DAN
GALATI
CHICAGO,
IL
Dan
will receive the autographed cymbal and a copy of Do Ya Wanna Play, Carl!
- The Carl Palmer Anthology.
Here
is Dan's Winning Entry...
My
favorite moment was being part of Carl's drum lesson in Chicago last year.
His teaching and the way he taught was great. He took the time to walk
to each student to make sure they were holding the sticks right and make
sure the exercises were done correctly. The smile he gave when we were
all in sync was like he was a proud parent. He also gave me a complement
on my drumming and to be able to keep up with him until he went to turbo
mode, that has made such a difference in my playing and attitude
in everything. He did not have to do all those things but he did. To get
a complement from your idol is beyond words. Thank you.
Second
place goes to...
As
a 45 year old drummer, I tried to copy Carl's technique all my life. I
tried to study hard, buy the right equipment and keep with his concerts
to learn more. I followed him from Argentina to all over Europe during
the ELP tour in 1975. I believed that since I couldn't play like him, he
must be a great phenomenon that no one can keep it up with him or
maybe he was a God.
Then,
I had the opportunity to see him in Houston at the Woodlands Mitchell Pavilion
during the Black Moon Tour. They all played as good or better than 1975;
time did not affect them at all. During his solo, he made a break
for 10 seconds; he leaned over his front Tom Toms and took a breath of
air. Next, he smile to the public and blew some air showing that drum solos
takes more than music knowledge and coordination; but it takes also
a good physical endurance. Yes, he was little tired for 10 seconds,
but he returned to his solo and continued to play faster with a great precision.
However, for the first time, I saw Carl Palmer as a human being and not
as a rock star. I realized that his physical demand to play great, requires
a lot of practice, discipline and love for his instrument. I do not know
if I ever can play like him, but I know now after that concert, that he
is not a God. That he is a human being who happens to be a true
professional.
Luis
Romano
Spring,
TX
Luis
will receive an autographed copy of Carl Palmer's Drum Method Book and
his CD anthology
and
third place goes to...
Monstrous
drum kit
Spinning
round and round
Sticks
flailing wildly
What
a glorious sound
Consummate
showman
Hear
the crowd roar
Atomic
explosions
That
make the heart soar
30
odd years
He's
been part of my being
Seven
times live and
Always
worth seeing
Here's
hoping the best
Is
still yet to come
I'll
be there whenever
He
deems to beat the drum!
Pat
McGuckin
Springfield,
IL
Pat
will receive a copy of Do Ya Wanna Play, Carl! - The Carl Palmer Anthology.
Thank
you to all who took the time to enter. Here are more of your entries...
My wife and I
had the opportunity to meet Carl Palmer in 1998 after an ELP concert.
Carl treated me wonderfully, giving me not only his time but also his drum
sticks and autograph. What made it a truly magical moment,
however, was the way in which he very kindly and sensitively included my
nervous wife Cindy in the conversation by chatting comfortably about everything
from kids and vacations to time on the road. Carl is truly
a class act with a generous spirit.
Robert K. Poch
Woodbury, Minnesota
My name is Rob
Leytham and I am a drum instructor in K.C. Missouri. During a lesson
back in 1991, my student told me that his dad received a phone call From
Carl Palmer wanting him to build a custom drum set. I couldn't believe
it, because I am a huge ELP and ASIA fan. After finding out it was true
his Dad, Bill Cardwell, put me to work at his Drum shop. Bill had
me run errands for Carl's set. I had to pick up the drum shells after
the bearing edges had been cut. I ran to pick up Carl's gold plated
hoops with his name engraved. I also picked through many radio king lugs
so Bill could have them gold plated. Even though Bill was doing the
hard work, I enjoyed my little task. What I really wanted to do though
was talk to Carl and it seemed like every time I returned from an errand
or was just getting to work Bill had just hung up the phone with Carl.
I finally got my chance to meet my hero when we were invited to the ELP
show in St. Louis. We went back stage before the show to give Carl
his snare drum and I was estatic. He spent an hour and a half
talking about
drums, the new album, and the tour. After the show we went back stage
and met the band. Carl was in a great mood and after posing with us for
a few pictures, he went to a box and pulled out 20 tour shirts for us and
our families. A few months later when our area in the midst of a
lot of flooding, Carl called to make sure we were O.K. This Time
I answered the phone and I got to talk to him for almost 20 minutes!!!!
