It just came to my attention that the Keith Emerson Band has had to cancel their remaining tour, due to the physical deterioration of Keith Emerson’s right hand.
My good friend Chris Noto, bassist with CounterPoint, put this notice up on his facebook account. This really is a tragic musical loss to all the dedicated Progressive rock lovers out there. This may have been the last time to see them.
The real kicker here, is that Keith’s other band, Emerson, Lake and Palmer (ELP) was to have a possible late year reunion tour that was going to dovetail his recent tour! NOW that SUCKS!!!
Dear Friends,
It is with much regret that I have to announce that due to past right hand injuries the resulting nerve damage and dystonic factor has made it unable for me to play the keyboards to the high standard I have always set myself and have to cancel my forthcoming Keith Emerson Band featuring Marc Bonilla USA and European tours.
I am also going to have to cancel the proposed Emerson, Lake and Palmer tour which we were going to do at the end of this year.
I will of course continue with my physical/chiropractic/acupuncture therapy etc. in the hope that this will eventually get me back on form.
This is absolutely devastating to me as music will always be my main key to communicating with a world-wide audience. I know how much my fans and fellow band members were looking forward to these shows and it saddens me greatly to have to come to this decision and make this announcement.
Thank you for your understanding.
Keith Emerson
I recall playing in an band a fabulous tune called Benny the Bouncer. It was one of my earliest exposure to this great band. Hey, maybe the boys in CounterPoint will play this one next time they play, maybe?!
It, as well as countless ELP classic tunes, made me look forward to practicing their complex style of this new genre called Prog. (Progressive) Rock. Now, due to Keith and his band aborting their remaining shows, the general public will be sadly stripped of it’s chance to see one of the last great Prog. rockers of all time!
Our prayers will be with Keith so that he will nurse his ailing right hand back to good health, thus giving some people a glimpse into a musical world, almost forgotten! To add insult to injury, his mother had just passed away as well.
Keep on Jammin’ ELP
Man, I really hate to hear that. I’m one of those that let some years slip between myself and music. I didn’t realize he had sustained any injury to his hands.
I can still remember the first time I heard ELP. I couldn’t believe the technical proficiency of all members of that band but especially Keith Emerson’s.
I do hope he’s able to get back into a form he’ll be satisfied with.
Jeff
Dear Keith I want to express my sympathy for this time of difficulty, I want you to know that I grew up with the music of Nice as one of the most senior of the years 60/70 and I never forget your concert with the ELP in September 72 in London to Melody Maker Poll Concert which I have wonderful photos. A hug. Massimo Delrio
Hey Jeff, I can remember the first time I heard the band as well. It was one of those moments that I just sat back and went “Holy shit, these guys are on to something here!”
I hope he does get back in shape to play again to drum up more interest in this great style of playing!
Keep on Jammin’ Jeff!
You lucky son of a gun Massimo! I never got the chance to see them live. If you can, I’d LOVE to see some of those pictures there buddy!!!
Thanx for the comment Massimo.
After growing up listening to guitar-oriented groups, ELP’s first album stretched my musical boundaries. For a while they were my favorite band.
Ricky I know exactly what you mean! The first time I heard them I went what the hell is this all about!? It just blew my mind. This was the style that I was looking for to play then I was so young and impressionable.
It had it all Ricky. It was a wall of sound that was both intriguing and technically challenging to play and listen to! It looks like we’re kindred musical spirits there buddy.
Thanx for all you comments!
Sad news, I will pray for Keith recovery… Thank You for all the music…
it is the music that I grew with and to this day I still enjoy as I did then…
best of all to you Keith from a true timeless friend and fan.
Ditto for all of us Arturo!
Happy Holidays!