Uncle G’s FUN Concert Reviews: Carl Palmer’s Welcome Back My Friends – An Evening With Emerson, Lake, & Palmer (2026)

09 April 2026

Uncle G’s FUN Concert Reviews
Spotlight: Carl Palmer’s Welcome Back My Friends – An Evening With Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

Words and Incidental Photography by Gary “Uncle G” Brown
GaryBrown@garyunclegbrownarchives.com

Date: 08 April 2026
Venue: House Of Blues Las Vegas
Location: Las Vegas, NV. (USA)

So I got to the House of Blues early. I’m nursing a cold, and my body is loaded with over-the-counter cold/flu medication. Up at 5 AM, and at work by 7 AM. Part-time job. I lasted two and a half hours. Felt like crap! Sore throat, runny nose, all that jazz. Went home 3 hours early. It’s the first time I’ve been sick like this in over two years, and it falls on the date of this concert. How does that happen? Anyway, there I am, at the House of Blues Las Vegas. I see other ELP/Carl Palmer fans. Talk to a few. I sense that it’s going to be a good night.

They opened the doors, and within five minutes, I was in my seat. This will be my first time seeing a show here. I’m excited! I can see the stage pretty well from where I am sitting. Some asshole decided I was in his seat and got security to talk to me. I was in the correct place. His seat was next to me. The dude was ready to make a scene. He sat down, crossed his legs, and didn’t say a word. He barely applauded at the end of each song. I did a fair share of yelling, well-deserved praise, for what I just witnessed. The dickwad got up and left before the concert ended. Bye-Bye!

So I understand, newly added to the drum/percussion setup, hanging over the legendary drummer’s head, is a white rolled-up cloth. Was long in length. Positioned directly overhead Carl’s seat so that he could reach it. A brass cow bell. Pretty cool!

And a couple of other percussion instruments, that he’ll play here and there throughout the evening, sprinkle the stage.

Several projection screens surround the stage. A big one is behind, Mr. Palmer. Cool visuals throughout the night. I was somewhat aware of what I was going to see. Parts of this include visuals of the now deceased Keith Emerson and Greg Lake. Carefully arranged so that Carl and his band can play alongside them. The show is perfectly timed! There are additional screen goodies. Short films on ELP, and of course, Carl. I know most of ELP’s history. Watching the vids gives you something to do while waiting for the band to take the stage. I remember Yes on their 90125 tour, playing cartoons before the night’s concert began. Set the mood. People were in good spirits, or good spirits were in the people. Either way, folks are having FUN.

Carl’s pre-show is more informative. Contains some laughs. There is one clip from a video I am glad I caught. I was thinking of getting up from my seat and getting a beer. Then I decided to stay away from the liquids while there, so I don’t have to piss in the middle of the concert. I’ll be straight the whole night. Except for the cold medicine haze. I left my vape pen, on purpose, back home. I use cannabis daily for various reasons. Usually, anytime that I go out like this. Tonight, it’s cool to do without.

Back to the clip I mentioned. Apparently, in his travels, Carl encounters a male street vendor in what I’m guessing is a foreign country, selling ELP merchandise. Right there, out on the road. Yeah, not really any official ELP-endorsed products. The guy selling this fake ELP merchandise is, it seems, clueless about who the man is that is standing in front of him. It’s the P in ELP. Sad! Nothing more than a fucking thief. Still…watching the situation made me chuckle. And I did enjoy sitting there watching all that was presented, before the guys took the stage.

As I sat there, I would occasionally look around the concert theater. Nice environment! I’ve attended concerts at several House of Blues locations. Never any problems. Good food! I saw Carl with the original Asia line-up at a House of Blues in Dallas, Texas, almost 20 years ago. I met a couple of guys from the band Europe (” The Final Countdown “) while there that night. Nice enough to buy me a Samuel Adams beer.

