The classic 1972 album Greg Lake wanted Emerson, Lake and Palmer to be remembered for
A prog rock classic.
Emerson Lake & Palmer
Credit: Press / Publicity shot
Emerson, Lake & Palmer were one of the defining progressive rock bands of the 1970s, combining virtuoso musicianship with ambitious songwriting and theatrical live performances.
Formed in London in 1970 by keyboard pioneer Keith Emerson, former King Crimson vocalist and bassist Greg Lake, and drummer Carl Palmer, the trio helped bring prog-rock into the mainstream.
Albums such as Tarkus, Trilogy and Brain Salad Surgery became landmarks of the genre, while songs including ‘Lucky Man’, ‘From the Beginning’ and ‘Karn Evil 9’ remain staples of classic rock radio. Known for blending classical music, jazz and hard rock influences, Emerson, Lake & Palmer sold millions of records worldwide and became one of the most commercially successful and influential prog-rock groups of their era.
Emerson Lake & Palmer News
The Emerson, Lake and Palmer record the band wished they’d never made: “Tired creatively”
“It wasn’t that quality.”
The one band Roger Waters said meant nothing to him: “That wasn’t about anything”
No real substance there.
The prog-rock album that simulates oral sex: “Tone down the phallic object”
The more nasty side of rock and roll.
The one drummer Phil Collins never enjoyed: “Does nothing for me at all”
Nowhere near his musical taste.
The one musician Tony Banks considered a musical God: “You’ll always be prog God to me”
The genius behind the synthesisers.
The bands Emerson, Lake & Palmer thought they towered over: “We thought we were the best”
“It’s very intellectual-sounding music…”