The unfortunate passings of the music industry’s finest continue to stun as 2016 comes to a close. Yesterday, Greg Lake passed away. According to his manager Stewart Young in a Facebook post, “Yesterday, December 7th, I lost my best friend to a long and stubborn battle with cancer. Greg Lake will stay in my heart forever, as he has always been. His family would be grateful for privacy during this time of their grief.”
At 69 years old, he was best known as the singer and bassist for King Crimson before becoming the bassist, guitarist, singer and lyricist for Emerson, Lake & Palmer. He was a staple member of both groups and remains a legend of progressive rock and roll. With Keith Emerson’s death earlier this year, 2016 has truly been a terrible year for fans of the famed trio.
In memory of Greg Lake, let’s honor some of his greatest moments in music history:
Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer performing “Lucky Man” at the California Jam in 1974:
Emerson, Lake & Palmer perform “Fanfare For The Common Man” live in Montreal in 1977. This footage is from the “Works: Orchestral Tour”. Shot on August 26, 1977 at Montreal’s famed Olympic Stadium.
Greg Lake In The Court Of The Crimson King Live 2005:
“I Believe In Father Christmas” is a song by Greg Lake. Although it is often categorized as a Christmas song this was not Lake’s intention. Lake wrote the song in protest at the commercialization of Christmas.
King Crimson – EPITAPH live In The Court of the Crimson King Steve Hackett & Greg Lake & Wetton
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lake’s friends and family.