From the Beginning (Live 1986)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride with the Zoo Crew as we spin the mesmerizing "From the Beginning (Live 1986)" by Emerson, Lake & Powell from their album Live In Concert & More.... This track, recorded during their 1986 tour, carries a unique vibe, but the live rendition has sparked some chatter among fans and critics. One reviewer on Rate Your Music noted that the acoustic guitar tone on this version feels off, likely due to the pickup used, which gives a distinct, almost sterile sound compared to earlier performances. It’s a technological quirk of the era, as artists grappled with amplifying acoustic instruments without losing their soul. Despite this, the song retains its haunting beauty, with Greg Lake’s vocals and Keith Emerson’s synth solo weaving a nostalgic spell that transports listeners back to the progressive rock heyday.

Digging into the trivia, the 1986 tour captured on Live In Concert & More... was a pivotal moment for Emerson, Lake & Powell, a trio formed when Carl Palmer, the original drummer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, was tied up with Asia. A post on X from @blister633 in 2023 shared rare Polydor promotional photos from the era, highlighting the label’s high expectations for the band’s comeback. However, the tour wasn’t all smooth sailing. According to Prog Archives, the band fired their management mid-tour due to disputes, and the group disbanded shortly after their final show in November 1986. Fans still rave about Cozy Powell’s energetic drumming, though, with one Amazon reviewer calling his solo on this live album a standout, proving he could hold his own against Palmer’s legacy.

Another tidbit comes from the Progressive Aspect, where a reviewer reflected on why Emerson, Lake & Powell came together. In a 2014 interview, Carl Palmer suggested Keith Emerson and Greg Lake could’ve waited just four weeks for him to finish his Asia commitments, hinting at some pettiness. Yet, in 1986, Lake insisted the decision to work with Powell wasn’t about replacing Palmer but about forging a new path. The truth likely lies in the middle, but the tension adds a layer of intrigue to this live recording, making it a snapshot of a band trying to recapture magic amidst personal and professional crossroads.

Now, let’s rewind to how Emerson, Lake & Powell evolved from the ashes of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Keith Emerson, a keyboard virtuoso from The Nice, met Greg Lake, a bassist and vocalist from King Crimson, in 1969 at San Francisco’s Fillmore West. Their chemistry was instant, and they recruited drummer Carl Palmer, formerly of Atomic Rooster, to form ELP in 1970. The trio debuted at the Isle of Wight Festival, blowing minds with their fusion of classical, jazz, and rock, complete with theatrical antics like firing cannons onstage. By 1985, after ELP’s breakup and solo ventures, Emerson and Lake wanted to reunite but found Palmer unavailable. Enter Cozy Powell, a hard-hitting drummer from Rainbow and Whitesnake, whose friendship with Emerson and coincidental last initial kept the ELP moniker intact. Their sole album and tour in 1986 were a bold, if short-lived, attempt to revive the progressive spirit in an era dominated by pop.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out the band’s legacy at the official Emerson, Lake & Palmer website. You can also connect with fans on Facebook or explore posts on X. Instagram doesn’t have an official band account, but fan pages like those on ELP Fan Groups keep the spirit alive with discussions and rare photos. For more, Prog Archives and Setlist.fm offer fan-driven archives of setlists and reviews, perfect for geeking out over this iconic trio’s journey.