Credit: Lee MillwardIn the wake of the sad news that Emerson, Lake and Palmer frontman Greg Lake died Wednesday at age 69 after a battle with cancer, a variety of fellow rock stars have come forward to pay tribute to the influential prog-rock musician.
The members of Yes have posted a joint statement on the band’s Twitter feed that reads, “Very sad to hear of the passing of our friend legendary Greg Lake[.] Our thoughts & condolences are with [his wife] Regina & [his daughter] Natasha & all the family.”
The Who, who tapped Lake to play bass on its 2004 single “Real Good Lookin’ Boy,” posted a message on its official Facebook page sending condolences to Greg’s “family and close friends.” The band also posted a link to a video that offered a behind-the-scenes look at the “Real Good Lookin’ Boy” sessions.
Longtime Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman paid homage to Lake in his own tweet, while acknowledging the death earlier this year of Greg’s ELP band mate Keith Emerson. “Another sad loss with the passing of Greg Lake,” Wakeman wrote. “You left some great music with us my friend & so like Keith, you will live on.”
Asia frontman John Wetton, who played in King Crimson early in his career after Lake left that group, wrote, “I’m so sad to hear of the passing of a musical giant in my genre.”
Here are some tributes to Lake from a number of other well-known musicians:
Ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett: “Music bows its head to acknowledge the passing of a great musician and singer, Greg Lake.”
Yes and Asia keyboardist Geoff Downes: “Very sad news about Greg Lake. I had the privilege of working with him on several projects. His great talent will be sorely missed by all.”
KISS frontman Paul Stanley: “Very sad news. Greg Lake has passed away. Such talent. I saw ELP. Loved King Crimson. Thank you for your music. RIP.”
KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer: “Greg Lake RIP, loved your music & your voice. ‘Lucky Man’ was the first song I ever learned on guitar.”
Whitesnake singer David Coverdale: “Our Thoughts & Prayers to the Family, Friends & Fans of Greg Lake…RIP.”
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