4:31pm Thursday 2nd September 2010
ONE of the world’s greatest rock drummers has joined forces with Bolton turntable experts to create a spectacular revolving drum platform.
When Carl Palmer, of Emerson Lake and Palmer fame, took to the stage for a 40th anniversary gig last month, he put fans in a spin using a Bolton-made turntable.
For when the drummer wanted to inject the wow-factor to the reunion concert, he turned for help to turntable makers Movetech UK.
The band’s reunion gig in London’ Victoria Park last month was the first time the rock superstars had played together for 10 years and the trio wanted to stage a truly memorable show.
It was Carl’s idea to create a revolving three-metre revolving stage, which with two specially installed wheels would then move him to the front stage for his celebrated solo extravaganzas.
So Movetech UK liaised with the star’s management company, QEDG, to create the revolving drumming platform for the gig, billed as the climax to London’s inaugural High Voltage Festival.
Carl said: “I am incredibly excited about the drum riser. It was fantastic in rehearsals, and Movetech UK pulled out all the stops to make sure it was a success at the festival. My confidence paid off — it definitely created the wow factor we had been looking for.”
ELP has been renowned from its beginnings for stunning on-stage effects, and it was Carl’s suggestion that the revolving stage could help recreate the excitement of the early years.
Movetech UK was equally enthusiastic about the event and the impression the revolve made on both performers and audience.
Movetech UK rental manager Matt Forrest said: “It was a fantastic event to be involved with and with the film of the event being available on DVD and as a broadcast, our capabilities will be seen worldwide.”
ELP’s performance at the High Voltage Festival will also be part of a live album and DVD for release later in the year.
Based at Emblem Street, Movetech UK is the new name for British Turntable, a business which has been solving load-moving challenges with turntables for commerce and industry since 1959.
It has created everything from tiny display turntables for jewellers up to items capable of moving tanks.
The company, which has an annual turnover of £1 million to £1.5 million, was founded by John Entwistle, who recently retired.
His son, Tim Entwistle, has succeeded him as managing director.
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