Keith Emerson's Flying Piano

[dejahthoris]

I lived then and saw them live. So yeah I am an older lady, which is lame. but I dont care. Because I lived then. and saw ELP, Bowie, YES, Pink Floyd Alice Cooper, Sparks, Patti Smith. etc etc etc live. Yeah.

[MrKonan1975]

Did he take his Dramamine before liftoff? LOL!!!!

[themichaelc]

Keith Emerson is so crazy!!

[fjuniormusic]

This is picareta (Fake)!

[BluStile3]

tiny edited fraction of the piano fly this was done one tour. 74 75 and this footage is from CA Jam I 1974

[Memaryohyes]

Saw this in '77, at the Swing, I think.

[LP522]

It was Rachmanninoff, the Piano Concert in C#minor.

[ballpunchers]

@LP522 it was his prelude in c# minor

[chase6470]

Subtle!

[ProgressiveNightmare]

1:17 he is inventing THX

[progman1960]

+++++++++++++++++++++

EMERSON IS THE KING !!!

[amramjose]

I saw them in Miami in 1971, I remember a version of this, along with alot of other antics and great music!

[MaxiSilva96]

i want to see some stinky punks doing better than this!

[Nicar526]

Big fan,but when I saw this in 77 I thought it was the funniest thing I had ever seen-looked like he was holding on for dear life LOL



[hoosierhobbies]

I first saw this on ABC's Friday Night Videos, and I was telling some friends about this and they thought I was joking, so I am happy that you posted this!

[lamecasuelas2]

and punks said that this wasn't rock?

[kewlbreez77]

... saw them in '77, Spectrum, Phila., PA - freakin incredible show, will never forget it...

[JanEgbersNL]

It's insanely cool, but I don't understand... An acoustic piano doesn't function when upside down...

[AvirtualSwitzerland]

Saw this genius FIVE FEET AWAY @ The Roxy in Los Angeles, billed as "Keith Emerson and Friends." Totally mind blowing

[sebadrum16]

what song is this performance from??

[jennifersman]

@sebadrum16 The first California Jam show in 1975, Ontario Motor Speedway.

[jennifersman]

@sebadrum16 The first California Jam show in 1974, Ontario Motor Speedway. I think the lineup was ELP, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and the Eagles

[tnmusicman1]

I guess Tommy Lee WASNT the first after all'

[AvirtualSwitzerland]

@tnmusicman1 .....Carl Palmer also has a spinning drum set that's pretty trippy....

[Normhart]

Wasn't this about the time he got interested in flying airplanes?

[bruced132007]

I saw Keith do this in N.C. in the 70's and it was cool. and I WAS on acid. Trippin ...

[spdskte]

I remember him with a flame thrower also.

[lynda000]

I was there Yeah... incredible to see him spinning playing the paino...

[spacepatrolman]

@lynda000 It looks like something from the early silent animated films of melies

[moviemaster8510]

Joey Jordison: ... I quit.

[MoldyOldySOL67]

Don't know why that double posted ... oh well

[MoldyOldySOL67]

Was about 50yds from the stage on Keith's side of it. That whole day and evening was awesomeness. But then ELP came on to close out the event .. and the rest of that day just faded away. I saw them three times after this but they never topped themselves atthis event. Keiths improv was mesmerizing, Carl was absolutely amazing, and who then could outsing Greg Lake. Of all concerts attended by this old hippies in his time, these guys that night were the apex performance.

[MoldyOldySOL67]

Was about 50yds from the stage on Keith's side of it. That whole day and evening was awesomeness. But then ELP came on to close out the event .. and the rest of that day just faded away. I saw them three times after this but they never topped themselves atthis event. Keiths improv was mesmerizing, Carl was absolutely amazing, and who then could outsing Greg Lake. Of all concerts attended by this old hippies in his time, these guys that night were the apex performance.

[jerrym714]

thank you for having this clip... I told friends about seeing the spinning piano in '73 at the forum in Inglewood and I don't think anyone believed me.... they thought I must've been loaded out of my mind... In fact I was starting to wonder if I imagined it myself... finally proof it wasn't the drugs

[jerrym714]

thank you for having this clip... I told friends about seeing the spinning piano in '73 and I don't think anyone believed me.... they thought I must've been loaded out of my mind... In fact I was starting to wonder if I imagined it myself... finally proof it wasn't the acid.

[MokRodrigues]

HOLY SHIT!

[seukfuhi]

This is probably one of the most ridiculous stunts I've ever seen.

