Search - Emerson, Lake & Palmer: Live at the Royal Albert Hall on DVD

OK performance; decent sampling of tunes; AWFUL camera work

J. Lizzi | Costa Mesa, CA | 01/12/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, I was a big ELP fan back in the 70's, and I was excited to get this DVD in the hope of bringing back memories of when I saw them in person decades ago. Overall, I was a bit underwhelmed by this disc.Although never extraordinary in terms of stage presence, I must say that the band members exhibited some pretty tight playing at this performance, which took place in 1996 at the Royal Albert Hall (London). They did an especially good job with "Welcome Back" and "Pirates," and I was pleasantly surprised by their rendition of the classic theme from Prokofiev's "Romeo & Juliet." Although I consider "Tarkus" (one of my all-time favorite LP's) and "Pictures at an Exhibition" to be absolute masterpieces, this show presents only excerpted versions of both. Typical of live performances, yes; however, I'm always left a little disappointed. One major blemish to the show was Keith Emerson's theatrics of pounding, jumping on, then tipping over, one of his keyboards near the end (sooo 70's). Lots of noise. Maybe he hung out with Keith Moon when he was younger, but I wasn't impressed. Besides, this wasted valuable time that could have been used for another song or two.What weighed most heavily in my rating was my total annoyance with the poor camera direction in this production. For example, Emerson was true to form with his trademark arms-apart keyboard stance between stacks of synthesizers. Why then was there so much close-up filming of just his face? I mean, REALLY close-up! Same with Carl Palmer: too many camera views angling between cymbal stands or over tom-toms, with only his head in view. Somehow, the director failed to understand that watching a keyboardist or drummer means focusing on the hands and arms. Too bad. I felt cheated out of some incredible drumming. Also, see how many OTHER cameramen you can count sneaking around between the amps.Bottom line: it's an acceptable performance, but I wouldn't recommend this disc to anyone but a serious ELP fan."

Good but could have been better

tom carrigan | Woodbury Mn | 03/18/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Don't misunderstand me, I am a long time ELP fan however my expectations go back all way to concerts in the 70's when they toured with a full orchestra. Certainly the last two tracks of the concert bring life to this dvd and finished strong. If you are a long time ELP fan you will not be dissapointed. Gregg Lake voice sounds good but stage presence was lacking but did he ever have stage presence. Keith Emerson was the highlight of the concert and truely shows what a great talent he brings to ELP. That in itself is worth getting this DVD and seeing his talent... Pirates is reproduced very well and was the highlight of this dvd. ..."

Finally, an ELP show on video!

DC from TX | Round Rock, Texas USA | 05/08/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of ELP since 1974, when I first heard "Brain Salad Surgery". It blew my mind. I was in the 8th grade at that time. Kind of hard to believe an 8th grader could appreciate that kind of music, eh? Well, I did, and still do.
I have to admit I haven't listened to ELP much at all in the past 20 years or so. The other day I was in the video store to rent some movies, and saw this DVD, and I grabbed it instantly. I was not disappointed. Keith, Greg and Carl are in top form. They are every bit as amazing here as they were when I saw them live in 1975, levitating piano and all, at one of the best concerts I've ever seen. Emerson is still up to his old tricks here. He's the Jimi Hendrix of keyboards: doing backflips, jumping up and down on, and abusing his shreiking Hammond organ, until he finally tips it over on top of himself and plays Bach on it backwards!! Pretty amazing for a 52 year old geezer. Over the top, yes, but then so was Jimi. ELP have always had quite a bit of theatrics in their performances. As for the music, Emerson's playing is just as jaw-dropping as ever. Palmer's drumming is as precise and intense as it always was. Lake does a good job but seems to have trouble with his voice hitting some notes and doesn't seem (to me) to be having as much fun as the others. The selection of tunes is good, I just wish "Hoedown" would have been on here. Great version of "Pirates" without all the orchestration cluttering things up. The reason I give it four stars instead of five is the camera work is not very good in places, showing close-ups of Keith's face when he's playing amazing lines on the keys, come on! It's like films of Hendrix where he is playing incredible stuff on the guitar and they are just filming his face. Drives me nuts. Also, I heard several noticable glitches in the audio, which other than that is quite good (could have just been a bad copy). I had it blasting through my home theatre system and it sounded great. I'm thinking I need to add "Welcome Back My Friends..." (a great live album) to my CD collection now, I miss listening to this stuff. I would highly recommend this DVD for any ELP fan or fan of classically based rock, and I plan on purchasing it for my collection."

An amazing performance!

Fred T. Lopez | 11/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I miss Emerson, Lake & Palmer very much and was disappointed they did not produce one last concept CD before they went their different ways. I don't know what it was about them that excited my blood, and still does. Sure there was the music, the lyrics, the showmanship. I was lucky enough to see the BSS tour and have seen ELP live four different times since, sharing the last concert with my 11 y.o. son. This DVD captures the remarkable talent of the trio. Their incredible unique ELP sound! This DVD is the next best thing to being at the Royal Albert Hall, front row. Sadly enough Black Moon was cut from the show for this DVD. Why do they do that????? Thank you Keith, Greg, and Carl for all you have given over the years on stage and disc. I wanted MORE. But that's how it goes, C'est La Vie. Alas, the Show That Never Ends lives on on this DVD."