 The Nice were primarily a live band . Their stage performances were bold and violent , with Emerson incorporating feedback and distortion . He manhandled his Hammond L @-@ 100 organ , wrestling it and attacking it with daggers ( which he used to hold down keys and sustain notes during these escapades ) . Emerson 's playing was inspired by Jimi Hendrix , Billy Ritchie of Clouds , and Don Shinn as well as earlier figures such as pianist Jerry Lee Lewis . 
