THE DREAM COMES TRUE!

Back in 2016 I went with Danny to a Julien’s Auction in Beverly Hills that contained property in the collection of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach. Among the items that were being auctioned for charity was a drumkit. Not just any drumkit, but the legendary Carl Palmer stainless steel set that was used on Emerson, Lake & Palmer recordings and for live performances from 1974 to 1978.

The kit was commissioned by Carl Palmer in 1973 and built by British Steel. The shells are hand-engraved with ornate hunting scenes similar to woodland depictions seen on the metalwork of fancy rifles. Included with the set were Carl’s symphonic tympani, tubular bells, massive gongs (themselves embellished with painted dragons that writhed in strobe lights during live shows) and an old, very heavy church bell.

Having seen Carl playing this amazing set during the “Brain Salad Surgery” and “Works” tours, we were both excited to see it in the auction show room. Even though it was expected to go for as much as $70,000, Danny planned to bid on it. As it turned out, his offer fell short (being the second highest), with the top bid being $75.000.  Afterwards, Danny contacted this person, and told him that if he ever wanted to sell the kit to give him a ring.

Fast forward to January 2025. Danny got that call and purchased the kit, along with all the percussive ‘trimmings’, including the 100 plus pound church bell (that I told him not to sit under, as Carl had done).  A dream comes true! I’m looking forward to hear him playing some Brain Salad Surgery on the kit once he sets it up. (NOTE: to watch Carl in action on this unique set of drums, see www.youtube: ELP at the California Jam 1974.)