Formed in London, UK in 1970 – Disbanded in 1979 – Regrouped between 1991-1998 – Reunited briefly in 2010

ELP revolutionized the 70’s rock scene by introducing a new line-up format. This fact really mattered due to each musician’s geniality and unlimited talent that, put together, generated a level of music never achieved by anybody else as of yet. All of the musicians came from established bands before joining forces together: Greg LAKE came from KING CRIMSON, Carl PALMER came from ATOMIC ROOSTER, and Keith EMERSON came from THE NICE.

They explored their capabilities to an extreme, even with the technology limitations of the early 70’s, breaking ground, setting the new parameters for a new vein in the english pop music (at the time) which would be called progressive music. ELP released 10 outstanding albums during the 70’s, and after a long break, they got back in the 90’s with a new approach, but still making good music. In 1986 Cozy POWELL replaced PALMER and they put together EMERSON, LAKE and POWELL, a good effort as well.

They’ve pushed their ambitions over-the-edge. On „Tarkus“ the title suite was an inventive and edgy suite revolving around jazzy textures. Their most popular album „Brain Salad Surgery“, was their most grandiose and refined. Next, the more adventurous listener might try „Trilogy“ or ELP’s self-titled first album. In my opinion, these four albums form the core of ELP’s best material. Other good ELP albums include „Pictures at an Exhibition“, their provocative, fiery and intense take on a classical work. and „Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends“, a triple-live album (now on double-CD) with some absolutely stunning playing.

2016 was a sad year for Prog fans, because Keith and Greg left us, Rest in Peace and thank you for everything

==from Prog Archives