Rob Leytham
Kansas City,
Missouri
I have had the pleasure of seeing Carl play for years now. My father, who
was a professional percussionist and teacher, turned me on to Carl about
1970. He was a huge Buddy Rich fan, and was one night watching the Tonight
Show. Rich was talking about this "kid" Palmer. WOW!! After hearing him
play we just had to see him. Well I've seen Carl play with ELP eight times
and also with ASIA. Each time his playing alone was well worth the price
of admission. Recently, I had the opportunity of meeting Carl at a drum
clinic in Kansas City. He was so accommodating to all for autographs and
just talking. What a true professional!!! Carl isn't cocky or brash. He
is just a normal, funny dude. He conducts himself in a professional manner
and is just a joy to be around. Carl Palmer is without a doubt the GREATEST
drummer and percussionist of our time. I am looking forward to seeing Carl
play in the future. I will always be a Carl Palmer fan. He is such a breath
of fresh air, considering the way most celebrities conduct themselves nowadays..
Paul Hudnall
Blue Springs,
Mo
Wow!!!! I dont't
know that contest was on . Dear Mr Carl. You are my real hero. i saw your
drumming in concert in Katowice in Poland !! Then I decide to be a drummer.
I have Premier drum set (why? You play in Asia on Premier drums!!) I'm
your the bigget fan in the world. I am 17 years old and i want to play
like you someday. I have all ELP discography (with Live in Poland of course)
and Atomic Rooster first album (that solo in Decline an fall!!) Remember
my name -MICHAEL STACHURSKI we must meat someday!
Michael Stachurski
Poland
PS. Sorry for
my Engish
My mother was
a tremendous E.L.P. fan, and the first memory of my childhood that comes
to mind was a televised concert of that band playing in 1973 on the ABC
network, documenting their "Brain Salad Surgery" tour. That lasting impression
of seeing Carl perform, though I was only 3 years old, later led
me to play drums myself. As a result, my own band has a record coming out
on Dreamworks/SKG this summer!
The inspiration?
The tremendous wealth of performances that showcase Carl Palmer as a living
legend, and a resource I regularly use to improve my
playing!
Charlee Johnsson
North Hollywood,
California
My most memorable
Carl Palmer moment occurred on the drive outside the Radisson Hotel, Burlington,
Vermont, in 1998, and I have the photo to prove it! A hug.
I've been back to Burlington twice and each time made a point of revisiting
that special piece of tarmac, and it always makes me smile, which is a
precious gift. Whether I'm smiling at the moment or laughing at myself
is the moot point!
Severin Alexander
(Ms)
London, UK
Hello, i am from
Germany
I'm a fan from
Carl since 1978, when i bought Brain Salad Surgery from ELP. But
ELP split up und for years there was no chance to see his drumming
in concert. But at 1982 it came the success from Asia and the band
come to germany. I saw Asia the same year live in Dusseldorf/Phillipshalle.
I stand in the first row and when the concert finished, the whole band
come to the front of stage. I saw carl 10 Meters from me and it was a magic
moment for me to see my drumming-idol so near.
Best wishes
Bernd
Cologne
I have many personal
memories of Carls career and to pick one is dificult.
If i have to choose
then i would pick a moment from the video"LIVE 77" when Carl was in the
middle of his solo in TANK. The camera pans in close on Carls hands and
he is
LR-LR-LR slowy
on the snare and then suddenly it is as if the video has sped up and
his sticks become
a blur like the wings of a humming bird. Seeing is believing and that is
one aspect that makes Carl the unique drummer he is.
Carl thanks for
the enjoyment you have brought to my life and see you on the
18th JULY
Michael Stags
Hello! The
year is 1982, I look at this new release section at my local record store...Asia...very
nice cover I say to myself, turn it around to see how it is...Carl
Palmer...Steve Howe...wow...I have to get this album! Several weeks later
Asia is coming to Montreal at the Verdun Arena, I got tickets with a friend,
we arrived there at 5 pm, it was a very warm day, people where just happy,
about a thousand taking the good sun and talking about the concert we where
about to see. "You are here to see which member of the band?" a new friend
asked, " I am here to see Carl Palmer from ELP, how about you?" and he
said, "I like Palmer a lot but I am here to see Steve Howe from Yes!" It
was that kind of discussion untill the concert started... untill Carl did
his solo, he had long hair like his early ELP works but his drumming seemed
tighter, meaner and more precise, it was a solo similar in feeling to his
famous olympic stadium gig several years before except more concise. When
the concert was over my new friend told me, " I was here to see Steve Howe,
but I have to admit, It was Palmer who really impressed me tonight!" And
like most good concert the word was, the show was way too short! What a
memory I have of this. Thanks!
etienne@sprint.ca
I'm 15 years old
and started playing the drums seven years ago. I was brought up on
ELP because my dad was, and still is a huge ELP fan. My ultimate Carl experience
was a couple of months when I had the pleasure of being at a Carl Clinic
in Edison, NJ. I got to meet Carl and along with great playing ability,
i found out he is also a great person. He was a lot more personal then
i had expected and he also has a great sense of humor. Thank you Carl for
being a great role model.
