Carl Palmer, the celebrated drummer, recently brought his Emerson, Lake, and Palmer legacy tour to the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Pennsylvania, captivating old and new fans alike.
Despite the absence of two of the band’s original members, Greg Lake and Keith Emerson, who have passed away, Palmer keeps the spirit of the legendary progressive rock band alive.
The performance was part of the ‘Welcome Back My Friends’ tour, during which Palmer was joined by guitarist Paul Bielatowicz and bassist Simon Fitzpatrick.
Together, they delivered a powerful homage to ELP’s iconic music, with visuals of Lake and Emerson projected on a screen to accompany Palmer’s thunderous drumming for an impressive duration of several hours, a feat remarkable for a 75-year-old drummer.
Kicking off the show with the classic ‘Karn Evil 9,’ Palmer was clearly the star of the night.
The evening was a nostalgic trip for fans who remember when ELP dominated the airwaves in the early 1970s, with their long progressive rock tracks establishing a new standard for compositions.
Culminating in a set that featured lengthy pieces like ‘Tarkus’ and ‘Trilogy,’ the concert allowed ample time for fans to sink into the music, providing an experience akin to a vinyl record that could fill an entire side with just one song.
Palmer showcased his versatility by interspersing the longer pieces with shorter, delightful musical interludes.
Highlights included Emerson’s beloved keyboard solo ‘Creole Dance’ and the lively ‘Benny the Bouncer,’ which Palmer humorously sang himself.
One of the climactic moments was ‘Pictures at an Exhibition,’ where Fitzpatrick displayed his prowess on the stick bass, while Bielatowicz’s guitar solos successfully emulated Emerson’s iconic keyboard work, especially during ‘Trilogy.’
While the contributions of Lake and Emerson were felt throughout the concert, it was Palmer who truly captivated the audience with his charismatic British humor and exceptional drumming skills, placing him among rock’s elite drummers alongside legends like Ringo Starr and John Bonham.
Palmer, who previously played in the supergroup Asia during the MTV era, has refocused on ELP, keen on sharing its legacy with fans.
For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of progressive rock, the concert still resonated, as most audience members recognized classic ELP songs apart from ‘Karn Evil 9.’
Two standout tracks in this regard were ‘Lucky Man,’ known for Lake’s memorable strumming and harmonies, and ‘Fanfare for the Common Man,’ a piece synonymous with major sporting events and the Olympics.
The enduring legacy of ELP is palpable, and Palmer’s commitment to honoring this legacy showcases the band’s continued power, even with the physical absence of two beloved members.
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