Most sources document that Ian left Crimson because he was deeply missing his girlfriend while on that famous 1969 tour of the US (where I saw them at the West Palm Beach Festival). Ian and Michael Giles were also tired of playing “gloomy” songs. So while driving up the west coast on their way to their last gig at the Fillmore, they told Fripp that they were quitting. Fripp was very quiet in the front seat. (Ian documents all this in his diary).
It was also interesting that The Nice were playing with King Crimson during their Fillmore appearance. This is where Greg Lake met Keith Emerson… The rest is history…
From:
newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com [mailto:
newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of Rick Blechta
Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2007
11:41 AM
To: newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [newmellotrongroup]
Second thoughts
I asked Ian McDonald why he left King Crimson and he couldn't give me an answer that really meant anything. It was sort of sad. I wonder where they would have gone if the band had stayed intact for a few more albums.
Rick