Reading this book is like a carefree step back in time to when music fans formed bands and played music simply for the hell of it, not simply to be famous. These guys were three such musicians.
ELP was formed as a way out of the drudgery of working class life. For sure, these guys wanted to be big, but big because of their talent. The real joy of this book is that there are no pointless, drawn-out musings on the meaning of life, nor are there any faux-academic ponderings over what the music really means in a social or political context. There is simply a document of concerts played, songs remembered and good times had by all.
The cover sets the book up well, with a real glowing sense of wonder and awe all around it. It should never be forgotten that ELP were as much innovators in rock music as their contemporaries (Pink Floyd, Supertramp) and if the gigs documented here are anything to go by, they never ever made that fatal mistake of losing touch with their roots.
All the musicians look as scruffy and unkempt as true musicians should (over-polished X Factor wannabes take note), giving both them and the book an air of friendliness and approachability that makes you want to read on and find out more.
This, then, is a very even-handed book that gives a very fair and entertaining account of what it was to be a touring musician in the 1970s.