I’m guessing the average age of the person in the audience tonight is 50 years old or older. I did see a few younger people, and one middle-aged black guy wearing a cowboy hat. I’m thinking he’s a musician? Sat near me. For one moment, sometime during the performance, we looked in each other’s direction and did the head nod thing. All is well! I’m hoping he’s feeling comfortable, being the only brother there. ELP’s music appeals to all. This is why it will be heard for many generations to come. Also, I’ll just throw this out there: Pete Sinfield needs to be mentioned. The lyrics Greg sings in many ELP tunes were some of his (1923 – 2024).

One good thing about us older folks filling up the place is that some of us manage to maintain a flow of disposable cash. Carl, as one might suspect, had a merchandise table. I looked and, as a result, wanted one of everything. Autographed keepsakes, T-shirts, music, etc. Pretty impressive! Prices seemed reasonable as well. Surrounded by ELP enthusiasts. I’m assuming that they had a good night. It’s hard work selling merchandise, like that. The ones doing it seemed to have the job down pat.

I should mention that I saw Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy back in 2019. One of four bands performing that evening. They were the first band to take the stage. I wished they didn’t. Not their fault, but it was a shortened set, if comparing to what the band would do if out on their own. Was a thrill, my first time seeing them live. Traveling with Mr. Palmer and his crew was a person from Carl’s past, Arthur Brown. The God of Hellfire, himself. He’s so cool! I ended up meeting the man before the concert started that night. We’re walking in different directions. I recognize him. Acknowledged him. Mister Brown stopped and had a full-blown conversation with me. I’m a total stranger. Of course, he could tell, I’m a fan. Could not be any nicer. I now tell this story any time I can.

Carl Palmer’s band consists of three members, including himself. He keeps busy playing drums/percussion and singing. That’s right. Vocals by Carl Palmer. We’re used to him behind some massive drum kit, beating the hell out of everything in his reach. Not so much doing a Don Henley impersonation. As if he wasn’t busy enough. I’ll say more about this later.

The two musicians who join Carl on stage have actually been with Carl for a while now. On guitar/vocals is Paul Bielatowicz, and on bass is Simon Fitzpatrick. These young men are seasoned professionals. Both are worth finding out about and keeping up with on social media.

“Welcome Back, My Friends To A Show That Never Ends”

The show starts. From the Black Moon tour. Live at the Royal Albert Hall. Released in 1992. The same year that I got my first CD player. It was a Sony. On the screen are Keith and Greg. They appear in fairly good health. From Brain Salad Surgery. Karn Evil 9 – First Impression Part Two. You know this one. Perfect opener! It was in 1992, and it is now. And there is Carl Palmer. Center stage. I notice that I can hear everything Carl does. Great mix! Sound quality is impressive. Everything he is playing, you can hear. No mistakes. True to the music. I know almost all of ELP’s songs by heart, especially the live versions that are spotlighted in tonight’s concert. I played the live from Royal Albert Hall compact disc to death when I got it. More repeated listens than I can count. I was lucky enough to see a show from the Black Moon tour in The Woodlands, Texas. Sold out outdoor performance. I wrote a story about it, which is now in a new ELP book, all about the live shows they did throughout the band’s existence. Proud to be a contributor. Two stories, btw.

Setlist (Spoiler – I went there not knowing. I had an idea as to what songs would be played. There were still surprises).

01- Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression, Part 2.
02 – Hoedown
03 – Knift-Edge
04 – Pictures At an Exhibition
05 – Benny The Bouncer
06 – Creole Dance
07 – Tarkus
08 – Trilogy
09 – From The Beginning
10 – Still…You Turn Me On
11 – O Fortuna (Cliff Orff cover)
12 – Tiger In The Spotlight
13 – Paper Blood
14 – Lucky Man
15 – Fanfare For The Common Man
16 – Peter Gunn

Uncle G’s Favorites

Fanfare For The Common Man, in part, was presented as a tribute to Keith Emerson. Centered around him. A one-of-a-kind performance. So on the screens, you see Keith and Greg Lake. These guys are rockin’. So cool to see. And Carl is right there, in person, on the House of Blues Las Vegas stage, providing that all-important beat.

