Fripp seems to feel that Gunn will be back.

The Gorgeous and Great One returns... Yowzah!

I think Fripp is leaving the door open. Gunn is certainly worthy of being in King Crimson, but comments attributed to Fripp from a Japan concert make it clear that something uncomfortable was brewing between him and Gunn (he suggested as far back as spring of this year that a change would occur in the band and that someone with a "rock star" attitude that didn't fit the group's attitude would leave and be replaced by a certain bald former member - it's pretty easy to determine who he's talking about.) I'm guessing that were Gunn to wish to return to King Crimson it would hinge upon Tony Levin's agreement to remove himself again, or while he's working with Peter Gabriel, as Fripp points out that a Gunn/Levin combo does not appeal to Tony right now. I agree - there's not enough room in King Crimson right now for two lower-end players to move. Tony's an incredible bassist and he's always been quite talented at being able to build basslines that move between the guitar, drums, and many programmed rhythms Peter Gabriel is known for using. But I can see how, given the choice, he'd opt for more room to play.

I think Fripp is leaving the door open. Gunn is certainly worthy of being in King Crimson, but comments attributed to Fripp from a Japan concert make it clear that something uncomfortable was brewing between him and Gunn (he suggested as far back as spring of this year that a change would occur in the band and that someone with a "rock star" attitude that didn't fit the group's attitude would leave and be replaced by a certain bald former member - it's pretty easy to determine who he's talking about.) I'm guessing that were Gunn to wish to return to King Crimson it would hinge upon Tony Levin's agreement to remove himself again, or while he's working with Peter Gabriel, as Fripp points out that a Gunn/Levin combo does not appeal to Tony right now. I agree - there's not enough room in King Crimson right now for two lower-end players to move. Tony's an incredible bassist and he's always been quite talented at being able to build basslines that move between the guitar, drums, and many programmed rhythms Peter Gabriel is known for using. But I can see how, given the choice, he'd opt for more room to play.

Fripp has also left the door open for Bill Bruford, provided he is willing to bend his desires to suit Fripp's and King Crimson's needs. I imagine a similar deal has been offered to Gunn, and probably Tony Levin returns realizing there may be some new "rules" to play by this time. We'll see what happens . . . should make for an interesting couple of years.

Ignore my first comment (#3), I clicked post before I realized I had something else to add.

i'd have to say that i'm pretty excited about this.

the only downside is we'll probably have to wait a good year or more for new music to surface.

What Robert actually said: During the Eurotour, I asked Trey to consider the KC Quintet option but, at that time, it didn't appeal to him. I'm hoping that, once TLev is re-activated, it will. [Nothing about the "Quintet" option not appealing to Tony.]

You're right, Larry, I must have misread that the first couple of times. I do, however, still agree with what I originally said - I'd rather hear a four-piece Crimson than a five-piece with Gunn and Levin working around each other, or Gunn just trying to work his way in. It can be interesting, but I think Levin back in the band should revitalize things somewhat. I did find it interesting that the "Double Duo" of Gunn/Mastelotto/Belew/Fripp is distinct, meaning Levin would not enter into the Double Duo but would instead be a part of the Quartet. It's a subtle difference, but subtle differences are what KC uses to make great differences down the road (kind of following chaos theory, really.)

trey gunn is an excelent musician. But Crimson needs a contribution of power and even more extra feeling. Levin is gonna give us that heavy sound and that instinctive rythm.