Keyboardist and progressive rock legend Keith Emerson has died aged 71, his former band Emerson, Lake and Palmer says.
"We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night at his home in Santa Monica, Los Angeles," the band's Facebook page said.
The statement asked for his family's privacy and grief to be respected.
Emerson was widely considered one of the top keyboard players of the progressive rock era.
Former bandmate Carl Palmer said on Facebook: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson.
"Keith was a gentle soul whose love for music and passion for his performance as a keyboard player will remain unmatched for many years to come."
Apart from ELP, founded in 1970, Keith Emerson is best remembered for his role in The Nice, formed in 1967.
The British musician and composer was born in Yorkshire in 1944.
Re: Not a good year, is it?
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2016 9:56 pm
by Lord Jim
Late 60's early 70s seems to be the outer limit for a lot of the old rockers...
Re: Not a good year, is it?
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2016 10:22 pm
by MajGenl.Meade
The post-war baby boom effect. We should expect our idols not to outlive us. (Mine certainly will not)(touch wood)
Re: Not a good year, is it?
Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:28 pm
by Lord Jim
We should expect our idols not to outlive us. (Mine certainly will not)
Well now, that's what I call setting a low bar...
You should expect to out-live Lenny Cohen if you can make it to next Tuesday...
Or last Tuesday for that matter...
Re: Not a good year, is it?
Posted: Sat Mar 12, 2016 9:49 pm
by Burning Petard
Lennie Cohen? Next Tuesday? Perhaps Bernie should be using 'First We Take Manhatten' at his rallies.
Re: Not a good year, is it?
Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2016 5:50 am
by Bicycle Bill
Just thought I'd point out that he died of what police have described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound, rather than the effects of an illness, drug overdose, or other natural causes.
But for whatever reason, our older generation of rockers, movie stars, authors, and other entertainers are coming to that time of their life when, regardless of whether it's with a bang or a whimper, they will still be leaving us. -"BB"-
Re: Not a good year, is it?
Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2016 3:20 pm
by oldr_n_wsr
RIP Keith.
Thanks for contributing to the music of my youth.
