In celebration of what would have been Keith Emerson’s 76th birthday yesterday, it was announced that the live performance of The Official Keith Emerson Tribute Concert from 2016, featuring countless celebrated guests paying tribute to his genius would be released on Blu-Ray along with a bonus 2 CD set that features an exclusive audio recording of the show.
Now, by popular demand, the concert will also be available in both a DVD Digipak format and also in a Blu-Ray Hi-Def downloadable version, playable on any device, both accompanied by a bonus audio version of the concert.
The Keith Emerson Estate in partnership with Cherry Red Records will release the three-disc set on 11th March 2021 (the fifth anniversary of the iconic progressive rock keyboard player and composer’s passing.
The 2½ hour concert film features many stellar performances by over two dozen prominent artists in rock, jazz and classical music as well as artist interviews, behind- the-scenes footage, tribute speeches, and a gallery of personal never-before-seen photos from the Emerson estate.
Among those performers present for the 2016 tribute show in Los Angeles, were Brian Auger, Eddie Jobson, Jordan Rudess, Steve Lukather, Steve Porcaro, Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter, Vinnie Colaiuta, Marc Bonilla, Gregg Bissonnette, CJ Vanston, Troy Luccketta, Rachel Flowers, Terje Mikkelsen, Philippe Saisse, Joe Travers, Travis Davis, Ed Roth, Jonathan Sindelman, Mike Wallace, Mick Mahan, Karma Auger, Rick Livingstone, Kae Matsumoto, Aaron Emerson, Dan Lutz, and Michael Fitzpatrick.
A once-in-a-lifetime line-up of musical luminaries they performed music from Emerson, Lake & Palmer, The Nice, Emerson, Lake & Powell, The Keith Emerson Band and the Three Fates Project.
This highly-anticipated concert captures the essence of what made Keith Emerson a pioneer of progressive rock, a treasure among his many fans and friends, and a legendary keyboardist and composer with the iconic supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
“It was a great honour to be asked to play in tribute to not only a friend but a musical giant and hero to us all, said Toto guitarist Steve Lukather. “I hope he smiles from heaven knowing the spirit this was done in. So many unreal musicians and thanks to Marc (Bonilla) for putting it all together like that! RIP Keith. You are so missed”
“Performing ‘Tarkus’ at the Keith Emerson Tribute event was incredibly meaningful. It was truly an amazing night. Having the opportunity to pay my respects to the man who changed my life by playing my favourite piece of music with incredible musicians, made it a memory that will never be forgotten. I’m so thrilled that this incredible evening of music is now going to be shared with the world,” said Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater.
‘It’s difficult to express what an honour it was to participate in this tribute to Keith. Surrounded by friends and heroes, it was such a privilege to be part of a group of musicians who were as affected by Keith’s life, music and friendships I was. Not surprisingly there’s a lot of us. To play Hammond on The Barbarian, the first song I ever saw him play live, is a cherished memory I’ll never forget. Many thanks to Marc and Mari for keeping this idea and dream alive,” said Toto‘s Steve Porcaro.
The official concert roster and song list is as follows: ‘Prelude To A Hope’ (featuring Kae Matsumoto), ‘Karn Evil 9 (1st Impression, pt.2)’ (featuring Jonanthan Sindelman & Gregg Bissonette), ‘The Barbarian’ (featuring Steve Porcaro & Rachel Flowers), ‘Hoedown’ (Ed Roth & Jeff Skunk Baxter), ‘Touch And Go’ (featuring Steve Porcaro), ‘A Place To Hide’ (featuring Ed Roth & Steve Lukather), ‘Tribute To Keith’ (featuring CJ Vanston & Michael Fitzpatrick), ‘The Endless Enigma’ (featuring Rachel Flowers & Troy Luccketta), ‘Take A Pebble’ (featuring CJ Vanston, Travis Davis & Gregg Bissonette), ‘Tank’ (featuring Joe Travers & Brian Auger), ‘Fanfare For The Common Blue Turkey’ (featuring Brian Auger, Karma Auger & Dan Lutz), ‘Ride’ (featuring Aaron Emerson), ‘From The Beginning’ (featuring Philippe Saisse), ‘Bitches Crystal’ (featuring Eddie Jobson), ‘Nutrocker’ (featuring Philippe Saisse), ‘Tarkus’ (featuring Jordan Rudess & Troy Luccketta), ‘Lucky Man’ (featuring Eddie Jobson, Steve Lukather & Rick Livingstone), ‘Great Gates of Kiev’ (featuring Eddie Jobson), ‘Fanfare For The Common Man’ (featuring Eddie Jobson, Steve Lukather & Maestro Terje Mikkelsen), and ‘Are You Ready, Eddy?’ (featuring CJ Vanston & Rick Livingstone).
All proceeds go to the charity The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, that was close to Keith’s heart. Artists, crew and all involved have donated their skills and time gratis for this worthy cause, that afflicts thousands of musicians annually.
For more information and updates on visit the official Keith Emerson website, Keith Emerson Facebook Page and The Keith Emerson Tribute Concert Facebook Page.