Jeff Mann
Englishtown,
NJ
My moment is easy......
April, 1974 ELP are in concert in Vancouver, Canada. I'm in the crowd
absolutely stunned by the whole show!, but by far the highlight visually
is when Carl concludes his (as always) impressive drum solo with the rotating
podium that reveals the back of the drum setup with the lighted dragon
(I think) designs - I was totally blown away (as was the sold out crowd!)
Cheers
Duncan Fraser
Delta, B.C.,
Canada,
ELP was on world
tour and made a stop at Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The weather was
miserable - 40 degrees below zero in a driving wind. I had always
wanted to meet the band in person so my wife and I and a guy from Calgary
bundled ourselves up and stood outside the stage door in the freezing cold.
Security had originally told us that under no condition was the band going
to be doing autographs. After an hour outside, they took pity on
us and allowed us inside the outer doors where it was somewhat warmer and
hinted that the band would be out shortly. Lo and behold, the band
appeared, agreed to autograph both our programs and my wife's ELP T-shirt.
We exchanged a few words (I was practically speechless) and then they were
off in a van to a nightclub. Both Keith and Greg were quite shy,
but Carl was open and welcoming.
Bruce Shaw
Edmonton, AB,
CANADA
Dear Carl
One moment I cherish
profoundly is meeting you, backstage in Oslo in November 92. The fact that
you after 22 years stops of in Norway was enough to make me very moved.
You invited us to the show in Stockholm the following day. So we went.
After yet another great show there, you, Keith, my friend Tor A, and yours
truly walked through the rainy streets of Stockholm to a restaurant where
we dined together. It was really too much, and I cannot thank you guys
enough for letting me experience this. Life is good:)
Even Gaarder
Norway
Growing up with
the music of ELP and 25 years of listening to it, I never knew how they
perform it live on stage. It was great to see the concert in Dortmund,
Germany, in 1997, but the most fantastic moment happened after the drum
solo: Carl threw his waste coat into the crowd and I had the luck to catch
it. Now it is besides my drum set because this man inspired me to play
drums as a hobby.
Ralph Sommer
Germany
I remember watching
a special on ELP with my brother and a few friends around 1973 or so.
There was a segment where Carl was being taught by an old master on the
glockenspiel or some sort of classical percussion instrument. He
was asked if he knew how good Carl was and he answered "Yes, I believe
so" in a very calm and stately voice! Then the segment cuts away
to Carl flying around on his set-it was a superb statement on both his
skill and his total commitment to the entire percussion family. My
respect and admiration for him was set in stone from that moment on!
Greg Pepe
Colorado Springs,
CO
In 1974 I started
taking drum lessons, and few months into my lessons my teacher lent me
his copy of "Brain Salad Surgery". Carl's playing, specifically on
"Karn Evil No.9, (First Impression, Part 2), remains one of the most incredible
drum tracks I've ever heard. The years have passed and the only drumming
I do is in my basement. When I want to give myself a workout, I pop my
"BSS" cd in the player, and try, in vain, to keep up!
Thanks, Carl,
for the view from the top for those of us who didn't make it there!
John Langton
Sykesville, MD
There have been
so many. The first time I heard "Tank". Staying up late to
watch the
CalJam concert
on ABC late one Friday night because I had read that one of the numbers
would be "Toccata"
(sitting right in front of the TV so as to not wake my parents...).
I guess the magical
moment was during the first Asia tour. I had scored 3rd row center
seats and right
in front of me was Carl's kit. Just thinking about it now the hair on the
back
of my neck is
standing up and I get the shivers. Awesome.
Thank you Carl.
