Emerson, Lake & Palmer performed on this day in 1977 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.
ELP’s Madison Square Garden shows are all counted among some of their most legendary. However, even among these rare shows, the July 8th show was known as a remarkable one.
This was the second of three concerts the group performed at Madison Square Garden as part of the Works Tour. The tour had begun with an orchestra, but the group had had to let them go due to financial issues. The concerts at the Garden saw them reunited with the orchestra for three special dates.
Keith Emerson later recounted that upon finishing his Piano Concerto, Greg Lake ran up and gave him a hug, something which meant a lot to him. He also said that this was his favorite concert on the whole tour. Given it was one of their longer tours, with a great many concerts to choose from, this is a significant statement.
This concert is known to have been recorded, and is in circulation online.
I talk more about the venue, Madison Square Garden, here.