#1 · 1973
Their 1973 landmark album featuring complex compositions and the iconic H.R. Giger cover, exemplifying symphonic prog rock.
8 tracksOriginal 1973 pressingIncludes 'Karn Evil 9' suite
Artist page · 05/07/2026
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Formed in 1970 in Bournemouth, UK, Emerson, Lake & Palmer forged a symphonic progressive rock sound highlighted by virtuoso keyboards and dramatic stage shows. Their 1970 debut album introduced hits like "Lucky Man" and set a foundation blending classical influences with rock.
16Albums on Vinyles.com
3358Discogs releases
850kLast.fm listeners
About
Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Pioneers of symphonic prog rock, blending classical and rock since 1970.
Over 18 studio and live LPs, with prized pressings from the '70s and reissues tracked in real time.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer emerged as a British progressive rock trio with a distinctive fusion of classical, jazz, and rock elements. Comprising Keith Emerson on keyboards, Greg Lake on bass, guitar and vocals, and Carl Palmer on drums and percussion, they became notable for ambitious concept albums and technically complex compositions. Their catalog includes landmark 1970s LPs like "Tarkus" (1971), the live adaptation "Pictures At an Exhibition" (1971), and 1973's "Brain Salad Surgery," recognized for its H.R. Giger cover art.
Following commercial successes and elaborate worldwide tours through the early 70s, they experienced a decline in the late 70s with albums like "Love Beach" (1978).
Discography
Emerson, Lake & Palmer — Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Manticore · 2019Live At Pocono International Raceway, U.S.A., 8th July 1972
Live
Shout! Factory · 2013Live In Montreal 1977
Live
Shout! Factory · 2011Live At Nassau Coliseum '78
Live
Shout! Factory · 2011Live At The Mar Y Sol Festival (Puerto Rico '72)
Live
Shout! Factory · 2010A Time And A Place
Studio
Concert Live · 2010High Voltage Festival
Studio
Delta #1 · 2003Fanfare (The 1997 World Tour)
Studio
Eagle Entertainment · 1998Then & Now
Studio
King Biscuit Flower Hour Records · 1997King Biscuit Flower Hour
Studio
Metal Mind Records · 1997Live In Poland
Live
Manticore · 1997Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival
Live
Victory · 1994In The Hot Seat
Studio
Victory · 1993Works Live
Studio
Victory · 1992Black Moon
Studio
Victory · 1992Live At The Royal Albert Hall
Live
Atlantic · 1979In Concert
Live
Atlantic · 1978Love Beach
Studio
Atlantic · 1977Works (Volume 2)
Studio
Atlantic · 1977Works (Volume 1)
Studio
Manticore · 1974Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends - Ladies And Gentlemen
Studio
Manticore · 1973Brain Salad Surgery
Studio
Island Records · 1972Trilogy
Studio
Island Records · 1971Pictures At An Exhibition
Studio
Island Records · 1971Tarkus
Studio
Island Records · 1970Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Studio
Studio album
Live / EP
Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Emerson, Lake & Palmer's career.
01
From the Beginning
Trilogy · 1972
02
Lucky Man
·
03
Jerusalem
Brain Salad Surgery · 1973
04
Hoedown
·
05
Trilogy
Trilogy · 1972
06
Tarkus
Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends - Ladies And Gentlemen · 1974
07
The Barbarian
·
08
Knife Edge
·
The essentials
The 3 Emerson, Lake & Palmer albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
#2 · 1971
A key concept album from 1971 blending rock with orchestral motifs, showcasing extended compositions and technical proficiency.
9 tracksStereo Mix1971 Island Records original
#3 · 1974
A 1974 live double LP capturing the height of ELP’s stage theatrics and their symphonic sound live on tour.
11 tracksDouble LP1974 Manticore original pressings
Go further
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Artists who share part of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's musical DNA.
Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
"How do you spell pretentious? ELP."— Popular quip from 1970s rock critics
01Studio
Recording the debut at Island Studios, 1970
Their self-titled debut album was recorded in 1970 and released on Island Records, featuring the hit single "Lucky Man" which blended rock with classical influences.
02Live Album
March 1971 live recording of "Pictures At an Exhibition"
In March 1971, ELP released a live album recorded in Newcastle, England, adapting Modest Mussorgsky’s classical piece in a progressive rock format that expanded their audience.
03Artwork
H.R. Giger’s cover for "Brain Salad Surgery"
The 1973 album "Brain Salad Surgery" is well-known for its distinctive, surreal cover art by H.R. Giger, enhancing its impact in progressive rock culture.
04Tour
California Jam Festival, April 1974
At California Jam in April 1974, ELP performed a headlining set that outshone Deep Purple, elevating their status in the US rock scene. The concert was broadcast nationwide.
Records by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
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FAQ
FAQ: Emerson, Lake & Palmer on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who were the members of Emerson, Lake & Palmer?
Keith Emerson on keyboards, Greg Lake on bass, guitar and vocals, and Carl Palmer on drums and percussion formed the trio.
What genre is Emerson, Lake & Palmer known for?
They are known for their symphonic progressive rock that blends classical, jazz, and rock elements.
What are some essential Emerson, Lake & Palmer albums on vinyl?
Key albums include "Brain Salad Surgery" (1973), "Tarkus" (1971), and the live double LP "Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends."
Where was the live album "Pictures At an Exhibition" recorded?
It was recorded live in Newcastle, England, in 1971, adapting a classical suite into progressive rock.
Are original 1970s pressings of ELP albums valuable?
Original pressings, especially of albums like "Tarkus" and "Brain Salad Surgery," often command higher prices among collectors.
When did Emerson, Lake & Palmer reunite after their initial split?
The original lineup reunited in the early 1990s, releasing albums such as "Black Moon" in 1992 and touring extensively.
How did health issues affect ELP's later performances?
Health problems with members Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer limited their ability to perform during the mid-1990s tours.
Which ELP album features the track "Karn Evil 9"?
"Karn Evil 9" appears on the 1973 album "Brain Salad Surgery," known for its complex and multi-part structure.
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Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 05/07/2026