My Adventure at the Hollywood Rock Walk
Just past the hustle and bustle of the Sunset Strip lies the Hollywood location of the prestigious Guitar Center chain. But this store boasts a unique gem that lies not inside its doors, but on its front pavement!
Welcome to Guitar Center's Rock Walk. Immortalized in its grey cement are the handprints of guitar gods, bass masters, piano prodigies, and various others who have in some way contributed to rock music as we know it today. Having never experienced this near-hidden gem, I drank it all in and became tourist for a day.
Love that they immortalized drummer Rick Allen's famous left foot, too. :)
Heh, Edward. How very sophisticated!
I believe Mr. Levin is only member of King Crimson to be immortalized here...thus far. Ahemhemhem.
Love that even Eddie got his chance to be recognized!
Mr. Z. had strangely chubby little hands.
Sadly, this photo of prog phenomenon Yes is a little blurred because it was right near the door, out of the sunlight. It was amusingly delightful to note that singer Jon Anderson's hands are even smaller than mine! Compare them with giant Chris Squire's massive paws and you get some idea of the diversity not only in music, but in height in the band.
No wonder Todd Rundgren was popular with the groupies! Check out those huge hands! Whoa!
Although it was awesome to see everyone, my main reason for going was to see the handprints of my new favorite band, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer.
Check out more photos of the boys' induction here
Over the course of a few months, I've really immersed myself in their music and absolutely love their sound. When you have the combination of master/mad scientist pianist Keith Emerson, bassist/angelic voiced Greg Lake, and insanely amazing drummer Carl Palmer, you really can't go wrong. Add in master poet/lyricist Peter Sinfield, who penned the early work of another favorite band of mine, King Crimson, and you have a match made in musical heaven! After many years of urging - especially since I loved Crimson so fondly - a friend of mine finally got me to listen to ELP. And after hearing the first notes of Trilogy, I was hooked. It is an absolute joy to gorge on their rather majestic catalogue, and I have been feasting on albums, b-sides, bootlegs, solo work, and live performances with great verve.
As I like to say, ELP are the thinking prog fangirl's boy band.
Something about the fact that part of Keith's hand did not imprint fascinated me, especially since I have just been reading about the nerve problems he experienced. I remember reading that although Keith's fingers aren't as long as many pianists', he makes up for it with his massive handspan.
Greg Lake is my personal favorite member of the group, so it was especially lovely to see his massive hand. Check out the bassist's immense thumb! Greg not only played bass and guitar, but also sang like an absolute angel. His golden tones first came into the forefront on early King Crimson albums. Why I never put the two together until recently is beyond me, but I'm making up for lost time. One can easily become "drunk" on Lake's deliciously honeyed voice, which can both
be soothing and have an edge, depending upon the song.
Now I can say I've held Greg Lake's hand(print). *sighs*
It was fascinating to me that I definitely felt a strong energy upon touching Carl's handprint. Must be all that kinetic energy from his complex and frenzied playing!
Just before I left, I pressed my small hand into each of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer's prints one last time in turn. Then, with a final look and a small satisfied sigh, I headed back to my car.
Although the walk is far from complete (*cough* where are Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Peter Sinfield et al? *cough*), it's a great start. Here's hoping the exhibit continues to grow and become a west coast home to celebrate rock as it should be properly celebrated.