Funny story,
All my life I wanted a drumstick from Carl. Not a store
bought one, but one that he used. I
never have caught one, I never
stole one backstage.... the other
night he tossed me a stick which hit
the edge of the stage and went strait
into my face! I had a bloody lip,
but I still was very happy! lol I can
only hope that Keith doesn't
throw knives anymore cuz I am sitting
in the front for that too!
:) ps. the lip is healing up now!
lol don't u dare tell him! ;)
Carla H
Boston, MA
Montreal Show at the Medley
27 th of may 2006
Hello Carl,
Like everybody who was there on that
special saturday night, I was blown away by your drumming performance, and also
by the performance of the young musicians Paul and Stuart. My husband and my friends really like the
show also. It was fun and special to
hear guitar playing on ELP music and Paul got it. Stuart on the bass was very
exceptionnal, almost as good as Tony Levin who was playing the same night in
our town.
What was special for me that night was
working for you saling merchandise. I had good interaction with the fans, and
believe me, the fans are hard core fans, no doubt about it. They wanted to buy
everything or almost and many of them had stories to tell me about ELP or Asia
shows that they saw in 35 years long...
It was very fun and nice to meet you
several times before and after the concert, and be able to exchange on some
subjects; music and drumming, Karate,
jogging, old pictures of you with Atomic Roosters or with ELP in the snow at
the Olympic Stadium, merchandise saling and the Impact T-shirt ( soccer Mtl
team), physical condition, Eddie from Paiste, and the Mtl DrumFest...
It was fun to speak with Paul and
Stuart. It was fun to work with your team, and specially with Bruce and Lorie.
I already send some pictures to Bruce.
It was a great night to remember. Thanks a lot and come back soon to play in
Montreal, your second home in 1977.
Salut de Sylvie ( bisous XXX)
Hi Carl,
Looking forward to your show in Dallas
at the end of June. The setlist looks like a dream for ELP fans on Christmas
morning. I do hope you will be making a return trip in September with ASIA. At
present, there are no dates scheduled for any city in Texas and I would implore
“The Powers That Be” to consider a stop here.
Thanks,
Brian Coppinger
j.coppinger@sbcglobal.net
Carl, I will would have to say the
show was awesome probable as good as any
ELP show I have seen. I brought my
bother-in-law with me to see the show
after the show was over his comment to
me was "I knew the show was going to
I first heard Carl in atomic rooster;
I worked in a record store in 1969/70 in Chicago that stocked UK imports. We received the first ELP LP months before
US release and were floored. I saw the
first tour in Milwaukee and somewhere in Indiana with Johnny Winter and Humble
Pie on the Bill. Of course saw every tour after that, some multiple dates as
there have never been enough great drummers to see live so the chance to see
Carl in those days provided an opportunity to see someone in our age
bracket that could hang with rich,
bellson, etc.
I still play, 1971 Ludwig Octaplus kit that I took to UK with me in 72
when there putting a band together. Now
as we are all older the love of drumming still stays strong. I still practice 5 days a week and with a
progressive group influenced by Ride, Pink Floyd, ELP and the Byrds, (I know
that’s a bizarre group on influences but it works). Look forward to the show in San Diego June 26th.
Dear Mr. Pilato,
I can’t thank you and Anne enough for
all that you did in getting Carl, Paul and Stuart to come to my school. The day
was unbelievable! Carl and the band were so kind and generous with their time
with the children that it will be a day they and I will never forget!
Especially when during Rondo, that Carl gets up out of seat, goes up to the
stage and sits behind a spare kit that I had set up for him in the hopes that
he would play. Sure enough he played along with kids exchanging solos!! Go to www.revereps.mec.edu/palmer.html to see pictures from that day. I am also
attaching a write-up that I put together in the hopes that you would along with
the pictures, put on Carls website? What a contribution to education! I will be
forever grateful! Please thank Carl once again from all of us at the Beachmont
school for his time.
