimson in 1974. Between that time and the rise of this newest incarnation of King Crimson, Fripp made albums with Brian Eno, produced an album for Darryl Hall, formed a dance band called the League of Gentleman, and toured with Peter Gabriel under the name Dusty Rhodes.

Incidentally, "21st Century Schizoid Band" is a real group. Its lineup includes former Crimson members Ian McDonald, Ian Wallace and Mel Collins, along with Peter Giles (Michael's brother). They tour regularly, performing King Crimson's older material, material that Fripp & the current lineup of King Crimson never play any more.