Carl's influences were Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. (Palmer would later go on to become a close friend of Rich's). It was in 1970 that Palmer received a call from Keith Emerson and Greg Lake to try out for their new band. The moment they played together it was a magical feeling amongst the three musicians. After searching for a band name, the trio decided on EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER. ELP would go on to become one of the biggest rock acts of all time, with sales of over 30 million records and sold out tours around the globe.