[divyx]

I don't see Elton John pulling that stunt =P Or anyone else either =P

Damn! Really wild idea!

[dimebutt]

wha...???



[esaunders916]

I was there!! First Concert I ever went to.

Ticket Cost: $10.00

[56Veggie]

@esaunders916

I was there, too! I was 18 but it wasn't my first concert. I don't remember it being only $10. I forgot about that. I was also at Cal Jam 2.  I miss those days.

[christhetramp]

What the hell??!!

[Aarkanian]

that is so trippy! damn

[tetiaroa]

Keith Emerson's Flying Piano

[8484terry]

gary busey's brother lol

[totto210]

the best pianist ever

[dwilmer7]

ELP were at the top of everything in the 70's. they were renouned as sonic innovators and they were the biggest concert draw 2nd only to led zeppelin. imho all 3 guys knew that "progressive" rock was as much spectacle and intrigue as it was awesome songwriting. Anybody calling this stunt "pretentious" misses the point . Should Keith have come out in a tuxedo and played some dainty interludes for his solo? lol It is a show afterall isnt it?

[dwilmer7]

What is the name of the piano piece? its awesome. It doesnt look like hes playing it, he's lipsyncing or whatever. the piano starts before he arrives at piano.

[MrRicksStudio]

@dwilmer7 Rachmaninoff Prelude in C Sharp Minor, op. 3 no. 2

[favorsham]

Not even a seat belt, just hooked his legs around a bar - and chewing gum at the same time!

[WootZillza]

fuck the what?

[cjgone2]

The most pretentious thing i've ever seen, but I love it. :D

[progrocker78]

I would like to see Mozart's reaction to this

[u222daw]

I saw Keith do this at San Francisco's Winterland (now gone, sadly) back in the 70's. The next day... those friends of mine who hadn't attended the show?... refused to believe me when I tried my best to explain it to them !!!

[pmarie57]

i remember this when i saw them in concert

[TomBurnsVideos]

I saw this concert tour, that is not a module, that is the piano you are hearing.

[zenmachinefilms]

Thanks for posting this. I remember hearing about this and thinking it was a fake. This is the first time I ever actually saw it.

[ccfliege]

Wtf??? For the 70's this must be fucking dangerous and all

[neil73]

That must've freaked out those who'd dropped some acid that night! Fucking Mint.

[annikee59]

@neil73 If I could give you 4 thumbs up I would. It was a great freak out! lol God I miss those days!

[neil73]

@annikee59 Cheers mate! :)

[badmind36]

@neil73 whoever dropped acid that night was in for a hell of a time! lol... if only i was born a decade earlier

[StUkulele]

Hope he packed a Barf bag with him!

[MrDne77]

a waste of talent and electricity...

[smartlamppost]

@MrDne77 That perfectly describes Slayer.

[RDLoehrke]

Was it just me or was that modular synth sound at the end way simpler than all the mass of patch connections would suggest? I mean, that's a kick ass system he's got there, but it seems like most of it is for show...

[nickmorgan19457]

@RDLoehrke I doubt he was using many modules for that sound, but he uses more complicated sounds in other songs, so leaving those modules patched would save a ton of time when he does need them.

[zacharythax]

That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen.

[cmartmozzy]

Sounds like Rachmaninoff?

Epic by every definition of the word.

[lordcroesus]

Prelude in C# Minor.

[emilianog73]

yes Rachmaninoff!

[shammadamma]

LOL. Spinal Tap has nothing on ELP.

[merlin6945]

Saw ELP open for 'Yes'.. Most wicked concert I've seen.. Geezzzz I'm just stuck in the 60's and 70's. Old Hippies NEVER die, Just grow old and smoke more weed.. hahahahaha

[record1207]

@merlin6945

LOL. YOU SURE GOT THAT RIGHT MERLIN :-))

[axischild70]

got a feeling that its a recording that you hear on this and not him playing

[smartlamppost]

If you really feel that, then you should do the opposite of what your feeling tells you to do; believe me, Keith would totally do this, and it's not like you were there.

[merlin6945]

I WAS their!!!!! And Cal Jam ROCKED!!!!!!

[smartlamppost]

LUCKY! I was 20 something years too late.  :(

[Gregorypeckory]

@smartlamppost Don't feel bad-more cool music will probably be made after us "lucky" people are dead and you're still around!

[smartlamppost]

@Gregorypeckory That's a very positive way to look at a something so downright pessimistic! Or would it be the other way around?

