Peter Sinfield, the lyricist for the British band King Crimson, known for his mystical and politically charged lyrics, passed away on November 14 in London at the age of 80. His death was confirmed by the record label DGM, which noted that he had been experiencing declining health for several years.
Sinfield collaborated with King Crimson's founder, Robert Fripp, in 1968 after a nomadic life in Spain and Morocco. He was the lyricist for the band's first four albums, beginning with the iconic "In the Court of the Crimson King" in 1969, often credited as a pioneering work in the progressive rock genre.
In addition to his lyrical contributions, Sinfield played various roles within the band, including producer, roadie, lighting operator, sound engineer, and art director for album covers. He also named the band after a line from his lyrics.
Sinfield's lyrics were characterized by their complexity and rich imagery, fitting the band's elaborate musical style. He expressed in a 2009 documentary that the band's ethos required their music to be intricate and influenced by diverse elements.
His notable works included the antiwar anthem "21st Century Schizoid Man," which featured stark and powerful imagery. Sinfield was born on December 27, 1943, in Fulham, London, and was raised in a bohemian environment, which influenced his artistic sensibilities.
After leaving school at 16, he traveled extensively before joining King Crimson. Despite his initial success, Sinfield's relationship with Fripp became strained, leading to his departure from the band following the release of their fourth album, "Islands."
Post-King Crimson, Sinfield produced Roxy Music's debut album and recorded his own solo work. He also contributed lyrics to other artists, including Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and wrote the hit "I Believe in Father Christmas," which critiqued the commercialization of the holiday.
In the late 1970s, Sinfield distanced himself from the music scene, focusing instead on mainstream hits and collaborating with songwriter Andy Hill. He later shifted his focus to poetry after undergoing open-heart surgery in the mid-2000s.
Details regarding Sinfield's survivors have not been disclosed.