Emerson, Lake and Palmer: The Show That Never Ends

An entertaining and informative read from cover to cover,The Show that never ends covers the bands history from beginning until now. The music analysis chapter by George Forrester is enlightening and fascinating.Nice to see ELP getting some exposure and coverage again,if you havent heard them,get Tarkus or Brain Salad Surgery.Bring on the Hammonds,Moogs & daggers!!!

George Forrester, et al, have created a straightforward and earnest look at Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, a band incorrectly reviled for their musical excellence, showmanship, and pretentions. In the early 1970's, few events were more exiting than hearing a new ELP release, and then seeing them perform live. In an era plagued with boogie rock, nascent glam, and the brewing punk, ELP plunged ahead towards a modernist reading of music. Combining their classical chops, jazz free-styling, and heavy-metal sound, they created not just a sound, but a world around their music.George Forrester's book explains the history of the band, their musical steps, and mis-steps in clear, straightforward prose. While other works such as Paul Stump's The Music All's That Matter seems written with a distain for Prog and ELP, ELP: The Show Never Ends is an unabashed love letter for the devoted fan. The books concludes with a musical exegesis of Keith Emerson's work, and to anyone who understands music, these analyses are enlightening, and thought-provoking. If you want to learn about ELP, this is the place. If you want to relive the salad days, this is the place. If you want a picture of the rollercoaster ride of 1970's rock, this book will show you how a band was greeted with great hope and then dismissed into oblivion mostly because they knew how to play their instruments well.

Once I began reading this book it was hard to put down. This is the definitive, end-all story, from beginning to end, of ELP. Its all here: the early days of E, L, and P, the formation of the "Show That Never Ends", the hits, the misses, the fights, the breakups, the reconciliations, more fights, more reconciliations and tours, etc. etc. Also, there is plenty of trivia, behind the scenes information, and analysis of the music, instruments and people connected with the band. This book is laid out very logically, in a chronological order and represents the first time a publication has been available which tells the entire story, in a professional manner, from beginning to end. George Forrester and company are to be commended on being factual without being opinionated or judgmental. ELP had plenty of "wrong turns" and less than successful changes in musical direction through the years, but those events are all reported in a factual manner rather than a condescending one. One of the hidden gems of this book is the information provided in the back. George Forrester gives us a piece by piece analysis of all the major album tracks. Even more valuable is a chronological listing of EVERY concert ever played by the guys, from the beginning all the way through recent years, along with radio broadcasts and interviews. There's even internet sources listed for staying current on the band's activities. This is one of those must-own items if you are, or ever were a fan of the greatest band in rock n roll.

This long awaited book lives up to all expectations. I was hooked from the first paragraph on. It has great detail, the research is excellent, and the book has many surprises, even for those (like me) who have been familiar with the music of ELP for decades. Yes - if you like ELP - this one should be in your collection.

A long awaited book that totally lives up to all expectations. I was completely hooked from the first paragraph on. It has great detail, it is thoroughly researched and it offers surprises even for those who have been familiar with ELP's music for decades. My compliments to the authors. If you like ELP as a band, do not hesitate add this book to your collection. It is super.