[mircea1910]

Mad scientist!!! The madest scientist in prog rock! And we love him for it!

[ronkopald]

Pure gold. Hilarious. Wish I had some magic herbs to take while enjoying this absurd spectacle....

[merlin6945]

hahahaha... I had the MAGIC HERBS.. It was unbelievable!!!! The most Awesome 3 days of my life!!!!

[pin4all]

i saw them several times and keith plays with a dancing piano balenced just right how does he get it to move like that

[RebelHeartWoman]

To all of you..MY father did ALL of ELP's special effects for years.. if you have questions about this,..just ask...Best..

Karen

[Joeasy88]

@RebelHeartWoman how did he get it to do that, THAT WAS FREAKING CRAZY, lol, but seriously, how, lol

[dyhas]

This was from California Jam Concert 1974, Ontario California. He was palying while spinning. He said he was quite dizzy after that stunt.

[iamastormtrooper]

I believe him

[Hutcarlingos]

0:58 you can see he's not really playing

[teetra03]

this is so fake wow nice try tho dude !

[PhuckHue2]

thats not a real piano. it doesnt have any weight

[Caljamscott]

You're absolutely right. It's a trick piano.

[roxy782]

wow! lol

[boongg]

There was no digital piano or a synth that could emulate piano sounds in 1974.

[RayManzarekGod]

I could've sworn I saw Lennon playing on a 70's synth doing Imagine.

[JimmyPageZoSo56]

Tommy Lee stole it from Keith.

[Coloso1]

Tommy Lee, Joey Jordison and Travis Barker...

[SmileAtMyAss]

Actually, they stole that from Buddy Rich.

[magneteye]

Tommy Lee has nothing on Keith

[pschroeter56]

Oh praise Jupiter for the video proof. I was beginning to wonder if I had imagined that this ever actually happened. I love ELP for their music and didn't need the theatrics, though from were at times very impressive.

The possible ELP tour in the fall has been canceled because of Keith's continuing hand problems.

[ELP71]

1974 and yes its a synth, a piano needs gravity to work.

[yosemitepaul]

No, its a real piano,

[niccko69]

impossible ... ELP 71 is right ... a Piano cant work if rounded ... cause the little hammers inside need gravity in the right way to work ... its a digital piano so... with the appearence of an acoustic grand piano ^^ thats all ^^

[IwshIcldstrtover]

It is a hollowed out 9 foot Grand piano. There was a recording playing, it isn't actually Keith playing the piano.

[marazm1]

that's actually a synth, not a real piano. spinning piano is physically impossible. what year was this?

[HueyRocks23]

I thought Tommy Lee created that....I stand corrected....and Emerson's looks scary with that music playing..like entering a haunted house

[gravityboots]

Keith Emerson never fails to shock and amaze.

[iaianyc]

omg!!it's so cooool!!:)

[0willycoyote0]

it was rachmaninoff

[cyburied]

This is nonsense. Wish the guy had barfed after it

[shazbot2u]

yeah ..me too saw it in DC..early 70's lol..was 15

[yesdedhed]

saw this in atlanta

[merryfromhalo]

lol that is soooo cool!!!!!!!!

i thought joey jordson's drums on its side was cool, but this is better!

[ralfieralf]

The drummer in Emerson's band, Carl Palmer, was actually the first to do the spinning drums. They had a thing for wild stage antics.

[Alfredoraz]

I was pretty lucky to assist to this event,

but just today I found out none of them lost their chewing gum during the concert...man... this is something to admire,look while the piano is turning the chewing gum remains on his mouth. BEST MUSIC EVER THOUGH.

[54spiritedwill54]

I like Rick Wakeman better, but Keith is really great.

[srtyxczewlsrolkid]

This is a magnificent show and great music by Emerson,Laker and Palmer.

And fascination display by Keith Emerson.

Silver from Poland.

[stumppi]

rachaminov or something like that(that song)...

[ForminaSage402]

Of course, grand pianos can't actually play upside down. All the hammers would fall onto the strings from gravity. Good showmanship though.

[monsterjazzlicks]

At least Emo could take a cruise ship gig confidently knowing he will never suffer from sea-sickness !!!!

[monsterjazzlicks]

Is this for REAL ????? i have never seen anything like it (even on 'You Tube') !!!

[audiophile55]

Type in "California Jammer1974" and watch the master copy of this performance. His hair DOES move, when he twirls upside down. LOL!

