Greg Lake RIP
The death has been confirmed of Greg Lake, the widely-travelled British rock musician and former member of prog giants Emerson, Lake & Palmer and King Crimson. He was 69, and had been suffering from cancer.
Greg’s manager Stewart Young has written on Facebook: “Yesterday, December 7th, I lost my best friend to a long and stubborn battle with cancer. Greg Lake will stay in my heart for ever, as he has always been. His family would be grateful for privacy during this time of their grief.”
Many of Lake’s friends and colleagues have taken to Twitter to share their sympathy at the news of his passing, which comes only nine months after Emerson’s death. Rick Wakeman wrote: “Another sad loss with the passing of Greg Lake…you left some great music with us my friend & so like Keith, you will live on.”
His former King Crimson bandmate John Wetton wrote: “And now, I’m so sad to hear of the passing of a musical giant in my genre. Yesterday, my dear friend Greg Lake died from cancer. RIP.” Steve Hackett added: “Music bows its head to acknowledge the passing of a great musician and singer, Greg Lake.”
Greg Lake was born in Bournemouth, Dorset, in 1947 and befriended Robert Fripp at school and in 1969 he became a founder member of King Crimson, playing bass on their classic debut album, In The Court of the Crimson King, and he also had an involvement in writing lyrics for the album as well as producing it after their original producer walked out.
Lake stayed with King Crimson for a year, but after striking up a friendship with the Nice’s keyboardist Keith Emerson – the bands toured America together – Lake and Emerson enlisted drummer Carl Palmer to form the much loved, Emerson Lake & Palmer (ELP). Lake contributed acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, lyrics, vocals and production throughout the 1970s, before they split up at the end of the decade. The group reformed for a number of years in the mid-1990s before permanently disbanding.
During his time with ELP Lake achieved solo chart success when the classic, ‘I Believe in Father Christmas’ which reached number two on the UK singles chart. After ELP, he joined joined Asia, before forming Emerson, Lake & Powell in 1986 with drummer Cozy Powell. In 2010, he toured with Keith Emerson, from which came the live album Live from Manticore Hall and in the same year Emerson, Lake and Palmer gave their final live concert at the High Voltage rock festival, in Victoria Park, London.
Greg Lake RIP
UK English
Mat
December 8, 2016 at 3:25 pm
Always been my favourite Xmas song, hope it gets to Xmas #1 instead of that X Factor Turd !
Pat
December 8, 2016 at 4:48 pm
He had such a great and recognizable singing voice. Truly a legend in his genre.
Torvaldur ólafsson
December 8, 2016 at 9:18 pm
Love itt,
Terry Lynch
December 8, 2016 at 11:46 pm
Sad to hear of Greg Lakes death. I followed him from King Crimson to ELP as both bands were on my favorite band list. Saw them in concert and was in awe listening to them. ELP made some awesome music which I have on vinyl and they keep those records in great condition.
Wishing you a Happy Trip on your way to Valhalla……..Gods Speed Greg Lake
Leonard Archer
December 9, 2016 at 6:24 am
I too am saddened by the news of Mr. Lake’s passing.”Tarkus” was one of the first albums I ever bought and I had the privilege of seeing ELP live after their second “Works” album came out. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Greg’s. My family has also been touched by cancer. No matter what anyone says, I know that cancer is an “Evil Demon” that needs to be sent to the bottomless pit of HELL! Rest in peace, my friend.
Colin firld
December 9, 2016 at 10:14 pm
Rest in peace greg patt of a eorld famous group living legend itreplaceable
Edwin Roulston
December 10, 2016 at 12:14 pm
“Ooohh, what a lucky man, he was”
Sad ending to a life of a talented and kind man. RIP Greg, you enriched our lives.
curtis j. newell
December 27, 2016 at 11:37 pm
I loved this man’s contribution to ELP’s music!!! His voice was unmistakeable! Emerson and lake in the SAME YEAR gone!!!