Mellotronists

...was on the Thrak tour in Portland, Oregon's Roseland Theater. 
Strict seating...No getting up and walking towards the stage during 
songs, and only to go back to the merchandise and food/drinks 
bar...it was kind of weird that way, but I guess King Crimson is the 
kind of band with its fair share of rabid fans and photographers, 
etc. who would love to press the stage, but I would think most 
importantly, the promoters wanted to control the crowd in that matter 
by giving everyone the chance to LISTEN as see the band without 
people in clusters obstructing the view. It was like going to a 
symphony orchestra, only I don't think anyone there was under 35 
years of age.

At first I was kind of disappointed by this patron arrangement (being 
so used to being in the throngs of partygoing masses at festivals and 
loud rock bands on stage in front of open floors), but I see that as 
being absolutely necessary. What a great show...I was towards the 
back, but saw and heard it all.

Towards the end of the set, some people were shouting out song titles 
from the Atlantic era. At least on the Thrak tour, 'Crimson didn't 
play anything except a short medley version of Cat Food and Red. 
Quite a number of people at the end were upset the band didn't play 
1969-1974 material, and began shouting song titles--crowd control 
security types repremanded some ten or twelve people--just going up 
to them and pointing to sit down and behave as if they were little 
kids.