Emerson, Lake & Palmer performed on this day in 1973 at Philipshalle in Düsseldorf, Germany.
This was the second date on ELP’s Get Me A Ladder Tour, the third tour they would undertake overall. This tour was the first tour the group undertook that did not begin in their native England. It was also the first tour the group went on without having an album completed and ready for release.
However, Brain Salad Surgery was on the horizon, and the band was already introducing the music to the general public. On this night, for instance, the group performed the first impression of “Karn Evil 9”, as well as a very early take on “Still…You Turn Me On” and “Toccata”.
This night was also important to one member of ELP in particular. Apparently, a reception was held in conjunction with the concert. At that reception, as bassist Greg Lake relates in his autobiography, he met a German model named Regina Bottcher. The two married the next January.
The concert was recorded and is in circulation online.
Philipshalle, where the band performed, was named for a Dutch electronics company. It now goes by the name ‘Mitsubishi Electric Halle’ after the Japanese company. It was opened in 1971.
The venue can hold up to 7,500 people. Since its opening, it has played host to many concerts, including these. A great many have been recorded, some of which can be found here.
The venue is still in use today, and it’s site can be found here.