Greg Lake - Lucky Man: Story and Song

Greg Lake sharing the story of how Lucky Man was recorded and then performing an acoustic version on May 18, 2012 at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.
All rights reserved to the original composer and copyright holder.

[@dorothysmith7731]

Greg's story of Lucky Man proves that true genius starts when we are young and continues through adulthood. If you are here you know he wrote the song at age 12. Thank you and R.I.P. Greg. 🤭

[@capturedangel139]

How wonderful to hear the story behind Lucky Man told by Greg himself. Then to hear him play it afterwards was a real treat, even though I've seen him play Lucky Man many times before. He was a musical genius with a voice like an angel, and it makes me sad that he is gone.

[@shable1436]

Yes he was, he had it all, I've been playing for years, and I can get close to his sounds on guitar, but his voice, and ability to remember all the words is where I fall on my face, he was amazing at remembering words, and so many elite musicians have that ability but I do not

[@JohnNathanCO]

I'm sorry to hear he is gone. Just rediscovered this great song and band from my own youth. I sort of overlooked them back then but realize now how awesome they were. This is a great story.

[@annadeenbyrd8321]

I'm 63 and I still adore them!

[@anthonycantu8879]

Absolutely beautiful! Man, I sure miss those times when you could turn on the radio and hear things like this, or something from Yes, or something from The Moody Blues... What the hell happened?

[@jamestiscareno4387]

I recall our family ( early 1970's ) acquiring our first set of stereo headphones. They were awesome. So very many times I would listen to " From The Beginning " and " Lucky Man ". To this day I still love their music.

[@deborahklinlger8565]

Greg Lake- the show that never ends.

[@kaesar1175]

genius RIP

[@shable1436]

Nice words

[@MichiganRay]

Glad to see and hear this.. What a lucky man I am to find it.

[@gprich82]

Brilliant. Some people are born with it.

[@bradbunshaft1643]

I love his voice so much. He is a great loss to me

[@keithharris1628]

I went as a 17 year old to as many of ELP’s early concerts. Adored the band. I was introduced to Greg by a mutual acquaintance and befriended him. We became good pals and he invited me to stand behind him on stage at their last ever gig. We dined together with Regina and my wife shortly before he passed away. Magnificent musician Abdul a fabulous guy. Oh what a lucky man I am. Bless you, K

[@annadeenbyrd8321]

Yes! Lucky

[@cynthiaself9597]

What a great story. You were both lucky men. Thanks for sharing.

[@jamestiscareno4387]

A very lucky man indeed. What a great story. Of course somewhat sad also. Thank you for sharing. I grew up loving the music of ELP. Greg had one of those singing voices only God could give.

[@theresaferguson6735]

Thats an amazing story. I'd say you both were lucky.

[@kaylakai]

How lucky you are!!!

[@deborahklinlger8565]

I love to listen to Greg, he had a special way about him, a real storyteller. Love the accent too! ❤😊❤

[@williamfadgen4540]

Bless his parents for all the sacrifices they made so he could have his dream!

[@timspillman4352]

Greg Lake had the gift, the gift of music, an amazing talent…oh what a Lucky Man he was…

[@Whitman1819]

Rest easy Greg Lake....what a talented and kind guy.

[@stevegoering]

I am so greatful to have seen these guy live during the 70's and 80's one if the best show I have ever seen...

[@MrNategriffin]

one of the great voices in rock n roll.

[@stevensauer5379]

One of the best voices in r&r

[@Andeano52]

The very first song I heard from ELP and I was hooked. A fan for life. One of my regrets is that I never got to see them live.

[@jekku4688]

AGREED. Would have been monumental!

[@EdBert]

I saw them in a major arena in 1980, then in a small bar in Austin in 1987.

[@barrychitwood3946]

Oh what lucky fans we are to be able to continue to enjoy their fabulous music.

[@denisebojczuk510]

@@EdBert ooooooo, what a lucky man you are!!!

[@Leonberger2007]

I had the exact experience... first song I heard and I was hooked. 🥰

[@andrewSUN17]

One of my all time fave tracks. Greg Lake such underrated talent!!! Bless him.

[@daletaylor2354]

What a voice 👏♥️

[@andrew_koala2974]

Nothing short of magnificent. The world is not the same without you Rest In Peace - I know your Soul is home in its place of origin and is happy. Thank you for your legacy with which we can celebrate your life

[@christopherthomassie4486]

BRAVO!!! RIP Greg Lake. What a beautiful man, voice and musician!

[@kenheard5693]

Such a mellow man with a clear honest spirit. What a super talent, most of us who are musicians Know the stunning performance combining the mastery of vocals and a twelve string guitar on “you still turn me on”. He makes it look easy, that’s a complex song. Greg you jumped the Grand Canyon with that one.

[@EdBert]

Sometimes while chewing gum too!

[@psychobuzzard]

what an immense talent, mind and music.....

