Keith Emerson and Greg Lake to tour in April 2010
Keith Emerson and Greg Lake recently announced tour dates for the month of April. The announcement of a tour is a bit of a surprise since I thought Emerson had experienced some issues with his hands last year which led him to cancel a set of “Keith Emerson Band” dates. Well, I guess this is a sign that he’s well enough to perform live again.
I’d be interested to see how this goes. According to the press release, the format is pretty much the two rock icons on stage re-interpreting their classic tunes in an “unplugged” setting. I’m a bit bummed that they’re not coming to my town but if any of you catch the show, feel free to post your thoughts right here on this page.
Here are the Emerson/Lake Tour dates:
Thu 04/01/10 Lakewood, OH Lakewood Civic Auditorium
Fri 04/02/10 Glenside, PA Keswick Theatre
Sat 04/03/10 Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Playhouse
Mon 04/05/10 Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage
Tue 04/06/10 Alexandria, VA Birchmere
Thu 04/08/10 New York, NY Nokia Theatre Times Square
Fri 04/09/10 Westbury, NY Theatre At Westbury
Sat 04/10/10 New Bedford, MA Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
Tue 04/13/10 Montreal, QC Place des Arts
Fri 04/16/10 Milwaukee, WI Northern Lights Theater
Sat 04/17/10 Merrillville, IN Star Plaza Theatre
Sun 04/18/10 Indianapolis, IN Murat Theatre
Sun 04/25/10 Los Angeles, CA Orpheum Theatre
**UPDATE: 23Feb10** new dates added to the tour -
Sunday 04/11/2010 Lynn, MA Memorial Auditorium
Saturday 04/24/2010 Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas Hilton
Wednesday 04/28/2010 Colorado Springs, CO Pikes Peak Center
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Related posts:
Re “The show that never happened”
Well this is one for the books! The initial engagement for the “North American Tour” was something I’ve been, along with a large gathering of other fans, very much looking forward to for a long while. My good friend and I managed to get to the Lakewood Civic Auditorioum just in time for the “show that never ends” despite a broken down car and various time restrictions. We arrived just in time to find our seats, watch and listen to a plethora of other dedicated fans get comfortable while frequent rounds of applause and whistiling called to our musical heroes of the last 4 decades to take the stage and blow our minds. Suddenly, a nervous, but pretty, young lady and some guy took the stage amidst the variety of blinking keyboard and amplifier displays to announce that the concert was not going to happen. Given that it was April 1st (April Fool’s Day), this initially sent up a rampart of laughter and applause and general merry making. However, the response was unbelievable: “this is not a joke, there will be no show tonight.” My friend and I and everyone else sat there in disbelief, denial, and confusion all around. We stayed in this state as many left and others bantered and sat about thinking there has been some terrible accident, mistake, or other unavoidable occurance. Finally, we left. As I was leaving, I spoke with a venue doorman who mentioned that all seemed ready. . .the sound check took place, the artists bantered and argued, and then whole shebang was cancelled. Six hours later I’m writing this scathing review. I still can’t believe it! I’m a musician myself – nothing in comparrison to my opinion of these heroes of mine – but I’m dedicated to my craft and my audience. I would NEVER back out on a gig unless I was physically injured or worse. And, ironically, because of this despicable example of unprofessionalism, I never will. I now know what it is to be disgusted by an “artist” who let their attitude, addiction, or just plain orneriness stop the show. To me, this was a blatant smack in the face of all those performers throughout history who, despite real odds and deprivation have still held the sacred trust of their audience in the credo, “The show must go on.” My final words on the subject are directed to both Mr Emerson and Mr Lake: your decision to abandon me and a few other thousand dedicated fans tonight for some apparently trite personal reasons has, in one evening, transformed you from heroes to washed up, arrogant, hasbeens. At least you could have tried. Shame on you! I will always love and appreciate your earlier efforts, but you have done the unthinkable – you’ve abandoned your fans. If Cleveland is a good indicator of how you are perceived (paraphrase of Mr Lake’s sentiments), you should just crawl into a whole and be gone. I’ll miss you, but I’ll never attend your performances again. Tragically ashamed for you, Ernest Elshaw.
It was recently announced that Emerson and Lake is booked to play in Chandler, AZ. I was excited that at long last I could see two of my musical idols.
Hmmmmmmmm. I might have to pass on this one. Ticket prices start at $50.
I’m also concerned about “unplugged” — does that mean Emerson is going to play nothing but a piano? If that’s the case it would be BORING!
welcome back my friends to the show that never started………. 2 worthless a-holes.
[...] the sudden cancellation of the first three shows on the Keith Emerson/Greg Lake tour, Emerson posted an explanation on his facebook [...]
Saw the first half of the show in Annopolis MD, Mr. Lake has lost his singing ability, but still is instrumentally sound. They did more talking than playing so we opted to watch the finals of the NCAA, much more entertaining! Fans of ELP save your money and listen to them through other media mediums!
I saw the show last night in New Bedford, MA. Lake’s voice has changed with age. Probably dropped half an octave. You wouldn’t recognize it as Greg Lake’s voice. Still strong and carries a tune. He sang Talk with the Wind for the “first time since about 1969.”