Sincerely
Tom Maffucci
Music Teacher Beachmont School
Revere MA
TMaffucci@revere.mec.edu
On
Tuesday, May 30th, at 1:30 pm in the auditorium of the Beachmont
School, I introduced the students of the Beachmont Percussion Ensemble and
special guests to the legendary Carl Palmer and his band comprised of bass
player, Stuart Clayton, and guitarist, Paul Bielatowicz. After introductions, Carl spoke to the
audience about the significance of recording Pictures at an Exhibition with
ELP. It was originally a rehearsal
piece and, when they realized how incredible it was, they decided to record it
live. After it was released, it influenced listeners to research the original
piece and become more familiar with the world of classical music. Afterwards,
Carl, Paul and Stuart were invited to sit and watch the Beachmont Percussion Ensemble
perform their arrangement of Pictures.
The ensemble not only has percussion, but it also contains synthesizers which
produce a unique sound. The students performed an arrangement that was very
similar to ELP’s, with all of the majestic, mysterious, foreboding, ferocious,
16 minute intensity of the many movements.
After the performance, Carl enthusiastically congratulated the kids
ranging in age from 10-13. Carl then asked why there was a red sparkle kit set
up on the stage (with Paiste cymbals of course), and I told him that it was
there in case he’d like to play. Up next was the ensemble’s arrangement of the
ELP classic America/Rondo. While the kids tore through the piece, the
energy from the music prompted Carl to leap out of his seat and, before you
knew it, he was behind that kit doing only what he can do. The excitement in
the auditorium reached a fever pitch as Carl, Jason (one drummer in the
ensemble) and Nicholas (playing 4 timpani) traded solos! It was an unbelievable
experience! The students in the ensemble and the audience watched as Carl
shared his virtuosity. After the solos, the kids came back in with America and ended the piece with an
explosion that all the kids in the surrounding classrooms heard and felt! Carl
not only shared his greatness as a performer, but more importantly, he was so
attentive to the questions of the children, making sure they understood what he
was talking about. He is as great an educator as he is an accomplished drummer!
Paul and Stuart, educators in their own rights, answered questions as well. It
was a beautiful thing to see how kind and caring they all were to the children
in the ensemble. Afterwards, he tirelessly signed autographs for everyone
there.
The night
after, I attended his show at a packed Regent Theater in Arlington, MA. While
there, I saw a bunch of my students in attendance wearing their BPE logo
shirts. Once all were seated and the lights went down, the powerful
introduction music of Orffs Can Can resounded
through the theater while colored lights flashed in sync with the music. Carl and his band entered the stage, and
what were his band members, Paul and Stuart, wearing? None other than the Beachmont Percussion Ensemble shirts that we
gave them in appreciation for coming to the school! The band tore into Peter
Gun which segued into the Barbarian. By the way, Paul and Stuart are absolutely
the most brilliant up and coming musicians I have ever seen, and I know
everyone who has the great opportunity to see them perform will agree. The Carl
Palmer Band’s performance was packed with so much power, precision and finesse
that everyone left in awe and, once again, confirmed why Carl Palmer is and
will always be a legend as a drummer and an educator!
Tom Maffucci
Music Specialist
The Beachmont School
Revere, MA 02151
Your drumming was the reason I
started. I got really wrapped into rudimental drumming adn went to drum corps
for 6 years. I cold go on and on, on how you influenced me but my real reason
for writing. I have always wanted to see you in a clinic but most of your
clinics are done in UK. I have seen you play with ELP and three and loved it.
What about FLorida or Georgia. I could drive there.
Hi Carl ! - hope you get this !
Carl, belated thanks - my wife and I
saw you at the Deal Astor in November 2004. We were absolutely amazed and had a
wonderful evening - and still talk about it now. And yes, we do get out. ;-))))
We just noticed you're touring in the
north of England soon, and we're really hoping you'll get to Manchester - we
moved there from Kent a while ago. May be a bit expensive for us if you do -
Debby has one of Corky Laing's drumsticks, and I've said that if she gets
another one, preferably one of yours, I'll buy her a drum kit. ;-)))) And given
that we're a "seven saxophone one bass one flute" family, I'm serious
! ;-))))
Anyway, just a note to say
"thanks very much for a great evening" and "hope to see you
again ! " - would bribing you with beer help ? ;-))))
Cheers and all the best !
