Bruford vs. Wakeman

Now I’ve finished their books.  Oddly, I’m not a Yes fan, which is the band both musicians are most commonly associated with.  I am a King Crimson fan, which is more of how I know of Bill Bruford, and of course my analysis of his book will focus on that band.

 Bill Bruford: The Autobiography.  Bruford started out with Yes, then transferred to King Crimson 3 different times and – little did I know – also played with Genesis and Gong.  He’s been in UK, the supergroup with John Wetton (with whom he was in KC), Allan Holdsworth, and Eddie Jobson, and has had a solo band, Earthworks. 

            Recently he retired, and this book is his extremely lengthy and verbose explanation why.  The chapter titles read like a FAQ (frequently asked questions) from journalists and lay persons.  Fortunately he did explain, “what’s it like working with Robert Fripp?” – Fripp is, as any King Crimson fan can easily imagine, an eccentric, difficult genius who knows exactly what he wants, has zero tolerance for dissent or stupidity, has no children and zero plans to raise a family, and otherwise affects a twisted sense of humor (although it does exist) and a lonesome arrogance which rarely endears himself to fans, rock journalists or even the general public.  I wonder if he’s ever met Roger Waters (who has softened up considerably in recent years, by the way), or, for that matter, Frank Zappa.

            Readers hoping and expecting a grotesque catalog of rock excesses and colorful stories will find very little in here, certainly not enough to warrant reading it cover to cover.  20% is historical data and some tour stories, with the remaining 80% a lengthy and detailed analysis of the rock business and his views on art, music, jazz, aesthetics, family life, etc.  I did like his brief note that a letter from his lawyer merely mentioning Robert Fripp and King Crimson in the same sentence managed to persuade a reluctant record company to fork over royalties.  He also blames Jamie Muir, King Crimson’s percussionist on Larks Tongues, for inspiring Jon Anderson to steer Yes to write Tales of Topographic Oceans.

 Adventures of a Grumpy Old Rock Star (And Other Wondrous Stories!), and Further Adventures of Grumpy Old Rock Star, by Rick Wakeman.   All those who wanted the tales of debauchery, look no further, your quest is over.  Unlike his bandmate Bruford, who has his head in the clouds, Rick’s head can frequently be found in the toilet after a night of excessive drinking.  Tales of smuggling KGB uniforms out of Russia, curry-induced diarrhea, angry dogs on English TV, Chris Squire’s drinking, Yes’ vegetarianism, a fart-filled tour bus in Costa Rica, concerts gone wrong (think Spinal Tap, dialed up to 11), soccer stars, quiz show mishaps…the list goes on.  He takes the piss out of himself, #1, but is happy, having done so, to then tell us about all the other characters who did naughty things – not always rock stars, by the way.  Whereas I had to wade through Bruford’s “analysis”, Wakeman’s storytelling was entertaining in its own right.  By all means, ENJOY.  Oh.  And he has a second book full of more of the same.  Enjoy that one too.