[audiophile55]

Crackedlens, you need to type in "CaliforniaJammer1974" here at You Tube, if you were at the California Jam. He is looking for people like you who were there.

[merlin6945]

I WAS their!!! Most # days of my life. Most Excellent music event since Wood Stock!!!!

[yournotjohn]

He's friggin' chewing gum!!!! HAHAHAHA!

[CrackedLens]

His Hair did Move by that time I made my way to the Front about 8 feet from the chain link fence Protecting the stage the sound was defining. But I am still looking for a vid of the water bottles being thrown in the air an awesome sight

[lipdiddler]

I would love to see a vid of the water bottles being tossed ! At first, I was concerned that i was going to get hit by one. Then i realized, i'm only 4-10, the tall people will get hit first.

[karoloandria]

his hair dont move!!!!!!!! i whant that piano

[scoot432]

Love that through it all he's chewing gum.

[moonLau94]

WOW ^_^

[RisingSun91]

mmm...I'd say that's definitely not what rachmaninoff imagined when he wrote the prelude in c#min...but I think he would say that's amazing xD

[skihero45]

being a keyboardist, keith emerson is my idle. he's a beast!

plus, i would've thrown up!

[opalrecluse]

Agreed 100%!

[digglefallen93]

how about Chick Corea...that guy is amazing! now he is my idle!

[cholling]

Nowadays, if people didn't know any better about ELP's legendary 70's excessiveness, they'd probably walk out of the concert and ask for their money back rather than watch these kinds of embarrasing displays! I like Emerson a lot, but this is just too much!

[stupidpablo1]

One of the best performances EVER

[FletcherDE]

I would have laughed so hard

[Darrylizer1]

One of the silliest rock and roll moments of all time and I'm loving it.

[yesfan951]

Emerson is a beast!

[dmax801]

I watched this live when it happened. Looks like they've trimmed it so that you don't have to endure the parts where he strapped himself in. Rock and roll posers today think they're hot poop, but these guys headlined (!) the California Jam even though the Eagles and others were playing.

[SteelyDug]

I was at Cal Jam 1 and this was remarkable. ELP were the headliners. Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Black Oak Arkansas, Eagles, Earth WInd and Fire and Rare Earth were also there, but ELP stole the show!!!

[lipdiddler]

Amen to that brother,( i say that because ELP is one of the bands i actually remember seeing). They are without a doubt truely gifted.

[allthingslucid]

Incredible to watch! Emerson was an entertainer as well as a consumate musician. Incroyable! Why hasn't the entire ELP set from this concert ever been released commercially?? Where is the entire film of this california jam '74??? I can't believe the promoters wouldn't want to make a mint making this available via DVD!!

[FloydNIN]

haha he isnt even playing

[jtomasik]

Emerson and his band were innovators. Like 'em or not...they certainly were. Today, there's nothing like people of this caliber. And, if there are, they're drowned by corporate music from the likes of American Idol. I think I'm going to puke....

[stupidpablo1]

Totally agree with you, man

[Caljamscott]

Luckily I did the AUDIO for this Gig. I'm kind of impressed with these videos, but again, luckily I did the AUDIO thus walking away with the greatest souvenir imaginable of this Gig.

[ELP71]

you dumb ass, sticking a microphone up to the ABC radio simulcast 1 night with your $39.95 cassette recorder in 74 doesnt contsitute doing the Audio. what a putz

[nervisnorton]

wow

[misterpress]

A great example of 70s excess...love it!!

[ZoppoTrump]

I've always admired Keith's virtuosity as a musician. But this ... uuuhhh!!! ... the Liberace of Prog Rock. Horrible.

[Mysdir]

blablabla

[randymft]

unloved as a child....or perhaps inappropriately so.

[Mysdir]

wow this is a prelude by rachmaninoff ! op 3 no 2

[cayozepp]

this is from California Jam 74´. there´s another video here (Karn Evil) but now it´s gone :(

[Vaga365]

That patch board is a nightmare!

[pianojoe123]

how did they do that?

[Granotaperezi]

El sonido comienza antes de que Keith se siente,esta grabado,aunque es lo de menos,el merito esta en aguantar tantas vueltas sin vomitar y para la epoca era un espectaculo impresionante

[blackm0re]

I like Rick Wakeman better, but Keith is really great.

[dugell1]

I was there in 1974....Pretty incredible

[opalrecluse]

That's pretty damn cool.  Lucky you! I could die happy if they ever toured again...

[DestroyerX61]

he got dizzy lol