There seems to be some confusion over when this event actually took place -- 1973 or 1974. According to multiple videos on YouTube (a dubious source, to be sure), King Crimson evidently played in Central Park in July of 1973 (barring the odd clip that, of course does say 1974). According to King Crimson -- or, at least, their website --- the band played Central Park on July 1, 1974. I suppose it's indeed possible that they played the Park twice in two consecutive years on the very same date, but that seems somewhat unlikely, no?
Here's what Crimson mainstay/guitarist extraordinaire Robert Frippp had to say about the concert on the official live recording:
The 10th Collectors' Club release (April, 2000). From the last show of the '72-'74 incarnation on July 1st, 1974. "This was the first gig since the 1969 Crimson where the bottom of my spine registered "out of this world" to the same degree. The 1969 outfit began at the top and then disappeared. This team took two years to get to the same point of being-out-there-ness. As the sun went down and we moved into the ominous bass riff emerging from the "Starless" vocal, red stage lights faded up from behind the band. For me, a stunning theatrical moment highlighting the tension within the piece and the group: a moment of resonance". - Robert Fripp
In any event, this isn't really about the year. This is more about the picture below. Prized from this photo gallery, the below photograph purportedly displays the assembled crowd at this event, and a hirsute mob of spaced-out prog fans it is indeed. Who knew the sprawling bombast of the Crims would have attracted so large a horde? Anyway, while there is plenty of documentation that Crimson did indeed unleash their windy brand of rock epicry on an audience in Central Park in New York City at some point in the early-to-mid 1970's, my little anal-retentive question for you folks is this....
Where exactly in Central Park was this photo taken?
My first guess would be The Great Lawn, but that just doesn't look like any part of the Great Lawn to me. Also, check out that brick structure in the background! It's not ringing any bells for me. Sheep's Meadow? It's not the bandshell. Rumsey Playfield? I just can't place it.
Anyway, that's your mission. Pinpoint where exactly in Central Park this gig happened. Check out the gallery, once again, for more pictures from the gig. As the band's website prophetically asserts: "Understanding is simple. Knowing is complicated" and "Accept nothing less than what is right."
To set the mood...
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