Emerson, Lake & Palmer Artistfacts

Emerson, Lake & Palmer song list

Emerson, Lake & Palmer Artistfacts

1970-1992
Keith EmersonKeyboards
Greg LakeGuitar, bass, vocals
Carl PalmerDrums
The drum kit Carl Palmer played in concert cost $25,000 to make. It had a xylophone, tympani, and gong.

The kit was a one of a kind custom set made out of the best quality stainless steel. Palmer innovated rock drumming when he hired synth inventor Robert Moog to create and install a custom synthesizer module for each one of his drums. Each drum also was hand engraved by a highly skilled artisan with custom designs and set with real gem stones. Always a perfectionist, Palmer furthered his classical training in percussion studies at the London Conservatory after joining ELP. His goal was to always continue to improve his proven technical skills of speed, precision, range and expression. Palmer drove himself relentlessly to keep pace with the nearly impossible demands of the group's endless quest to fuse rock music spectacle with classical music's timeless chic. >>
Suggestion credit:
Shar - Hilliard, OH
They recorded an album per year for their first four years, then took a two-year break. When they returned to action, they released the albums Works Volume 1 and Works Volume 2, which were more eclectic and less commercial than their previous albums.
The band is often described as "prog rock," but Carl Palmer feels that's too simplistic. "We were a band that played lots of different genres of music, from jazz to classical adaptations to folk music to rock, and even some blues here and there," he said in his Songfacts interview. "We were quite varied in what we did, so it's really hard to pick out one particular area, because it all made up ELP. There wasn't a blueprint before: We were one of a kind. We were keyboard driven, the singer had a choirboy voice, didn't really use a lot of guitar. We played classical adaptations. There wasn't a lot of jazz in it or blues. A little bit of rock in a sort of symphonic way."
There were 63 roadies on their 1977 tour, including a karate instructor for Palmer and their own doctor. It was also rumored they had a "carpet roadie," whose job was to transport and sweep the Persian rug Lake stood on during the concerts. They also used a 70 piece orchestra.
Lake was previously in King Crimson, Emerson was in The Nice. They met in 1969 when both bands played a show at The Fillmore West in San Francisco.
In 1986, Emerson and Lake reformed the group with Cozy Powell on drums. Since Powell's last name starts with P, they kept the name ELP.
The artwork for the 1973 album Brain Salad Surgery was done by HR Geiger, who created the sets for the movie Alien.
Their 1974 album, Welcome Back My Friends... was the first triple-LP to sell one million copies.
Several years in a row, ELP won top honors from the rock magazine Melody Maker. In 1972, they won for Top Group, British and International; Emerson as the top keyboard man; Palmer's trophy as top drummer; Lake's as the world's most accomplished producer; ELP as the top pop arrangers; and finally the shared award, Keith Emerson and Greg Lake taking honors as the world's top composers. >>
Suggestion credit:
Linda - NYC, NY
Before forming Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Keith Emerson and Greg Lake were considering Mitch Mitchell as their drummer, and with the suggestion of Mitchell adding Jimi Hendrix to their lineup. But they later settled on drummer Carl Palmer to form ELP. Shortly afterwards, British tabloids began publishing rumors that Hendrix, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer had formed to become HELP But before the band was able to collaborate with Hendrix, he had passed away. >>
Suggestion credit:
Randy - Colerain Twp., OH
Palmer formed another supergroup in 1981: Asia. This one had four members, but was also very keyboard oriented with Geoff Downes of Yes.

Comments: 11

Paul H. from Virginia Beach, VirginiaMesmerizing Masters
Klemz from Klumbus, OWalked up to an ELP show in Chicago in '78? Expecting it sold out. 10th row center. Still, you tu....Still remember it to this day. Good times.
Maz from NewcastleGreg lake was the best ever . God bless you.
Randy from Colerain Twp., OhBefore forming Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Keith Emerson and Greg Lake were considering Mitch Mitchell as their drummer, and with the suggestion of Mitchell adding Jimi Hendrix to their lineup. But they later settled on drummer Carl Palmer to form E.L.P. Shortly afterwards, British tabloids began publishing rumors that Hendrix, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer had formed to become H.E.L.P. But before the band was able to collaborate with Hendrix, he had passed away.
Alex from Fort Mill, ScGreat band, but WAY too much organ/piano by Emerson. I know he's great but enoughs enough.Still You Turn Me On, and Tarkus are their best songs. And Stefanie, thats Lake on vocals.
Barry from New York, NyA new DVD release is on the way, it's a documentary of ELP's historic "live debut" at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. They played an amazing set which featured "Nutrocker", "Take A Pebble" and "Pictures at an Exhibition" as well as others. It's hard to believe they played their set following the likes of Joni Mitchell, Tiny Tim and Miles Davis. An extremely eclectic mix of talent.
Stefanie Magura from Rock Hill, ScI don't care what Blender Magazine says. I think ELP is great1 Tey'are all great musicians, and Keith Emerson has a beautiful voice, and ELP was way ahaead of their time musically.
Dan from Chicago Ridge, IlEarly in his career, Keith Emerson approached Wurlitzer for information on overdriving their keyboards. He was warned not to try it. Legions of ELP fans are very glad he decided to ignore the warning.
Mike from Bronx, NyAs you get older and you think of all the concerts that you attented as a kid,these guys would always stick out in your mind.From Lake's angelic voice and bass runs to Emerson's spinning around in mid-air with his Grand piano and keyboard wizardry to Palmer's incredible drum solo and intangible use of various percussion,these guys were way ahead of their time.
Don from Pittsburgh, PaSaw E.L.P. in Dayton Ohio in 1973. The "Brain Salad Surgery" tour. Incendiary,mind-blowing and progressive. The best "non-lead guitar" band to ever form. "Trilogy" is an excellent album.
Aidan from Boston, MaNamed the second worst band of all time behind the Insane Clown Posse by Blender magazine.

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