About the song
Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s live performance of “Fanfare for the Common Man” at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal in 1977 stands as a monumental moment in the history of rock music. The trio, known for their pioneering approach to progressive rock, delivered a rendition that was both powerful and evocative, leaving an indelible mark on the audience and the genre itself.
The original composition of “Fanfare for the Common Man” was written by American composer Aaron Copland in 1942, during a time of global unrest. Its bold and triumphant sound was intended to celebrate the everyday man, resonating with the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people. When Emerson, Lake & Palmer decided to reinterpret this piece, they infused it with their signature style, blending classical influences with the electrifying energy of rock music. The result was a performance that transcended genres, bringing together the grandeur of classical music with the raw power of rock.
At the Olympic Stadium, the atmosphere was electric. The massive venue, filled with tens of thousands of fans, provided the perfect backdrop for the band’s epic performance. Keith Emerson’s keyboard work was particularly notable, as he brought Copland’s composition to life with a Moog synthesizer, adding layers of sound that echoed through the stadium. Greg Lake’s bass and Carl Palmer’s drumming provided a solid foundation, driving the piece forward with a relentless energy that captivated the audience.
This performance is often hailed as one of the finest moments in the band’s career. It showcased their ability to take a well-known classical piece and transform it into something entirely new and exhilarating. For many fans, this live rendition of “Fanfare for the Common Man” remains a defining moment, not just for Emerson, Lake & Palmer, but for the entire progressive rock movement. The 1977 performance at the Olympic Stadium is a testament to the band’s creativity, musicianship, and their enduring legacy in the world of music.
Video
Lyrics
A complicated sunset
Sets the mood within the room
All bets are up and
We keep looking down
To try and find
The will to turn this around.I spent the last three months
In mental traction
Woeing all I could forsee
I slept myself free and
Cursed at all awake
The medicine I’d take.I broke down
On the train to southtown
Midway inbound
Eleven to your seven
I held out
Carrying this crutch around
Angry words came rushing out
Eleven to your seven.Now I could pound on the keys so hard and
Make the mallets slap the strings and
Pump the pedals till I’m breathless and
Sing off key and
Wouldn’t that be just like me?Now people in the back yell hey
When they see me today
I got a smile so wide it stems offstage
They say go go you gone soul and
For all I know
They now know
Oh no.You broke down
As I tore the pages out
During all the painful parts
Eleven to your seven
You held out
Carrying your diary around
Angry ink came rushing out
Eleven to your seven.So we finished the night and
We laud the long ride
Because it leads to my own bed
So at least tonight
My head will be alright.We broke down
Miles out of Morgantown
A midnight rainstorm crashing down
Not one breathing soul around
Eleven to your seven.