I speculated at the time that, given the duration between announcement and gig, things would have ample time to fuck up. However, I put my hand (and faith) in my pocket and shelled out a not inconsiderable sum to catch the legend at the High Voltage Festival (now's a good time to throw a devil's horn sign if you like and shout "RAWK !" very loudly indeed).
In the meantime, Keith and Greg decided to put together a short two-man tour of the USA, presumably in preparation and giving them a chance to hone their chops for the big event. On the face of it, a positive move.
The world held its breath. And then...
The day of the first concert. Gear loaded in, soundcheck complete, the audience in their SEATS waiting... and waiting...
Turns out Keith (veteran performer of over 40 years, a man so inward and introspective that he still regularly throws knives about the stage and embeds them into an old beaten up Hammond Organ whilst performing unspeakable auto-erotic acts with a Moog) caught a bad case of stage fright and jibbed on the gig!
The Prog world, having lurched off axis in believing the ELP reunion would actually happen, breathed a huge sigh of relief as normal ELP-car-crash-&-ego-warfare service was resumed, and lurched happily back to equilibrium. Here is Keith's note to the fans...
"I must apologise for the very last-minute cancellation of the show in Lakewood, and also of Glenside and Ridgefield shows, and for my absence of an issuance of any sort of statement.
The production we had hoped to put on was lacking in its musical and technical preparations. I was too distraught and embarrassed to come on stage to perform or even to announce the sudden cancellation myself, and to issue a statement immediately. What we were embarking upon was completely new ventures for both of us. I could not appear in front of an audience with high-expectations unprepared. At that particular time, the quality of music I wished to present was more important to me than my reputation or financial gain. I now realize fully that the decision had a devastating effect on many including fans, my crew, staff, the promoters and the venues.
I will make every effort to fulfil our commitments to fans and friends at the re-scheduled dates in May for the cancelled shows.
I realize that I have disappointed my loyal fans. I know that many of you have travelled afar, used your precious vacation days, and spent your hard-earned money just to see the show. I am very sorry not only to those who came to Lakewood and those who bought tickets for Glenside and Ridgefield shows, but also all fans for whom I have deep respect.
I hope you can accept us delivering good shows, starting on Monday, April 5 in Annapolis, as a form of sincere apology.
Keith Emerson"
Mmmmm, "deep respect"...
Meanwhile back on earth, the erstwhile "P" of the trio, couldn't resist a bit of a dig together with a neat line in self -promotion...
"Dear Friends and Fans of ELP,
It is with great sadness that I have heard about the abrupt cancellation of opening night to the EVENING WITH KEITH EMERSON / GREG LAKE tour.
My commitments to ASIA and The Carl Palmer Band had made it impossible to perform at this time with Keith and Greg.
I have not spoken with either Keith or Greg, but I am very proud of the legacy that ELP has created. When I return to North America in October / November 2010, with The Carl Palmer Band, I will be performing much of that familiar music once more. In the end, it is our music that has made the difference, not the individuals, and it deserves to live on. That is the least I can do for the countless numbers of fans that have always been there for all three of us over these last 40 years.
Thank you, and I will see you in the fall of this year.
Sincerely.
Carl Palmer"
Given that he hadn't spoken to either Keith or Greg, this seems like a pre-emptive strike to avoid any flak from what I can only assume he thought would be imminent meltdown. Can't say I blame him
Finally, Greg Lake got in on the act. Here is his "letter to the fans", with hilarious and helpful "reading between the lines bits" supplied by "JamesA" from the Tinyfish forum:-
"A MESSAGE FROM GREG AND HIS MANAGEMENT ABOUT THE USA TOUR DATES
UPDATE: Official Statement from Greg 'the good guy' Lake
To all my friends and fans: It is with great sadness that we were forced to cancel our shows in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. It was all Keith's fault.
I am pleased Keith has admitted the reasons behind the cancellation, and I trust we can leave it at that. As if.
The performance was ready; many of you heard or saw the sound check. Keith and I are both perfectionists. Carl isn't, which is why he is not a part of this.
You will see that Keith has released a statement on his site explaining he felt the need to cancel because of his worry that he couldn't perform up to standard. Keith is not the first performer to have experienced stage fright, and my heart goes out to him, the big poof.
This has been a difficult time and we are now moving forward with a show we both believe is technically and musically wonderful. The crew and performers rehearsed non stop through February and March. I have dedicated my life to trying to make you happy through my music and nothing saddens me more than to see that you have been disappointed by anything I was involved in even if it was definitely not my fault. Please accept that these cancellations were entirely beyond my control (it is all Keith's fault) and know that I am doing everything possible to ensure that these shows are rescheduled as soon as possible - me = good, Keith = bad.
I am looking forward to seeing each of you again even if Keith does have to be there with us. I take my fans, music, and personal and professional reputation very seriously and if Keith screws it up again I'll be the one using the knives.
Thank you for all your kindness and support. Please send all hate mail to Keith.
Greg Lake"
Really, you couldn't make it up.
Given the immense forces at play, if they do manage to creak on stage in July, I expect nothing less than the discovery of the Higgs-Boson when the forces of their egos collide.
Ah well, such is (Prog) Rock's rich tapestry. You just don't get this kind of fun with Coldplay now do you ?
