English progressive rock band formed in London in 1968 by Robert Fripp (guitar) and Ian McDonald (multi-instrumentalist). Distinguished by their constantly evolving lineup (over 20 members across their history) and stylistic restlessness, ranging from symphonic prog to jazz fusion to industrial-leaning rock.
Released 13 studio albums between In the Court of the Crimson King (1969) and The Power to Believe (2003). Critical peaks across multiple eras: the original (In the Court of the Crimson King), the mid-1970s lineup with John Wetton and Bill Bruford (Larks' Tongues in Aspic, 1973; Red, 1974), and the 1980s lineup with Adrian Belew and Tony Levin (Discipline, 1981). The band ended touring in 2021; Fripp remains the only constant member across their history.