Dave and Debby
I just had to write a note of
thanks. My wife had gotten me tickets
for last night’s concert as a birthday present. It and you and the rest of the band were incredible. I have been a fan since the first time I
heard Tank. I was sixteen and in a
music store and just happened to be standing in the right spot as the sounds
went from speaker to speaker. It was my first true experience of stereo. I bought a stereo and those speakers on the
spot. Yours was the first album I
played on it. I then spent the next
four years going back and forth to college and every time I reassembled the
stereo it was always the first to play.
I have since replaced the album with a CD but till this day, it is the
first to play on any new device I get, including my new iPod. Again, thanks for a concert that my wife and
I will never forget.
Joe and Jackie
I really enjoyed the show last night.
It was an incredible performance. Hearing "Trilogy" performed live
was something that this ELP fan has always wished for. Thanks for everything,
including those couple of minutes with Carl this morning.
I'll send you off a set of prints from
the 1982 ASIA tour as I mentioned last night . I scanned some of them into a
little story announcing the reunion and upcoming tour. Here's a link to that:
http://www.davesontour.com/misc/asia1.html
Good luck at BB Kings and on the rest
of the tour. See ya in September!
Keep rockin'
Dave Iozzia
www.davesontour.com
I just wanted to " Thank You
" for getting my son Jimmy and I in to meet Carl before his performance
last Sunday at the Keswick Theatre. It made a memorable impression on us both
to meet Carl and the pictures came out great as well.
We were 10 rows back center for the performance and were totally blown
away by the caliber of musicianship demonstrated that evening. It was also my
son's first " live rock concert " and what better way to break him
in. I wish all the best to you, Carl and everyone else involved in the tour.
Love to see you all come thru Atlanta sometime!
Thanks Again
Jim &
Jimmy Davies
JBD59@aol.com
Dear Carl
Saw the show last night in
Chicagothen flew home to Nashville. Hey, I’m a fan.
Great show.
Didn’t think it would be possible, but
you’re actually better now than you were in 1977 when I saw you on the Works
tour in Nashville with full orchestra.
I appreciate the autograph of the
poster and the pics that my best friend (Rob Blagojevich) took of us. By the
bye he’s the brother of the governor of Illinois (Rod Blagojevichhelped us get
the best seats in the Abbey Pub!), and is now a devoted CP fan.
You may remember we spoke back in ‘86
when I was with Merrill Lynch in New York. You were in the city working with
Joe Turner from Rainbowall pre-Asia. I wrote you through Brian Lane, can’t
remember about what, but you were kind enough to call when you came to town.
Anyway, you gave me your address in the Canary Islands and I sent you birthday
cards for a while. Then through some computer crash I lost the address….
I told my buddy Rob that your heroes
need to be an inspiration. You always have been an inspiration. You’re
immensely talented, still have fire in your belly, in great shape, good family
man, and pretty damn nice too. My kind of hero.
Best of luck to you my friend. If
you’re ever in Nashville (Music City), please look me up. I’ve got lots of
connections herewe could put together a huge gig. I promise I could deliver
thousands of people. But you don’t have
to work for foodI’ll buy you dinner whether you play or not!
Best regards,
Andy Martin (drummer, stock broker,
writer)
We
arrived at the Beachland Ballroom this evening likely into the first tune
of
the Carl Palmer band at around 9:15. It was a trio consisting of guess
who
from Emerson, Lake, and Palmer who played drums, along with a bassist
and
some kid playing guitar. Obviously, the musical talent was there. The
crowd
was into it, though the entire place was seated. In many ways I'm a
fan.
It's cool to watch the symphony seated. My parents revel in the stories
of
going to see rock concerts (like ELP) in the 60's and 70's where everyone
sat
quietly. We sat in the first row at one in Atlanta for Chick Corea.
Exactly
seven days before, we witnessed Bernie Worrell's Woo Warriors at the
same venue. It was like night and day in many ways. The first of which
was
the fact that Bernie wasn't even close to being ready to roll until
around
midnight. Secondly was the crowd. The crowd wasn't ready for
Bernie to roll
until around midnight, but this week, folks had to get to
bed so they could
spend time with their kids tomorrow. Finally, of
course, is the difference
in the music.
