Published: September 23, 2026 · 2:19 AM EDT
The ELP and Asia drummer reflects on the realities of growing older on the road, his concerns about dying while touring and his determination to continue performing, with concerts scheduled through 2027
Carl Palmer, the legendary drummer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer and founding member of Asia, has opened up about his concerns over growing older while touring, admitting that the possibility of dying on the road has crossed his mind. However, the 76-year-old musician says he has no intention of retiring and remains determined to continue performing.
In an interview with MusicRadar published September 21, 2026, Palmer discussed the realities of life on tour, revealing that one of his concerns is where he might spend his final moments. “I don't want to die in some cheap hotel, you know?” he said, approaching the subject with humor while acknowledging that touring at his age requires additional precautions.
Palmer explained that his wife has considered accompanying him on more tours to help ensure his well-being. The drummer has also adjusted his lifestyle to maintain his physical condition, following a pescatarian diet, practicing yoga and avoiding alcohol while touring. Before performances, he rests with his legs elevated for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to conserve energy for the stage.
Despite those concerns, Palmer has no plans to retire. Having played drums since the age of 11, he has now spent 60 years working professionally as a musician. His commitment to live performance continues through his current project, Welcome Back My Friends: An Evening with Emerson, Lake & Palmer, which combines his live drumming with archival footage of his late bandmates Keith Emerson and Greg Lake.
Read: Legendary Supergroup ASIA Returns With New Lineup
Palmer's current U.S. tour continues through September 26, 2026, with upcoming concerts in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut. His official schedule also includes three performances in the United Kingdom in February 2027, followed by a March appearance aboard the '70s Rock and Romance Cruise and three Canadian concerts in April.
Watch Carl Palmer perform a drum solo with Asia live in Moscow in this video featured on his official website, below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
IMAGE CREDIT: Steve Satzberg.
