5 Things to Know About King Crimson’s 1969 Hyde Park Show

King Crimson opened for the Rolling Stones in Hyde Park in July 1969. The crowd was estimated between 250,000 and 500,000 people.

That massive exposure helped launch their debut album. In the Court of the Crimson King dropped that October.

The band played a set that included early versions of songs from that album. This was one of their first major public performances.

The Rolling Stones headlined the free concert. It was a tribute to their late guitarist Brian Jones.

King Crimson’s performance was a turning point for the band. It put them on the map in the rock world.