The
Carl Palmer Band show was best described as a music clinic. Carl Palmer
has a rich history. The guy was playing in super groups before I was
born.
However, he was a young guy back then, so he's still pretty fit.
You really
need to be in order to hit the drums like that guy. I'm sure
he is on his
way to becoming deaf. I saw no ear plugs. The guy can
really bang it out. In
addition to a few grooves there were some deep
patterns and some
time-signature shifts. I thought a couple of times
there was a lack of
tightness, though it was a good thing. He was
doing some crazy solo stuff,
like single-handedly bouncing a drumstick
off of a cymbal by hitting it with
his other drumstick.
The
guitar player could definitely shred. He'd fit in well in Cleveland.
However,
he also had some really tight renditions of stuff I've only heard
Keith
Emerson do (the keyboardist). Also, he and the bassist covered Flight
of
the Bumblebee as a duo-not an easy task. Being familiar with the piece,
it's good to know that I'm not the only one that can't play it perfectly
all
the time. However, this dude still did it better than me on the
horn-shredder. He also got into some really mellow shit and at one
point,
and even utilized the dual-melody technique that is pretty much
perfected by
Charlie Hunter on the 8-string.
In
addition to the normal pick configuration for most tunes, the bassist
played the two-handed tapping method of parallel hands that was
developed by
Emmett Chapman on guitar circa 1969. Overall, he kept it
together
throughout. Also, he had some crazy lights on his bass and
really had a
tight rhythm interaction with Carl Palmer. However, while
it was comfortable
to sit and watch for most of the show, there were
moments where you needed
to groove.
Bernie
Worell on the other hand, is all about the groove. He was a child
prodigy with a rich history, peaking musically and commercially in the
70's
(like Carl's Palmer). On this evening he was looking better than he
had been
described to me. I'd heard tales of declining quality in the
shows, as well
as his appearance. My first reaction was he looked pretty
spry for the old
man. However, I ended up finding the spectacle more
entertaining than the
music. The first act was local. I couldn't stand
the keyboard player's voice
and thought the voices on his keys were not
my favorite. Bernie showed up at
the venue around 11 and came up to the
stage to jam with them. After a nice
little jam, the keyboard player
pulls out some crap song with little to no
room for Bernie to play.
Then, he extends the tune long enough for Bernie to
look visibly
perturbed by the fact that he couldn't chill on the back room
before his
show, but had to try to fit into this already instrumentally (and
vocally) crowded tune.
The
Woo Warriors show was mediocre. There wasn't much musicianship, and the
grooves didn't have a clear direction or delination. The entire show was
pretty much a string of languid grooves, though grooves nonetheless.
Carl
Palmer's band had as many meaningful grooves, and also laid on the
hard core
music theory. I could feel the brainwaves in the room geared
more toward if
I were considering theoretical mathematics or computer
logic than Bernie's
crowd, where the ladies in the front row were smoking
a joint while playing
their tambourine along with the band. Sometimes,
you get what you pay for.
It was $12 for Bernie and $30 for Carl. If you
can make it on time to the
clinic, you'll probably get more for your
dough, but you'll pay more.
Now. it doesn't
always work out that way.
happyr...@happy.russ
What a great show last night in
Milwaukee! Carl and Paul and Stewart
were phenomenal. But, then, you know
that already.
In talking to Carl afterwards, I
mentioned that my recently-published
novel, Bram Stoker Award finalist
WOLF'S TRAP (Leisure Books), contains
many references to ELP and their
music, and indeed to many other
progressive rock bands. When I
mentioned that he might be interested to
know about it, he suggested I
"write in to the website." Perhaps ELP
fans might want to check it out, if
they're into hardcore horror. The
novel's protagonist, like me, grew up
listening to ELP and the music
helps shape his character. There are
no quotes, just references to
certain songs and albums. If you'd
like to make mention of it at the
site, it's: WOLF'S TRAP, by W.D.
Gagliani (Leisure Books; ISBN
0843957026; $6.99). Rated R for
content!