John Valeu
Meadow Vista,
CA
IT'S TOUGH TO
LIMIT WHEN YOU'VE BEEN LISTENING TO SOMEONE FOR 22 YEARS. I
STARTED PLAYING
DRUMS AT ABOUT 14 AND AFTER ABOUT A YEAR OF PLAYING MY MOM GOT ME
ASIA'S FIRST ALBUM BECAUSE IT WAS ON THE CHARTS AND THE
GUY RECOMMENDED
IT AT THE RECORD STORE, I LISTENED TO THAT TAPE 30 TIMES TRYING TO
LEARN AND KEEP UP WITH THOSE SONGS WHILE PLAYING DRUMS TO THEM AND BECAUSE
OF CARL'S PLAYING HE HAS INSPIRED ME AND I AM STILL PLAYING TODAY. SO MY
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF CARL IS LISTENING TO HIM ON ASIAS FIRST ALBUM.
ANBSCHRO
Simply put, Emerson
Lake and Palmer were the first two concerts that I ever saw, and
they will always
last in my memories.
The first, in
October 1977, was at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. I had an excellent
seventh-row seat and while the group was outstanding as a whole, I was
fixated on Palmer's beautiful stainless steel set. His percussion solo
with the stobe-illuminated dragon gongs just slayed me.
The second, in
February 1978, at the State Fairgrounds at Columbus, Ohio, stands out
because the band
played a full show, despite a several hour snow storm delay.
Al Bonowitz
Summerland CA
My dad had brought
me along to the dream theater, elp, deep purple concert in Chicago.
didn't really know much about music in general, let alone ELP. during
the drum solo, i had an epiphany. 99.9% of everything my generation
has created was garbage compared to what i was hearing at that moment.
hearing that solo forced me to change my outlook on life from accepting
what i was given to actively searching for true quality and talent in all
walks of my life--especially music! Thank you Mr. Palmer.
Mitch Owings
Long Grove, IL
Whilst my memory
of the actual dates & location are a bit hazy (Old Age) I have a very
vivid memory of an event created by the Carl magic.
It occurred during
the 1974 (?) Brain Salad concert , last night at Earls Court(?or
Empire Pool) London. Me & my younger brother had managed to convince
my parents that they should travel from Birmingham (Carls birthplace) down
to London alone in order to see our heros, ELP.
Well needless
to say the show was a gas, you cant imagine the effect that the show had
on two impressionable teens aged 17 &14. The stage complete with presenium
arch ,tons of equipment and deafening quad sound system that had wierd
sounds of replicating the death throws of a computer whirling around our
heads.It was a great night. However, the one thing that me & my brother
always remember was when we stood on our chairs in unison with our newly
aquired friend (Mick from Manchester) at the end of the Palmer "con brio"
drum solo. The atmosphere had been quite nicely poised till then, the concert
pace had been fast & furious , the crowd tense hoping that the boys
were gonna do their thing. The drum solo produced a change in the adudience
, with that over & done, it was like a great weight had been lifted..it
was alll down hill from here.
The audience rose
in extacy , we rose further, up on to the chairs..Mick followed suit. The
next image I had was the ceiling of the hall as the whole row of linked
chairs complte with occupants fall backwards into the row behind. The boys
were well into the next number before we extracted ourslves from the turmoil
we had created. great night was had by all.
Footnote:
- I belive that
the guy interviwed on the recent ELP video Live at the Albert HAll who
says "carl youre the greatest " is Mick from Manchester.
- My 8 yr old
has taken up the drums, He has a small kit and certainly has a slot for
CP cymbal. He currently is having trouble parradiddling, but gets a serious
download of Tank on a regular basis. These are early days , there is still
hope yet! Carl look out!
Mike Dowen
Perth
Australia
I was in row 13,
back in December 1973. Right in the middle one of Carl's blazing
single-stroke rolls, moving rapidly from tom to tom, a drumstick flew out
of his hand. Now, this stick was literally flying straight up into
the air away from him at a high speed. Any other drummer would reach
down for another stick and play on.
Not Carl!
Moving so quickly
it was just a blur; he raised his arm and grabbed the stick as it was flying
away. He then continued this amazing fill like nothing had happened.
Unbelievable!
That's Carl Palmer!
John Manceri
Wildwood, Missouri
I saw him on the
first page of the magazine Drum Club and suddenly I lost something like
25 years!! I'm Italian, 47, my son Michele is 18 and plays cymbals
& percussion in a band of friends. You know what?: I was most
astonished by the way he carries on his shoulders his 50 years!!!
First step: internet
and looking for anything about him, with all the young
guys waiting
for stuff. Useless to say: everything my son plays is Paiste!
HE IS GREAT!
Cristina Boffelli
Italia
TThe Moment: 7:00PM,
9/28/00, Master Class at The Drum Pad, Palatine, Illinois
The Heat: Was
on. I was going to have to play in front of "The Master"!
