How Tom's Hammond Found Its Way to ELP

Every instrument has a story, but few can match the journey of Tom's Hammond L100 organ.

It begins in 1992 at the Manchester Apollo. ELP were on their Black Moon tour, and Tom went backstage to meet Keith Emerson. During their conversation, Tom offered Keith the use of his Hammond L100 — a generous gesture that would have far-reaching consequences.

Fast forward to 2009. Keith Emerson was invited to make a guest appearance with Spinal Tap at Wembley Arena. He needed a Hammond organ for the performance, and he knew exactly where to find one. Tom's L100 made its way to Wembley, and Keith played it on stage in front of thousands.

But the organ's greatest moment was yet to come. In July 2010, ELP headlined the High Voltage Festival at Victoria Park in London. For their encore of 'Rondo', Keith Emerson once again called upon Tom's faithful Hammond L100.

None of us knew it at the time, but that High Voltage performance would prove to be ELP's last ever public appearance together. The fact that a little Hammond organ from Rochdale played a part in that historic moment is something that fills us with enormous pride.

The L100 is back home now, taking pride of place in Tom's keyboard rig for every Noddy's Puncture performance. It's been on quite a journey — from a living room in Lancashire to the biggest stages in the country and back again.