My Musical Heroes: Adrian Belew

To know me is to know that Adrian Belew is my musical idol and has been for more than 30 years. He’s the whole package: singing, songwriting, guitar playing (his primary instrument among the many others he plays) … the man can bring to a song whatever it might need.

I first became aware of Adrian in 1985 when I was introduced to King Crimson. Before long, I was finding his name associated with more than a few other bands and artists I already admired or would come to admire because of his presence. The full story of my Belew journey can be found in my book, which contains a chapter called “My Guru Belew.”

I’ve seen Adrian live several times in many contexts, be it Crimson, the Bears, the Remain in Light tour (with Jerry Harrison), and as a solo artist. This fall, I’ll see him as part of the eighties Crimson tribute Beat. I can hardly wait.

I was starstruck the first time I saw Adrian live, at a Crimson gig in ‘96, failing to find words when he looked directly at me from 15 feet away. The second time, I was able to find the courage to ask him a question during a break in his solo performance. The way he spoke to me put me completely at ease. Talking to him (including an extended chat for my book) has been a breeze ever since. He really is a very nice man.

In the years since then, I would dare to say we have become friends. Some of these photos will bear that out, as Adrian caught me photographing him more than once. He responded by looking directly at me and offering a sly grin.

That my hero knows my name puts me absolutely over the moon. (Heck, his WIFE knows my name and greets me every time we see each other.) When I gave him a copy of my book after a show, he actually stood up from the merchandise table and hugged me after complimenting my writing and telling me that … sniff … he was PROUD of me. I could’ve died right then. I’m glad I didn’t, though. There were more shows to see!

Despite my familiarity with him, I’ve always tried to maintain a respectful distance from Adrian. I was asked once if I would ever go on tour with him if he asked me. My first instinct was to say no, simply because I wanted my shows to remain special. Seeing him every single night would ruin that for me. I’m just glad to be able to carry on a conversation with him when we cross paths.

These photos don’t represent every time I’ve seen Adrian in person. (Robert Fripp’s strict “no photos” policy means there are no King Crimson shots.) But it’s more than enough to get my point across. The shows were either in St. Louis or Chicago and all the photos were taken with my iPhone. They’re presented here in no particular order.

The cover shot was taken c. 2006 at Blueberry Hill in St. Louis, right after Adrian signed my prize Fender Stratocaster.* It’s still my favorite shot of the two of us. Perhaps because it’s the first one we took together.

All hail my guru!

Probably the first time I photographed Adrian, c. 2011. That’s Tobias Ralph on drums. Taken at The Old Rockhouse in St. Louis

Magic hands, taken at the same gig as the two above.

c. 2009 at Blueberry Hill in St. Louis, when Ade was in town with The Bears. Yes, I remember what we were laughing about. No, I’m not telling.

Busted! I was right up front at The Old Rock House, and Ade caught me shooting him during a drum break.

The Remain in Light tour at the Vic Theater in Chicago in 2023

One of a few good shots I got at City Winery in Chicago in 2022

Forming a new Power Trio with bassist Julie Slick at The Old Rock House

At The Old Rock House c. 2017. Had I known the spots up close were reserved for tables, I would’ve been up there. Damn.

Busted (again)! This time at the Remain in Light show. Adrian had looked at me a couple of times before this. I was dealing with searing back pain and I think he noticed. He was trying to perk me up. It worked.

Taking a Q&A break at City Winery. I managed to ask him something he’d never been asked before. I’m quite proud of myself!

At The Old Rockhouse, shortly after my hero said he was proud of me. I’m working hard to hold back tears of joy.

I really got some good shots at City Winery.

See? He was really into that City Winery gig!

After the first City Winery show. He was there for two nights. Yes, I was there for both.

— I modeled my ‘96 Stratocaster after his (though his was far more intricate), including noiseless pickups, locking tuners, and a Kahler tremolo unit. Sadly, I was forced to sell that guitar to help pay for my daughter’s school tuition. But I kept the pickguard he signed. I’ve since gotten an ‘88 Strat in the same color. This one has a Vegatrem tremolo unit along with the other features. Guess who had that tremolo unit first?

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