Adrian Belew (born Robert Steven Belew, December 15, 1949) is an American musician, songwriter and record producer. A multi-instrumentalist primarily known as a guitarist and singer, Belew is noted for his unusual, impressionistic approach to guitar playing (which frequently involves sounds more akin to animals and machines than to standard instrumental tones). He is perhaps best known for his work as a guitarist and vocalist of the progressive rock group King Crimson from 1981 to 2009.