Back in the year 2000 a teacher called Garry Freeman contacted his drumming idol Carl Palmer of Emerson Lake & Palmer fame to ask him if he would run one of his drum circles for hearing impaired children at Garrys school. Palmer being a nice guy said yes & this was the start of a friendship. Freeman had always wanted to write a book about the band but everyone said there was no way ELP would ever cooperate: they were supposed to be aloof superstars after all. Dont ask dont get: Garry asked & Garry got. Their New York management company was really helpful & got him access to the band who were in his words perfect gentlemen providing technical & musical information about their shows. Tony Ortiz the bands archivist has been incredible too. The result is a unique book which analyzes over 150 gigs ELP did in the 1970s plus the 2010 comeback concert. Garry was at some of the UK ones but he has spent countless hours listening to records (some bootlegs
- after all his other book is the Bootleg Guide) & watching DVDs. This is one for the fans only but there are plenty of them: ELP are huge amongst progressive rock fans. The forums are already buzzing with anticipation about this book. In addition to Garrys words there are loads of exclusive photos & memorabilia including one of their gig riders & even the technical stage details for roadies to follow. Jim Davidson sometimes referred to as the 4th member of the band provides an enthusiastic foreword. Dont forget when he presented the Generation Game on BBC TV he had the theme tune changed to ELPs Welcome Back My Friends.