21st Century Schizoid Band

21st Century Schizoid Band

Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	2002
Defunct	2004
Headquarters	England
Products	Live albums

21st Century Schizoid Band emerged in 2002, comprising former members of King Crimson. The band's name pays homage to the legendary track "21st Century Schizoid Man" from King Crimson's inaugural album, In the Court of the Crimson King. The initial roster featured Mel Collins on saxophones, flute, and keyboards; Michael Giles handling drums; Peter Giles on bass; Ian McDonald playing alto saxophone, flute, and keyboards; and Jakko Jakszyk as guitarist and vocalist. Except for Jakszyk, all had previously been part of King Crimson. Following their 2003 tour in Japan, former Crimson drummer Ian Wallace took over from Michael Giles. The ensemble toured globally throughout 2003 and 2004.

Their performances predominantly showcased selections from King Crimson’s first four albums alongside compositions drawn from members' individual projects, such as pieces from McDonald and Giles. Over their tenure, they released four albums mainly composed of live recordings. These included fresh works like Ian McDonald's "Let There Be Light" and Jakszyk's instrumental "Catley's Ashes," which was later featured on his 2006 solo release The Bruised Romantic Glee Club.

The group halted activities after 2004 due to members residing in various countries and the complexities of organizing tours. Plans for a 2005 reunion involving drummer Guy Evans were explored but ultimately did not materialize. The death of Wallace in 2007 marked the definitive end of the band's future endeavors.

Subsequently, Jakszyk and Collins joined forces with founding King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp, along with Tony Levin and Gavin Harrison, to produce the 2011 album Scarcity of Miracles. In 2013, an updated King Crimson lineup was announced, incorporating all five former band members plus two additional musicians.

2002

1. Pictures of a City
2. Cat Food
3. Let There Be Light
4. Progress
5. The Court of the Crimson King
6. Formentera Lady
7. Tomorrow's People
8. If I Was
9. Ladies of the Road
10. I Talk to the Wind
11. Epitaph
12. Birdman

Encore:

1. 21st Century Schizoid Man

2003

1. Pictures of a City
2. Cat Food
3. Let There Be Light
4. Cirkus
5. Spend Us Three
6. Cadence and Cascade
7. The Court of the Crimson King
8. Ladies of the Road
9. Catley's Ashes
10. 21st Century Schizoid Man
11. Formentera Lady
12. I Talk to the Wind
13. Epitaph
14. Birdman

Encore:

1. Starless

2004

1. Pictures of a City
2. Cat Food
3. Let There Be Light
4. Cirkus
5. Spend Us Three
6. Cadence and Cascade
7. The Court of the Crimson King
8. Ladies of the Road
9. Catley's Ashes
10. Formentera Lady
11. Sailor's Tale
12. I Talk to the Wind
13. Epitaph
14. 21st Century Schizoid Man
15. Birdman

Encore:

1. Starless

Band members

• Jakko Jakszyk – lead vocals, guitar, flute
• Mel Collins – saxophones, flute, keyboards, backing vocals
• Ian McDonald – alto saxophone, flute, keyboards, vocals
• Peter Giles – bass, backing vocals
• Michael Giles – drums, percussion, vocals
• Ian Wallace – drums, percussion, vocals

Discography

• Official Bootleg Volume One (2002)
• Live in Japan (2003, available on CD and DVD)
• Live in Italy (2003)
• Pictures of a City – Live in New York (2006, recorded in 2004)
• Live in Barcelona (2024, recorded in 2003)

Albums with Contributions from Members

Artist	King Crimson					McDonald and Giles	Ian McDonald	Michael Giles	Jakko M. Jakszyk
Member	In the Court of the Crimson King (1969)	In the Wake of Poseidon (1970)	Lizard (1970)	Islands (1971)	Red (1974)	McDonald and Giles (1970)	Drivers Eyes (1999)	Progress (2002)	The Bruised Romantic Glee Club (2006)
Ian McDonald	•				•	•	•		•
Michael Giles	•	•				•	•	•
Peter Giles		•				•		•
Mel Collins		•	•	•	•				•
Ian Wallace				•					•
Jakko Jakszyk									•

Notes

a. Some live recordings from the 1969 King Crimson lineup list this track as "A Man, a City," featuring distinct lyrics and arrangements compared to In the Wake of Poseidon. The 21st Century Schizoid Band's rendition aligns with the latter version; therefore, this article consistently uses that title.