APPRECIATION: King Crimson Purists, Look Away Now: Robert Fripp and Toyah Have Just Mangled a Christmas Carol…
In the world of rock and progressive music, few names evoke the kind of reverence and awe that Robert Fripp commands. Known primarily as the mastermind behind King Crimson, one of the most influential progressive rock bands to ever grace the stage, Fripp’s reputation is one of precision, complexity, and innovation. With his mastery of the guitar, his meticulous compositions, and his intellectual approach to music, Fripp has garnered a dedicated following of purists who view his every note as a carefully crafted piece of sonic art.
However, in recent years, Fripp has ventured into more unconventional territory, much to the shock of his most die-hard fans. His collaboration with his wife, singer and actress Toyah Willcox, has led to a series of online videos that challenge everything we thought we knew about Fripp’s musical identity. Whether they’re tackling classic rock songs or experimenting with the avant-garde, the pair’s “Sunday Lunch” series has pushed boundaries and earned them a mixed, yet undeniably engaged, audience.
And now, they’ve done it again—this time with a holiday twist. Fripp and Toyah have just released a cover of a traditional Christmas carol, and the result has left their followers both bewildered and amused. In a performance that can only be described as “mangled” by those in the purist camp, the couple takes a beloved holiday classic and warps it into something wholly unique—and perhaps a little controversial.
The Sunday Lunch Phenomenon
To truly appreciate this latest release, it’s important to understand the context of Fripp and Toyah’s collaboration. Over the past few years, the couple has become a viral sensation with their “Sunday Lunch” series. This series, which began as a playful attempt to fill time during the COVID-19 lockdowns, has evolved into a cultural touchstone for fans of all kinds of music. Each Sunday, Toyah and Robert post a new cover of a rock classic, ranging from The Beatles and Queen to more obscure tracks from the likes of David Bowie and Blondie.
But the key to these videos isn’t the musicality—although Toyah’s energetic performances and Fripp’s iconic guitar work are, at times, impressive—it’s the sheer irreverence of the entire project. While Toyah, who is no stranger to eccentric performances, embraces the theatricality of each video, Fripp’s typically stoic presence adds an element of surreal humor. His stoic demeanor and solemn guitar playing stand in stark contrast to Toyah’s over-the-top energy, creating a delightful tension that is both absurd and captivating.
The Sunday Lunch videos have earned Toyah and Robert a devoted fanbase, many of whom eagerly anticipate each new release. However, they’ve also drawn criticism from purists who argue that Fripp, in particular, is betraying his musical legacy by engaging in such playful, even chaotic, renditions of well-known songs. These fans argue that such lighthearted performances dilute the complex, serious nature of the music he has spent decades crafting.
Enter the Christmas Carol
This brings us to their latest creation: a Christmas carol turned on its head. While the specific carol they chose may vary depending on the source, the underlying theme remains the same: this is not your typical, reverent holiday music. The duo’s take on the classic Christmas song is a chaotic, vibrant, and unexpected mash-up of humor, high-energy performance, and playful irreverence.
In this version, Toyah’s vocal performance is as theatrical as ever. She belts out the carol with exaggerated gusto, all while engaging in quirky antics that have become a hallmark of her performances. Meanwhile, Fripp’s guitar work—though still unmistakably skilled—is less about technical mastery and more about fitting into the absurdity of the moment. The distortion and effects he layers onto the carol create a disorienting and offbeat sound that seems, at times, completely out of sync with the traditional version of the song. It’s as though they’ve taken the familiar tune and pushed it through a creative blender, emerging with something that is both familiar and entirely alien.
This version of the Christmas carol may be unrecognizable to the untrained ear, but therein lies the beauty of it: Fripp and Toyah are making a statement. They are not interested in producing another predictable holiday hit. Instead, they’re embracing the spirit of artistic freedom, using the Christmas carol as a vehicle to showcase their unique partnership and irreverent approach to music. While purists may scoff at the mangling of such a cherished tune, it’s clear that Fripp and Toyah have no interest in catering to the expectations of others. They are following their own creative instincts, and in doing so, they are proving that their musical journey is far from over.
The Reaction from Purists
Of course, no discussion of this latest cover would be complete without acknowledging the inevitable backlash from King Crimson fans and music purists alike. For those who revere Fripp’s work in King Crimson, this Christmas carol may seem like a betrayal of everything the guitarist stands for. After all, King Crimson’s music is known for its complexity, intellectual depth, and unyielding commitment to musical innovation. To see Fripp, who once crafted intricate soundscapes and groundbreaking compositions, now engaged in what some view as a comedic reinterpretation of a Christmas classic, is jarring to say the least.
These purists are likely to view the video as a gimmick, a shallow attempt to cash in on viral attention rather than a legitimate artistic statement. And to some extent, they’re right. The carol is far from a masterwork of musical complexity. Yet, in its absurdity, it reflects the creative freedom that has always defined Fripp’s work, even if it’s not in the way that some would expect. After all, King Crimson’s music has always embraced the unexpected, blending different genres and sounds in ways that challenge conventional norms. This new venture, while seemingly lighthearted, can be seen as an extension of that same spirit of pushing boundaries and breaking free from tradition.
The Joy of Artistic Freedom
In the end, Robert Fripp and Toyah Willcox’s mangled Christmas carol is a reminder that art is not always about pleasing everyone. It’s about expression, exploration, and the willingness to take risks. While some may bemoan the loss of the “serious” Fripp they once knew, others will find joy in this new, unexpected chapter of his career. It’s a playful reminder that even the most revered figures in music are allowed to have fun and experiment with new ideas—no matter how unconventional or irreverent those ideas may seem.
Fripp and Toyah’s Christmas carol may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate the beauty of artistic freedom and the joy of creative collaboration, it’s a welcome addition to their growing body of work. So, to all the King Crimson purists out there: perhaps it’s time to let go of the past and embrace the delightful chaos that Fripp and Toyah are creating. After all, if there’s one thing we’ve learned from their Sunday Lunch videos, it’s that sometimes, the most unexpected and unconventional creations can be the most memorable.
Leave a Reply