Lake Believes Jimi Hendrix and ELP Collaboration Wouldn't Have Worked

... (Classic Rock) The proposed collaboration between ELP and Jimi Hendrix would never have worked, Greg Lake believes. The guitar icon was set to join the prog rock giants in 1970, but died before it happened. And while frontman Lake regrets that tragedy, he doesn't think Hendrix and Keith Emerson could have operated together in the same band. Lake recalls the speculation over the band calling itself 'HELP', telling BackstageAxxess: "It didn't escape the notice of the press at the time." He continues: "I never believed it would have worked in the long run. It would have been great for a couple of days. Jimi was fantastic, and Keith also - but two virtuoso players in one band? It would have soon melted down. "It was very sad that when Jimi came back to England he was found dead in his flat. It was a big loss. It was a strange time for us. We'd come close to playing with him, and all of a sudden he was dead." More from Lake including other topics. Classic Rock Magazine is an official news provider for antiMusic.com. Copyright Classic Rock Magazine- Excerpted here with permission. Lake Believes Jimi Hendrix and ELP Collaboration Wouldn't Have Worked ... [ read more ]

Emerson, Lake & Palmer Reissues Coming

... Razor & Tie will be kicking off their Emerson, Lake & Palmer reissue campaign on September 25th. The campaign will begin with the reissue of the group's first two albums Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970 - Studio Album) and Tarkus (1971 - Studio Album). The label sent over these details: Both records will be available as 3-disc deluxe editions containing never before released 5.1 Surround Sound and Stereo Mixes, including previously unheard out-takes. Three time Grammy-nominated producer and engineer Steven Wilson (who has also recently remixed classic albums by Jethro Tull and King Crimson for acclaimed 40th anniversary editions) worked from the original Greg Lake produced multi-track tapes to remix both albums. Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Tarkus will also be released on limited edition 180 gram audiophile vinyl. The records will be re-pressed and released with their original packaging and track listings. The vinyl re-presses will be available September 25th as well. Both albums will also be digitally, specifically mastered for iTunes by Grammy-award winning engineer Brad Blackwood (Alison Krauss & Union Station, Maroon 5, North Mississippi Allstars, Saving Abel). AXS TV will also exclusively premiere the Emerson, Lake & Palmer 40th Anniversary concert this August. The legendary Rock Band reunited to celebrate their 40th Anniversary and headlined London's first High Voltage Rock Festival. This was the historic moment when Emerson Lake and Palmer performed for the first time since 1998. This spectacular performance with extravagant special effects and lighting recaptured the magic and musical genius of Keith Emerson, Greg Lake and Carl Palmer as they performed their greatest hits in front of thousands of fans and leaving a lasting memory of the stunning ... [ read more ]

Emerson, Lake & Palmer's First Two Album Expanded For Reissues

... Emerson, Lake & Palmer's first two albums, Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970) and Tarkus (1971) will be reissued by Razor & Tie on September 11th. Both reissues will be available as 3-disc deluxe editions containing never before released 5.1 Surround Sound and Stereo Mixes, including previously unheard out-takes. Three time Grammy-nominated producer and engineer Steven Wilson (who has also recently remixed classic albums by Jethro Tull and King Crimson for acclaimed 40th anniversary editions) worked from the original Greg Lake produced multi-track tapes to remix both albums. Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Tarkus will also be released on limited edition 180 gram audiophile vinyl. The records will be re-pressed and released with their original packaging and track listings. The vinyl re-presses will be available September 11th as well. Both albums will also be digitally, specifically mastered for iTunes by Grammy-award winning engineer Brad Blackwood (Alison Krauss & Union Station, North Mississippi Allstars, Saving Abel). In other news, AXS TV will also exclusively premiere the Emerson, Lake & Palmer 40th Anniversary concert this August. The legendary Rock Band reunited to celebrate their 40th Anniversary and headlined London's first High Voltage Rock Festival. Emerson, Lake & Palmer Deluxe Edition Track List: Disc One: Original Album The Barbarian Take A Pebble Knife-Edge The Three Fates i. Clotho ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL ORGAN ii. Lachesis PIANO SOLO iii. Atropos PIANO SOLO Tank Lucky Man Disc Two: Bonus Tracks (2012) THE ALTERNATE ELP NEW 2012 STEREO MIXES (Previously Unreleased) The Barbarian Take A Pebble Knife Edge (with Extended Outro) Promenade The Three Fates: Atropos Rave Up Drum Solo Lucky Man Bonus Tracks: Take A Pebble (Alternate Version) ... [ read more ]

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

(1970-1992)

Keith Emerson (keyboards)
Greg Lake (guitar, bass, vocals)
Carl Palmer (drums)

Artistfacts®: You can leave comments about the artist/band at the bottom of the page.

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. (thanks, Shar - Hilliard, OH)

They took a break for 2 years in 1975-1977.

Palmer joined Asia in 1981.

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 1 million copies.

Several years in a row, ELP won top honors from 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. (thanks, Linda - NYC, NY)

Before 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. (thanks, Randy - Colerain Twp., OH)

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Comments:

- Randy, Colerain Twp., OH

Great 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.

- Alex, Fort Mill, SC

A 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.

- Barry, New York, NY

I 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.

- Stefanie magura, Rock Hill, SC

Early 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.

- Dan, Chicago Ridge, IL

As 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.

- mike, Bronx, NY

Saw 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.

- Don, Pittsburgh, PA

Named the second worst band of all time behind the Insane Clown Posse by Blender magazine.

- Aidan, Boston, MA

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