From the moment
I heard "The Barbarian" I was an instant ELP fan. Carl's percussion
work forever changed my expectations of drummers. I played bass,
but was always
passionate about
drums. At 45, I took up lessons to fulfill my dream. Two and
a half years later I found myself in a class with Carl. Carl graciously
signed an autograph and took a picture with me. A mind boggling moment
indeed!
Christian Penev
Schaumburg,IL
My most memorable
Carl Palmer moment occurred on November 27th, 1977 at the Bay Front Center,
St. Petersburg, Florida. I showed up early and saw the stage set
up from scratch. Carl showed up and ripped through a hundred percussive
devices in less than a minute. After tapping a couple of more times on
a cymbal he exclaimed "This one's not right". A stage hand ran out, swapped
it out, polished it and stood at attention. He than put on a private
solo show for me (and the engineers). It was a performance I will never
forget.
Sincerely,
Steve Hill
Raleigh, NC
My most magical
moment of my life was meeting Carl Palmer back in 1997.I am a Surgeon in
The united states and am a professional drummer as well. I have been a
fan of Mr. Palmer for over 25 years,and require the whole operating team
to listen to ELP,ASIA,Atomic Rooster and quango every day.As a matter of
fact most of the hospitals here in Tucson Arizona are doing the same since
my introduction in educating them to the music of carl and his collegues.After
meeting with Mr. Palmer backstage at the Hard Rock Hotel after an ELP concert,I
will never forget that he told me that he was "proud of me in becoming
a physician" and wishing me good luck in my career.He has inspired me to
continue my drive for excellence.Thank-you Mr. Palmer.
Sincerely,
Lior Kahane
Tucsos Arizona
I think my biggest
CP moment was when I was in about 5th grade. The first Asia album
had come out and some people I knew were talking about it. I wasn't
yet familiar with the band or album but one day I saw the video for "Only
Time Will Tell" and I was instantly a Carl Palmer fan. It made me
want to play!!! I loved the sound of his drums and cymbals.
To me they had a very distinct sound. He just sounded different from
everyone else. He became a big influence for me.
Thanks,
Gregory J. Abbate
Peoria, Arizona
I wanted to share
my experience of seeing Carl in concert at the Great Woods Center in Mansfield,
MA in 1992, the night the sky said "Welcome Back!"
As we were filing
into the sunny outdoor arena, the atmosphere seemed to change. It just
felt electric. Classical music filled the air. The wind picked up, and
huge ominous clouds quickly moved overhead. Off in the horizon, it was
still sun! It reminded me of The Ten Commandments. Just as ELP came on,
a lightning bolt, and then another, flashed nearby. Thunder and an absolute
downpour followed as the band went into Tarkus. Later, during Carl's drum
solo, the lightning flashes behind him (planned) and also outside during
Pirates made us wonder: Was the weather at their command?
Sincerely,
Steve Clang
Plymouth, MA
My most magical
'Carl Palmer moment' was at the Purcell room this July. My wife and I were
fortunate enough to have front row seats at the Rhythm Sticks concert.
We were situated just to Carl's right and so had a perfect view of his
incredible drumming technique but when Carl performed his snare drum solo
he was even closer. In fact this was for me the highlight of the show,
as it showed just how accomplished Carl is in his craft. Carl chatted to
the audience in a really friendly manner and really seemed to enjoy himself.
Dave Keene
Middlesex, England
On October 4,
2000, my wife and I attended the drum clinic where Carl Palmer had performed.
My wife grabbed front row seats, and I was simply mesmerized by Carl's
drumming. After his set, Carl had an autograph signing. When
my turn came, Carl extended his hand and said hello. While shaking
his hand I said, "I've been waiting twenty-five years to shake your hand!"
Carl laughed,
and then signed several pieces for me, and graciously posed with
me for a picture. This experience was so meaningful to me that I
can still look back on that day and smile.
Jeffrey Para
Baldwin, N.Y.
San Francisco
Memeorial Auditorium, 1975?.
I had never seen
a drummer like this. During one of his "WBMF..." solos, without missing
a beat, he played a train bell which was hanging over his head, by pulling
the rope with his teeth! Later, when his set spun to reveal the fluorescent
dragons flashing as he beat the gongs, we all sat unable to speak except
for a well-placed "whoa......".
