THE BIRTH OF A BAND - ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL 1970

This DVD has become a cheapy and eventually I bowed to the pressure of the nice price tag and got hold of this infamous concert. The CD was always great to listen to and there are sections of this on the "Beyond The Beginning" compilation DVD so I knew what to expect. There are a few surprises such as the documentary style at the beginning of the DVD, and occasionally some images are seen as the concert continues such as the motor speed boat show, a precursor to ELP's Fanfare for the Common Man used for World of Boats or Sports shows. We also see some nudist footage on a beach, which is a bit naughty for a PG rated DVD. It occurs during Take A Pebble and is mostly women in case you were wondering, personally it mars the DVD and does not belong there.

We also have the showstopping performance of Emerson, decked out in shimmering hat and sparkling glam costume, dragging his keyboard, smashing it about and eventually pummelling it. Palmer has some extraordinary drumming moments, and Lake sounds fresh and vibrant on vocals and bass.The finale of the magnum opus Pictures.... is mind blowing with cannons that almost blow the stage to pieces. The boom must have been staggering in the live arena.

Overall this is a great visual record of ELP's essential performance. It is bombastic, brilliant and bizarre... but this is ELP!