Three decades after their peak, there’s probably no point in asking… still, as a fan, I always thought they sounded great together, but it was pretty clear they couldn’t stand each other (a big part of the reason for “Works Volume 1” was to allow them to make music without dealing with each other!).
Now, obviously, I don’t know any of them, have never met any of them, have never talked to any of them, but individually, each seemed like a decent person.
So… anyone know specific reasons for their problems in getting along?
Incredible egos, for one thing. Also, Keith Emerson wanted to go further and further out there. Greg Lake hated Tarkus, for instance while Emerson hated Lucky Man.
I think in general bands of equals like ELP don’t last as long as bands where there is a clear cut hierarchy that everybody buys into, more or less. Somebody’s always feeling shafted. It can go on for a while, but not forever.
Also, each of them was established by the time ELP came together, so there wasn’t that brotherhood dynamic (I don’t know what you call it) going on that carries bands through the tough times. They didn’t really need each other, and each went on to fine careers after ELP.