ELP, King Crimson Frontman Greg Lake Dies at Age 69

By Dave Basner

December 8, 2016

Emerson, Lake & Palmer has lost another member. Greg Lake died at the age of 69 on Wednesday. His manager said the rocker passed away after a "long and stubborn battle with cancer." The news comes nine months after Keith Emerson died from a self-inflicted gunshot.

In 1969, Lake formed King Crimson, going on to create hits like "21st Century Schizoid Man." A year later he co-founded ELP and with them put out hit albums like Pictures at an Exhibition, Trilogy and Brain Salad Surgery, many of which Greg produced. 

Carl Palmer has released a statement about Lake's passing saying, “It is with great sadness that I must now say goodbye to my friend and fellow band-mate, Greg Lake. Greg’s soaring voice and skill as a musician will be remembered by all who knew his music and recordings he made with ELP and King Crimson. I have fond memories of those great years we had in the 1970s and many memorable shows we performed together. Having lost Keith this year as well, has made this particularly hard for all of us.”

Musicians have been weighing in on Lake's passing with guitarist Steve Hackett saying, "Music bows its head to acknowledge the passing of a great musician and singer," and former Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman tweeting, "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." 

On his website, Lake is quoted as saying, "The greatest music is made for love, not for money. The early ELP albums were pioneering because there is no standing still; time is always moving forward."

Photo Credit: Getty

Greg LakeEmerson, Lake & PalmerKing Crimson
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