The trademark synthesizer and controller were there. ELP stamped on all the equipment cases. They confirmed they will reunite with Palmer at the end of their tour for a show, I believe in the UK.
Good stories, decent music. A little something missing without a rhythm section. Played about 2 hours.
There has been a lot of criticism for the cancelled shows and the actual performances, but I was greatly entertained during the Merrillville, IN show April 17. If I had to choose between the intimacy of being there with only about 1500 other fans to attending a show at Wembley in 1974, give me last night. The sound was perfect. Lake’s voice was strong and both musicians amazing. Sure there were mistakes. All performances have them. Having Palmer to drive the band would have been wonderful. And I might have changed a song or two on the setlist. However, in total consideration, it was one of the two or three best concerts I’ve ever been to. Thanks, Greg and thanks, Keith.
for those interested – here’s the updated list of live dates left on the tour (as of 22Apr10)
April 22 (Thu) Chandler, AZ Gila River Casinos: Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
April 24 (Sat) Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas Hilton Theatre
April 25 (Sun) Los Angeles, CA Orpheum Theatre
April 26 (Mon) San Francisco, CA The Regency Ball Room at the Regency Centre
April 28 (Wed) Colorado Springs, CO Pikes Peak Center
April 30 (Fri) Dallas, TX Granada Theater
May 1 (Sat) Dallas, TX Granada Theater
May 2 (Sun) Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theater
May 5 (Wed) Lakewood, OH Civic Auditorium
May 6 (Thu) Glenside, PA Keswick Theater
May 8 (Sat) Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Play House
May 9 (Sun) Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
May 11 (Tue) Peekskill, NY Paramount Center for the Arts
May 14 (Fri) Stroudsburg, PA Sherman Theatre
May 15 (Sat) Atlantic City, NJ Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort
it was like sitting in their living roon with 2 super stars who left their ego’s at the door. The stories were great and the music was wonderful. Greg’s voice was strong and the interaction with the audience was a dream come true. Thanks Keith and Greg for a very entertaining night!!!!
I saw Keith Emerson & Greg Lake’s performance at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles…..truly a memorable performance.
Although Greg’s voice is a bit deeper, his voice was in top form and he sang beautifully.
Keith Emerson showed his amazing keyboard wizardry.
The show was far from being “Unplugged” as Keith performed on a full gear of electric keyboards, including his trademark modular Moog synthesizer.
Although I missed the presence of Carl Palmer’s expert drumming, there were a number of songs with pre-recorded/ sequenced drums, and it sounded great.
Although I understand the disappointment from fans of the cancelled shows earlier in April, Keith Emerson & Greg Lake are far from being “washed up” or “has-beens”.
It is my my understanding that new dates have been added
to make up for the dates that were cancelled.
All in all, I thought this was a great show.
It was great to hear the music of two of the greatest
Rock Icons. It was also a nice added touch to hear
stories behind the songs, and to hear how Greg and Keith met, and eventually teamed up with Carl Palmer to form ELP.
In addition to ELP, music, Keith played a medley of songs from The Nice, and Greg sang a couple of songs from his earlier days with King Crimson.
Thanks to Keith & Greg for a memorable night and a great show…..and in my mind…..”the show that never ends.”
My wife and I flew from Spokane after scoring front row seats in the Pikes Peak Centerr to see two of my favorite “thinking man’s” rock stars from the 70s. Needless to say, we were dissappointed and suspicious that the no show, was a result of circumstances different than what were purported. That said, if I’m sick, someone else can do my job at work. Not quite the same if you’re Greg Lake. Regardess, the rash of cancellations during this tour will undoubtedly taint the perception of fans that have been loyal to ELP for decades long after their hayday. A sad way to embark on the autumn of a musical career.
saw the show at westbury, watched the soundcheck as they were setting up the “drums” but i guess they weren’t happy with it yet and did not use it during the show. show was great anyway but glad to know they have the drum section up to their standard. can’t wait to see them again at the taj this coming saturday.
won’t get to meet the guys this show but hey did that last month
Saw them in Dallas for two shows, and they were excellent both nights! Greg’s voice sounds better than it has in 20 years, and Keith’s playing has more imagination than ever. That quick improvisatory acumen amazes me every time.
I didn’t even know E&L were going to be in my neck of the woods, so it was a very pleasant suprise when I saw a one sheet advertising the concert for Apr.17th at Star plaza Merrillville Ind.
I didn’t know what to think at first of them touring without Carl, and right away, I thought all I’m gonna hear is acoustic versions of my favorites. But I was wrong.
Keith had all his synths at his disposal, even the giant Moog modular, and Greg still has the voice, although, not like it was in the 70s’. I was still very impressed with his singing. They even used a drum machine for some tunes, of course it didn’t take the place of Carl, but it did fill in some bare spots.
There was a point in the show were Greg had the house lights bought up , and the band took a few questions from the fans, VERY nice touch. Also, there were moments that Greg or Keith would tell a brief story leading up a song.
I’ve been an ELP fan since I was a teenager, I’m 51 now, and the high point of the night for me was at the end of the show, I was able to get Keith to autograph my copy of his book. This is gonna sound kind of corny, but it felt great ! Thanks again Keith and Greg. Worth the money.