Mike Johnson
Auburn, CA
Welcome back my
friends to the show that never ends. Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, Tennessee
USA 1979. Elvis had played it for the last time. When Elvis died, my brother,
the drummer, spent months in his room learning the Carl Palmer solos from
the live album. We anticipated an American tour for months. Finally, 11/1/79,
day after Halloween. Front Row Seats. A smuggled 35mm camera to record
a once-in-a-lifetime show. Anticipation was incredible. Kicked off
with Peter Gunn and then into Hoedown. Nothing better than Karn Evil 9,
with Carl's solo. We were totally speechless. The incredible things were
that Greg was so human, Keith was phenomenal, but Carl brought the silence.
Whether it was the unique tempos he created or the teeth-rung bell, or
perhaps the gong, it was the most fabulous percussion performance in this
lifetime. Thank you and God Bless.
Sincerely,
William T. Adelman
Memphis, TN
Not so long ago.
I was sharing the night with a few friends in my city, Barcelona, at a
local heavy metal pub. They didn't know Asia, so I prepared a surprise
for them: I asked the DJ to play Wildest Dreams. He played a couple of
heavy metal songs, but when Wildest Dreams heard I went completely crazy,
with the orgasmic climax of Carl's solo;then they would ask me -Who is
this man?- From then on they have joined the legion of Carl Palmer fans
Roger Martinez
Madriles
Barcelona-SPAIN
The only thing
that I have to say is that I would have been dead in the 70's from a suicide
if it wasn't for his music.
Peter D. Long
Findlay Ohio
Hi,
Karn Evil 9 would
be my favourite piece of music featuring Carl Palmer. Despite being recorded
almost 30 years ago the energy and vibrancy is superb and I still listen
to it most days as I am travelling around the UK on business.
Regards,
David
My all time favorite
Carl Palmer moment was last year in a small club in New York. Carl was
doing a clinic. I had seen Carl play a dozen times or so with Asia , 3,
and ELP, but this was different i could ask him a question or take his
picture. I crawled up to the stage to take a picture and not to obscure
the view of the people in the front when Carl himself told me to move closer
so i did'nt miss the shot and i could have a better angle. Of course the
whole club was cracking up. i later go to meet him and talk shop, and even
take some pictures with the legend.
Chris powers
west haven ct.
Emerson lake &
palmers recordings have all got to be some of the greatest records of all
times. i have listened to the first couple of albums too many times to
be counted. being a novice drummer myself listening to palmer is a real
interesting experience.
Ed
My most memorable
Carl Palmer moment was back in the late '70s when I, as a young drummer
who idolized Carl Palmer, not only had the opportunity to meet my
drum hero but have the drumset I just bought photographed with him
for a magazine ad (he was lying across the drums). It was when he
started endorsing Gretsch drums and the session was at Carroll Music
in Miami, Florida. It was an ebony wood finish set and everytime
I played those drums I was inspired. I still play to this day and
continue to listen and be awed by Carl.
Jay N. Cohen
Plantation, FL
33322
In an interview
he was talking about miking his drum-set and then he said: "...the sound
for me behind the kit is not so good, but it comes fantastic over the PA.
And I want the audience to feel good..." As if it was possible not to feel
good when HE plays! But this is significant of Carl Palmer; he not only
makes excellent music - he also gives it open-handedly! If I could take
only three impressions from this life into another one, the happiness these
words have brought would be one of them.
(Mrs) Sevgi Oeney
Vienna/Austria
I did not get
as early a start listening to music my peers. In 1976, a teacher
had us all bring in examples of our "interests" to class. A classmate of
mine brought in a copy of "Welcome Back...". I had never heard anything
like it. I remember that day as marking a milestone in my life in
which I not only took up drumming, but decided that my career would be
dedicated to sound and music production. Thank you Mr. Palmer for your
inspiration.
Michael Lawyer
(age 40)
Owner, SR Audio
Hola Carl!
Me llamo Alfredo
y escribo desde Barcelona. Tu momento más impresionante para
mà es tu versión de Tank en Montreal ’77.
El sólo de baterÃa es el más completo
y virtuoso que he visto nunca, porqué abarca desde la
técnica más moderna en la baterÃa
hasta la más clásica de los tÃmpanis,
y por la rapidez en el redoble de la caja. Te lo escribo en español
porque se que tú lo hablas bien.
Saludos desde
Barcelona!
Alfredo G. Arcusa
Barcelona.(Spain)
26th July 2001:
Beverley Picture House.
As the solo reached
the peak of intensity, hands and sticks long since reduced to a blur, Carl
hunched over the snare as the beats smoothed into a single, quiet buzz.