There are songs in the set list that center around Greg Lake. He was a wonderful singer/guitarist/bass player. Add songwriter. Producer! I also heard he rolled a good joint. Subtract those two, and on stage Carl with Paul and Simon. The setlist had spots that focused on their specialized talents, as well. Deserved the attention! These guys are awesome!

Drummer Carl Palmer is 76 years old. Looks like he’s in his 50s. It’s amazing the stamina that this man has. Besides having a slight cold/something along those lines on this night, he appears to be in very good health. The man did a drum solo that blew me and the audience away. Probably got the biggest response from the audience that night. He plays his drumsticks. No longer takes off his shirt. Something he did back in ELP’s heyday. He plays hard. A seasoned drummer. I’ve seen drum solos by some of the best, and I could not take my eyes off Carl when he’s playing. Continually playing those drums, and then the bell above his head. He ends up doing the cowbell with his mouth while still keeping a beat. Blows me away!

I loved seeing ELP perform, Knife Edge.

Benny The Bouncer! From the album, Brain Salad Surgery. I would never in a million years have guessed that Carl, along with his band, would play this. With Carl on vocals! The lyrics were on the screen, so you can follow along.

Tarkus was wonderful!

I liked watching Paul Bielatowicz on guitar and on Chapman Stick, Simon Fitzpatrick, each tackling an ELP masterpiece. First, we heard Simon do his take on, Pictures At An Exhibition, and then Paul launched into Trilogy. Wow!

Tiger In The Spotlight, and then Peter Gunn. That totally rocked!

Remember, these are my favorite moments. Seeing the guys play Lucky Man, might be yours. I enjoyed it! People might not know Emerson, Lake, & Palmer, but they know this song. Played every day on classic rock stations.

After a song ended, Carl would come out of the drum kit and talk to everyone. I saw him do this before. He’s good at chatting to an audience. The man is one of the best when it comes to drummers. No shit! Remember, he’s also an original member of Asia. Carl was a part of two different bands that sold millions of records. Other drummers are in awe of him. It’s always an honor to be able to see Mr. Palmer behind the drum kit. This is my 6th time, through the years (decades). My first was in 1977, at Madison Square Garden. With a 70-piece orchestra. To this day, I remember them doing one of the songs off of Works Vol One; C’est la vie. Keith on the accordion. Such a beautiful song! My mom was a professional musician and played accordion. Passed away when I was 7 years old. In part its where I get my love for music. ELP also did the masterpiece, Pirates, that night. Those memories still make me smile.

The ELP song catalog is a bit diverse. Something for everyone, and you don’t have to be 50 years old or older to enjoy it.

I‘ll put a bow on this by saying I enjoyed myself, seeing the show, even feeling a tad under the weather. If the opportunity presents itself, and you can attend one of the concerts they are doing now, I’d recommend doing so. If far away, you could plan a road trip. Fly in one of those fancy flying machines. You seriously won’t be disappointed. This Las Vegas date was the first show of a new tour. I hope it’s successful for all involved.

If I could talk directly to Carl, I’d say: Mr. Palmer, you ROCK! Besides being a great drummer, you appear to be true to yourself while conducting yourself in public. Dedicated to your craft. You’re sincere in all your endeavors. The fanbase is loyal. The music speaks for itself. Songs I could never get tired of hearing. I love it ALL! Except for Love Beach (only kidding).

Many thanks to the families of Greg and Keith, and all involved, for providing a nice evening out.

Important Web-Links

Official Carl Palmer Website: www.carlpalmer.com

Official Paul Bielatowicz Website: www.paulbielatowicz.com the tal

Official Simon Fitzpatrick Website: www.simonfitzpatrick.net

House of Blues Las Vegas: www.lasvegas.houseofblues.com/shows

Official Arthur Brown Website: www.thegodofhellfire.com

Book: Welcome Back My Friends: A People’s History of Emerson, Lake, & Palmer by Bruce Pegg (available wherever fine books are sold)

Official Bruce Pegg Website: www.brucepegg.com

End of Article

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