Thanks for your consideration! And
please know that Carl's show was
deeply appreciated by many ELP fans,
as was the chance to meet him and
thank him in person. The music has
meant a lot to me over the years, but
many can say that. Still, it has
formed part of my character, as well as
the character in my novel.
Thanks again,
W.D. Gagliani
william.gagliani@marquette.edu
www.williamdgagliani.com
Hiya!
How are you doing?
Hope you're feeling well.
My name's Koro (weird I know lol), I'm
18 and I've loved your site.
Actually, I love your music too
(specially ELP) so it's not a big surprise I've liked it.
Pictures at an Exhibition was the
first song I ever heard in my life and I used to get really scared with
Tarkus's tale, my older brother enjoyed that.
Anyway, I'll stop talking bout me,
sorry.
I like your site a lot but still I'd
really apreciate it if you could add some older pics of yourself.
You look great!! It's just I missed
them...
Well, just wanted to say hi and wish
you all the best luck in the world.
Cheers!
KORO
serendipity5257@hotmail.com
Just wanted to say that i saw your
concert at the abbeypub in chicago and was blown away..I don't know where you
found the bass player and lead guitar player, but they were incredible.
.Hope you come back soon.Im 49 and
have been a fan since the first days of ELP...Cant wait..Thanks for coming to
Chicago...................
Harry
Yeah3@aol.com
Carl: I attended the Springfield show
at the Warehouse last night. It really was an old Sears repair facility. I had
seen the old band four times and this new lineup takes the music to another
level. The young players that you have are phenomenal. The music is
"new" to them and their enthusiasm really shows. I have been playing
guitar for 40 years. I started about when you did at 14. I will be 54 in October
and have been with the band since it's inception. I even saw Atomic Rooster in
St. Louis back in '70 or '71. You may have left already. I guess you could just
call me a "Cabaret King". Just playing the clubs around the midwest
for years. Our website is www.hotpropertyband.com. Thank you so much for
bringing your world class lineup to our sleepy little city. I live in the
country and really don't even like to come to town but I wouldn't have missed
it for the world. Your chops and stamina are still as great as ever! Thank you,
Bruce Baise,
New Berlin,Ill.
Dear Carl,
My friend and son came with me to see
your concert last night and we were totally blown away.We knew your band wound
be good,but we all agreed with all our hearts-it was the best concert we have
ever experienced!! You are the greatest! Thank you for your unbelievable gift!
Terry McAlexander,
Mount Vernon, Il
terry_mcalexander@yahoo.com
Carl, I just got home after seeing
your band perform in Denver. Im still on an adrenaline rush after experiencing
the non stop energy you gave off at the show. Truely an incredible mesmorizing
experience akin to what I used to experience in the 70s when I used to play
Tarkus and Brain Salad Surgery. Your mastery of percussion is awe inspiring and
the way youve arranged the songs for the guitar accompanyment was pheomenal. As
much as I love Keiths keyboards I wasnt missing them after hearing your band
mates adapt your classic ELP tracks to the guitar. As you said the show would
be ELP music, adapted and changing to meet the times. It had much of the good
old qualities any fan would want to hear along with a wonderfully satisfying
new twist. Everyone was going wild. People cheering, dancing. wanting to hear
more and more. frankly I wasnt looking forward to this summers concert scene
which didnt have any shows which really appealed to me. When I saw you were on
tour I flipped and now feel that I have witnessed one of the best concerts I
had ever seen. Thx also for bringing your show to small intimate clubs. I was
two rows back from your drums, something that never wouldve happened in the 70s
and something I never ever thought I would experience up close and personal. I
will always remember your talent and the many incredible memories your music
has and will continue to bring me.
Ivan
avsfan10@comcast.net
We did not meet Carl the room was 150
deg and shoulder to shoulder with fellow rockers. Nice
little venue the guy can play the drums so fast I could not even see
his arms. It was great!!
Toby Shigley
Denver Co,
Hi! Did you get my voicemail last night?? You may have received
two, as the first time I called, I didn't know if it actually went
through. I wanted you to hear some of his performance!
We had such a wonderful time last night! Carl is unbelievable and
the two guitar players were awesome! I can't believe Carl's
endurance!
Wendy Shigley