Between 1970 and 1978, EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER became one of the most exciting rock bands on the planet. From their stunning introduction at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970, the trio became a byword for virtuoso musicianship and the over-the-top extravagances associated with rock ‘n’ roll during the 1970s.

Releasing a succession of multi-award winning albums, ELP finally called a halt to their initial career in 1978 though later reformed for two years and as many more albums. Recently, rumours have been rife concerning a 40th anniversary reformation for 2010 and a chance once more for the common man to celebrate the works of Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

Works Volumes 1 & 2 (Deluxe Edition)

Here, Works 1 & 2 have been brought together for the very first time, remastered and reappraised with full band approval. Following a self-inflicted (and much needed) hiatus, ELP made the announcement in March 1977 that they were to return with a double album and an orchestral tour to coincide. It would see the ELP Badgering Society (a fan-lead letter campaign to the music press petitioning the band’s return) had finally paid off!

Works Volume 1 was to be ELP’s most eclectic album. Each band member was allocated a complete side upon which to display their own inimitable musical style with Side 4 reserved for material jointly written, performed and recorded by the members. Each side was enhanced with orchestral arrangements, an idea which would be recreated for the forthcoming tour.

Works Volume 2, already scheduled for release in November of the same year, again repeated the theme of solo work interspersed with joint collaborations although the track timings were kept to a shorter and more digestible length.

Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends…Ladies And Gentlemen, Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Deluxe Edition)

Released in August 1974, this triple live album chronicling ELP’s successful 1973/74 world tour made rock history. It was the first, and only, triple live album by a rock band to hit the Top 5 and become a platinum seller. Only six triple albums have made it into the Top 10 in history, with the two most popular being the soundtrack from the film, Woodstock, and ex-BEATLE GEORGE HARRISON’s All Things Must Pass. That ELP’s live album made it to #4 remains an astonishing feat. Despite its wordy title, the album was designed to be a showcase of the band’s raw talent. Taken from multiple nights the band performed in February 1974 at the Anaheim Convention Center near Los Angeles, the original triple LP set featured the show the band played on the tour to promote Brain Salad Surgery.