Veins standing out on his already sweat-soaked temples, he looked like
he was about to crack under the strain. Just as you wondered how much longer
he could keep this up, there was a wicked raise of the eyebrows and grin,
as if to say 'had you fooled there!' before the piece shot off into another
dimension. Perfect technique; great sense of humour; wonderful rapport
with the audience.
Oz Hardwick
Bishophill, York,
England
My 'Carl Palmer
moment' happened in 1977, when ELP was on the "Works" tour with the full
orchestra in St. Paul, MN. Through a friend, I was able to weasel
my way into a volunteer backstage job as an errand-runner for the promoter.
In between trips to the grocery store, a magazine stand and other errands,
I got a chance to watch Carl rehearse, including seeing him amaze the percussionists
in the orchestra with his drumming skills. Despite being very nervous,
I also was able to meet Carl, though I could barely muster a
"Hi" when given
the chance to speak with him. Thanks for the chance to share this
memorable moment and best of luck with the new album!
John Michaels
Eden Prairie,
MN.
When I was fourteen
years old (1987) I heard a bootleg record of a 1972 ELP concert. I was
fascinated with the drum solo because although I had heard another Carl
Parlmer solos this was special. In certain part, Carl stops, hit the drums
and the people clap, then Carl, then the people, etc., each time faster
and faster until Carl continues with the solo and the people becomes crazy.
When I saw ELP on october 1997 (in Mexico), Carl played the part of that
1972 solo and I was there clapping, becoming crazy, and living a dream
made reality.
Rafael Rodriguez
Peafiel
Mexico
In 1977 myself
and some friends went to see ELP at the Spectrum in Philadelphia.
One of my friends was not very familiar with ELP but was into another
drummer from another band. After witnessing Carl's incredible
performance she turned to me and said "Wow, Carl Palmer can out do my
favorite drummer with just his feet."
John McPoyle
Mullica Hill,
NJ
Hi Carl,
My most memorable
Carl-Palmer-moment? May 25th, 1974 sitting on the very first row right
in front of the drumset in sportpalace AHOY in Rotterdam (The Netherlands).
When you are an ELP-fan and an amateur-drummer/percussionist you can only
dream of this situation. It happened to me. The whole ELP-concert was incredible,
but one moment I'll never forget: Iconoclast from Tarkus. What an incredible
rhytm-pattern you played there. Ofcourse I heard it on the Tarkus LP and
tried to write it out in notes (just like the alike rythm-pattern in Trilogy).
But hearing AND seeing it live from so close I was stunned. Could one drummer
play that live? And what an incredible tempo Keith (Emerson) demanded from
the band. We were lucky Keith took some time for Iconoclast.....
I am still playing, but never tried to play that particular rythm in that
tempo. One day.... To be honest: I've been to all the ELP-concerts in the
Netherlands (6) and all those venues where a most memorable.. eh..ELP-moment!
And yes..the only time Asia was in Holland, again I stood in front of the
stage.
Lex Velleman
The Netherlands
I was watching
an old interview with the members of ELP recorded early in their career
and one of the questions presented to the members of the band was what
else they'd be doing if they weren't musicians or what they did before.
Carl's response was most memorable and showed how young he he became a
"professional musician" because his reply was "I was a school boy before,
because I've never been to work."
John McPoyle
Mullica Hill,
NJ
My memorable Carl
experience was at the recent clinic in Reading - That day I had been playing
loads of ELP and I cranked Tank up really loud to revel in Carl's perfromance.
Later that evening Carl did a competition and sure enough he included that
classic riff from the end of Tank and I got the answer right first.
When I went up to shake my idol's hand and claim my prize he smiled and
said "Well done old Bean". My name is Justin Beaney and my nickname
is, of course, simply "Bean". Spooky.
Justin Beaney
England
This is one of
those you had to be there moments, but in 1977 My drummer and his wife
saw ELP at the Garden in NYC. At the end of this amazing performance
(with full orchestra) his wife turns to us and says, "I didn't think it
was that good." To which, me, her husband, and, I swear, at least
ten people who heard her said in unison, and harmony, "ARE YOU NUTS".
PRESTON LARIS
STATEN ISLAND,
N.Y. 10312
Hi Carl,
I had the priviledge
of seeing you play live last month (july) at the Robin2. I have been a
fan since I was 14yrs old in 1980, yet to see your display of energy
and power and to hear so many much loved epics played was my most memorable
c p moment.You have an immense talent that is rare today...and to have
heard you and talked to you is more than i could have asked for. It must
have been a magical moment as it is still indelibly etched in my mind.
