BEAT: King Crimson Celebration Show Comes to Sofia – Adrian Belew, Tony Levin, Steve Vai, and Danny Carey on July 9 at NDK Hall 1

Supergroup with phenomenal lineup celebrates one of the boldest eras of progressive music, now in Bulgaria

Sometimes in music history, moments perfectly capture the spirit of their time. Such is the case with the three albums by legendary progressive icons King Crimson from the early ’80s – Discipline, Beat, and Three of a Perfect Pair. Tracks that sounded futuristic from the moment they were created.

Four decades later, this music returns to the stage in full force through BEAT: a project where four influential figures in contemporary music meet for the first time. On July 9, 2026, at NDK Hall 1 in Sofia, one of the most significant music events in Fest Team’s calendar will take place – BEAT: King Crimson Celebration Show, part of an international tour already attracting global attention. BEAT brings together four remarkable musicians: Adrian Belew and Tony Levin, two of the most recognizable voices and faces from King Crimson’s peak era, unite with guitar virtuoso Steve Vai and the otherworldly drummer of Tool, Danny Carey. This supergroup celebrates King Crimson’s music, giving it new life without losing its authenticity. Bulgarian audiences will witness a musical summit, blending reconstruction with inspiration, emotion with precision, and experimentation with dedication.

The focus of the concert is on King Crimson’s three most influential albums of the ’80s – Discipline, Beat, and Three of a Perfect Pair. These records expanded the boundaries of progressive rock, and their tracks have long become classics. The project is officially endorsed by King Crimson co-founder Robert Fripp and legendary drummer Bill Bruford. The name BEAT was chosen by Fripp as a sign of continuity and respect for the original spirit of the music.

“The music of Crimson from 1981 to 1984 created its own world – eternal, beautiful, complex, wild,” says Adrian Belew. “Our goal is to bring it back to life – for those who remember it and for those experiencing it for the first time.”

Danny Carey, celebrated for his precision and rhythmic architecture with Tool, brings a new dimension to the project. In Bulgaria, his name is legendary among alternative and progressive metal fans, and this is the first chance to see him live in the country. “Returning to this music with such company is an honor and a challenge,” Carey says. “These are three of the artists who inspired me at the start of my journey. Now I have the chance to converse with them through music. There’s no better way to leave your comfort zone.”

Steve Vai describes his participation in BEAT as a “rare opportunity” to immerse himself in music of “monumental value” and “deep resonance.” Vai, who has shaped generations of guitarists with his own style and vision, here takes on the role of interpreter of one of the most experimental schools in rock. “I’m sure sparks will fly,” he says, paying special tribute to Robert Fripp: “A historical genius whose distinctive and brilliant guitar technique has been studied and admired by generations.”

Bulgarian audiences will witness the first and only BEAT show in the country on July 9, 2026, at NDK Hall 1. This is the first full-scale project since 2009 in which these compositions are performed live with Belew’s voice and guitar – a requirement King Crimson set when he departed the band.

Tickets for the Sofia concert go on sale December 12, starting at 88 BGN. Exclusive VIP packages are also available, including front-row seating for the first five rows, early entry to the venue, a private meet & greet and photo with Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin, and Danny Carey, a signed tour poster, and special BEAT merchandise. Availability is limited, and sales start on December 12 through Ticket Station.

More information about the event: www.BEAT-tour.com. The Sofia stop is part of the European tour:

• 08/06 London, UK – Eventim Apollo
• 10/06 Paris, France – Olympia
• 11/06 Dusseldorf, Germany – Mitsubishi Electric Hall
• 13/06 Strasbourg, France – Palais des Congres
• 14/06 Hamburg, Germany – Stadtpark
• 15/06 Berlin, Germany – Uber Eats Music Hall
• 16/06 Aarhus, Denmark – Musikhuset
• 19/06 Munich, Germany – Tollwood Festival
• 20/06 Vienna, Austria – Wiener Stadthalle
• 23/06 Brussels, Belgium – Cirque Royal
• 24/06 Tilburg, Netherlands – 013
• 26/06 Madrid, Spain – TBA
• 28/06 Barcelona, Spain – TBA
• 30/06 Gardone Riviera, Italy – Festival del Vittoriale Tener-a-mente
• 02/07 Pompei, Italy – Amphitheatre of Pompeii
• 03/07 Bari, Italy – Fiera del Levante
• 04/07 Perugia, Italy – Umbria Jazz, Arena Santa Giuliana
• 06/07 Udine, Italy – Castello di Udine
• 07/07 Zagreb, Croatia – SRC Salata
• 09/07 Sofia, Bulgaria – NDK Hall 1
• 11/07 Istanbul, Turkey – Harbiye Cernil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre
• 13/07 Bucharest, Romania – Arenele Romane’s Tent
• 15/07 Budapest, Hungary – Barba Negra Music Stage