21st Century Schizoid Band are a King Crimson alumnus group formed in 2002.
The name derives from the famous song "21st Century Schizoid Man" from the first King Crimson album, In the Court of the Crimson King. The initial band featured Mel Collins on saxophones, flute and keyboards, Michael Giles on drums, Peter Giles on bass, Ian McDonald on saxophones, flute and keyboards, and Jakko Jakszyk on guitar and vocals.
The band has played live with sets concentrating on compositions from King Crimson's first four albums and other works from the band members' back catalogues. They have released three albums, mostly of live work, but including newer and/or recent compositions, such as Ian McDonald's "Let There Be Light" (from his solo album Driver's Eyes) and "Catley's Ashes", a Jakszyk instrumental which later appeared on the latter's solo album The Bruised Romantic Glee Club in 2006.
Ian Wallace, another former Crimson member, replaced Mike Giles in early 2003, after the band's Japanese tour. Further international touring followed in 2003/04.
The band has been inactive since 2004. Touring proved logistically complex, with members based in different countries, and financially unrewarding. The possibility of performing again in 2005 was considered following offers from festivals, possibly with Guy Evans (of Van der Graaf Generator) on drums to replace Wallace who had other commitments, but the idea was abandoned. Wallace's death in February 2007 would seem to have closed the lid on the band for good.
Jakszyk and Collins have gone on to work as a trio with Robert Fripp (and rhythmic support from Crimson members Tony Levin and Gavin Harrison) on the Scarcity Of Miracles album.
Read more about 21st Century Schizoid Band: Discography
Famous quotes containing the words century and/or band:
“All I have to do
is hear his name
and every hair on my body
just bristles with desire.
When I see
the moon of his face,
this frame of mine
oozes sweat like a moonstone.
When that man
as dear to me as breath
steps close enough to me
to stroke my neck,
the thought of jealousy
is shattered in my heart
that’s hard as diamond
sometimes.”
—Amaru (c. seventh century A.D.)
“The band waked me with a serenade. How they improve! A fine band and what a life in a regiment! Their music is better than food and clothing to give spirit to the men.”
—Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)