1972

“Fragile” and “Close to the Edge” both consolidate and export the success to America, but both titles indicates the rocky state of the band’s internal relationships amidst more or less continual bickering as to how to proceed.

“Fragile” reaches number 5 in the Billboard Chart on April 1st.

Fuelled by exhaustion, too much coffee, and in incurable romanticism, Bruford leaves the group, to general all-round astonishment.

Joins King Crimson. “Close to the Edge” reaches number 4 in the US in October.