Thanks for such
wonderful dynamic music.
Kind regards.
Paula Challener
Westmidlands,
Hello Carl, sono
un tuo fan oltre che batterista che ti segue dall'Italia. Ho sempre ammirato
il tuo modo di suonare anche se non ti ho mai sentito in un concerto. Recentemente
ho letto la tua intervista sul magazine "Drum Club" e ho scoperto altre
cose di te, come del nuovo gruppo con cui suonerai e di altri interessanti
aneddoti. Ho saputo che abiti abitualmente a Tenerife....chissa se potremo
incontrarci.... Nel frattempo se puoi mandarmi via e-mail una foto con
dedica ne sarei felicissimo.
P.S. Fammi sapere
quando ripassi per l'Italia per altri stage, cosi posso sentirti finalmente.
Ciao Carl.
Andrea
My most memorable
Carl Palmer moment was when ELP was playing at The Nautica, Cleveland,
Ohio 1992 during the "Black Moon Tour".
It was August,
and a cool front had just come through the area, relieving us from an incredible
hot August hot spell. ELP were playing into the night. The most beautiful
full moon I think I ever saw was shining to the right of the stage, well
above it.It was HUGE!! I remember thinking that this is so cool, these
3 most fantastic musicians are performing for over 2000, standing
room only, and they have everyone mesmerized by their talent. After they
finished a song, someone in front of the stage was apparently trying to
get Carl's attention. He saw whoever it was, stood up, smiled that
great smile, grabbed a pair of his drumsticks from the holder to his right
attached to his floor tom walked out from behind his kit and handed them
the sticks, grinning hugely. I thought that was so cool and
I have never, ever forgotten it.
This was a magical
moment for me because it just showed me what a truly great person Carl
is. Not only is he the best drummer in the world-without a doubt
(and this is coming from a drummer myself) but he truly is a very grateful
man who obviously cars a lot for his fans!!! Someone was very, very blessed
to have been there that night. We all were, just being there, but
whoever that person was they were especially blessed!
Stephan N. Barber
Grand Rapids,
MI
After years of
listening to ELP I heard on Radio Stoke (BBC) an interview with Carl and
they were giving away Tickets to a gig at Crewe. I rang the station and
entered the competition and won 2 tickets the Crewe Limelight. The gig
was absolutely brilliant to see Carl and the two Guitars playing it brought
back memories of the gig I saw at Trentham Gardens in the 70's. But what
made it special this time was that while Carl was packing up his kit I
got to speak to him and obtained his autograph to go along with the one
that I had from the ELP fan club when I used to be a member (they ran it
from Curzon St. Manticore)
This is a moment
I will cherish as not only did I get to meet him but I was right
next to the stage watching a Master at work.
Alan Woodcock
Norton
Let me call you
so and the reason is that first I heard you in far,far 1970
-s,when your disk "Atomic Rooster" appeared.I was shocked.I
opened something new for me, something unknown at that time
it was unlike the other music, music which being unlike the other,impressed
me,by it sinkere kindness.And when I saw your
photo,can't forget it till nowadays.Every time,having
got your next disk with great difficulty,as the
prices were and remain today too high(but usually it takes a lot of time
before we can listen to your next disk) I immersed in
your music world and imagined as if,I
were together with you.Unforgettable time!
You had everything on
your way:success and disappointment,but
the time proved that your are "the qiants of music"!I am glad with
to every you success still many, many
years.I always wanted to know about your as much .I'm interested in both:
your life and work.Will you,please help me,if
it's possible to know more about you not only as a musitian but as
a person.We can understand music though the musitians thoughts and soul
even if we don't understand the words in English.I would
like to speak with you about everything.But it's a pity it's not possible
to write everything in a letter.A letter is the only
means communication with you ...
The only hope to meet you and and to speak with group
it' your concert.But in fortunately it's very difficult.Heardly
I when nor be able arrive in England single hope
if you will arrive in Russia,we without fall a meet.Dreams...
P.S.Excuse me,please
my English.
Igor Vl.Demidov
Belarus
In my opinion,
besides considering Carl Palmer one of the best players of drums in all
the times, inside the magnificent theme ` Tank´ is included that
for me yes it constitutes an alone of solo of drums unique along the history.
A very strong kiss to Carl Palmer and their friends Keith and Greg.
Jose Antonio Esteban
Madrid / Spain
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