Jamie Muir, the innovative percussionist known for his brief but impactful tenure with progressive rock band King Crimson, passed away on February 17, 2025, in Cornwall, UK. He was 82 years old.
His death was announced by former King Crimson drummer Bill Bruford on Facebook, who remembered Muir as "a lovely, artistic man, childlike in his gentleness."
Born in Edinburgh in November 1942, Muir developed an early fascination with jazz music while attending Edinburgh College of Art in the 1960s. After moving to London, he performed with various experimental groups including the Music Improvisation Company and Sunship before joining King Crimson in 1972 at Robert Fripp's invitation.
Muir became known for his unconventional percussion setup, which incorporated everything from rattles and bird calls to car horns and metal sheets. His theatrical live performances often saw him wearing a wolf fur jacket and using fake blood capsules on stage.
His most notable contribution came on King Crimson's 1973 album "Larks' Tongues in Aspic," for which he reportedly suggested the distinctive title. However, Muir abruptly left the band shortly after the album's release to pursue Buddhist studies at the Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland.
In the 1980s, Muir briefly returned to music, collaborating with artists like Derek Bailey and contributing to the soundtrack of the 1983 film "Ghost Dance." By 1990, he had fully retired from music to focus on painting, which he continued until his death.
He passed away with his brother George by his side. His unique artistic vision and brief but influential musical career left an indelible mark on progressive rock and experimental music.