[@Charleybones]

Greg Lake was an amazing talent. FRom his work in Kind Crimson to his stuff with ELP, and then by himself. He was special and humble, a rare combination then and even more so now...

[@stevedonoghue1868]

lovely to hear this story about creativity. ELP were superb live and Greg has one of the great rock voices.

[@rotheryberlin7772]

All the best for you Greg, wherever you are.

[@geoffreydowen5793]

started aged 12 now 64 just beautiful still after all these years. thank you for the post from the UK.home of prog rock except PFM

[@georgewaters456]

this might have been the very first ELP song I ever heard, perhaps in 78 or so, as I was in either the 7th or 8th grade in St Anslems in Bay Ridge and there was an 8th grader who wore a dungaree jacket with a big ELP on the back, black background with white letters... such an interesting way to discover a band !! anyhow pretty sure I heard this song on WNEW and thar was it, I was hooked and over 40 some odd years later I'm still a fan. great video here, thanks for posting !

[@joecercado1628]

From the Beginning I love it , I love the song , From the Beginning ! What a Lucky Man I am , to have heard the song Lucky Man ! Cheryl Knight , Ditto !

[@cherylknight6080]

This man has got to be an angel sent from Heaven.

[@MrWhiteamin]

I think all people have the gift of music when they are born, but it has to be nourished, and of course some are more gifted than others. When you listen to tracks that have worked on for hour after hour in studios, many get intimidated and give up. But no doubt about it , Greg Lake had a very special gift that he nourished with his open heart .

[@jekku4688]

What a great story. Shadows of the great artist he would one day become. Such a great voice he had! I love hearing the "story behind the story" on stuff like this. Gosh, I loved ELP so much back in the day...RIP Greg and Keith.

[@ikofire1]

Pure class.

[@JH-rs8fx]

Such a great band. Brings back memories of my youth

[@R182video]

Beautiful story and song. I always loved ELP and the cutting edge music they created.

[@jerilafave1544]

Yes luck man! Please it was in the 70s ..and my best friend were all their awesome

[@jerilafave1544]

My good friend Larry introduces me

[@asteroideb54]

Moi aussi j'ai beaucoup aimé ce côté AVANT-GARDISTE de ELP en 1972, j'avais 17 ans........j'étais moi même une AVANT-GARDISTE au niveau de l'OREILLE, MELOMANE en HERBE.......

[@denisebojczuk510]

It is an added treat to hear the back story to the music directly from the man who created it!

[@denisebojczuk510]

Such a wonderfully talented man! I love to hear the history of the music directly from the people who actually made the music! 🎵

[@mariosma5839]

Λατρεμένος άνθρωπος καί καλλιτέχνης!!!❤❤❤

[@michaelhunt2751]

Thank you for 35 years of making me happy. You guys are great

[@mkrnp]

What a GREAT song!

[@FusionHowie]

I cry every time I hear the end of the Moog Solo, Peace from Detroit MI

[@horseyhorselips3501]

I was lucky 🍀 to see E.L.P. when I was 17 years old I ran away from home to help with a flood disaster in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania July 7, 1972 on my third ride they had been going to the Pocono Mountains to see a rock concert I didn’t have a ticket but they took me along with them after the concert I went to Wilkes-Barre PA to help with flood. But because of the flood the gates were opened and I got in for free

[@shable1436]

The harmony the way it uses counterpoint is cool

[@mattmccleary1278]

They were an amazing band!!

[@idahopotato5837]

What a Lucky Man he was. And gifted. My first girlfriend in the 70's was a huge fan and introduced me to ELP. I'm still a fan of their great library of music.

[@SLynch007]

Goosebumps all up and down my spine

[@tessierashpoolmg7776]

Amazing how a few pints can open your mind.

[@theknightsofawesomeness2701]

I think that the guitar solo is one of my favourite in rock music

[@MakinEndsMeet69]

One of the greats that's for sure I am glad to have said that I had seen one show only of Emerson Lake and Palmer and it fortunately was one of the best concerts I had ever been to the clarity of the music was amazing especially for the place where we saw it God has blessed me that day that is for sure.

[@sweetitis]

What great memories Better to have lived and lost than never loved at all huh?

[@scottgagnon9451]

Classic song almost not recorded, great story

[@lindagilmore6459]

Loss of truly talented musicians

[@Macktones]

first heard him in King Crimson Court of The Crimson King, 21st Century Skidzoidman , great player, first two King Crimson Records and them came along ELP

[@KennethDonnellyStargazer21]

Yes indeed...saw them around 1970 or 71? in Virginia Beach while stationed in Norfolk, Humble Pie opened for them, great memories 🌛

[@DiGiTaLdAzEDM]

Legend!!

[@pland99]

This is the first song I heard EL&P play. I was at Ohio State in Lincoln towers,my roommates call me in & say,you gotta hear this,I listened,couldn't believe it,I was hooked! Circa 1970 ! Missing Greg,missing Keith! WNCI I think!

[@cltinfo2173]

What a wonderful man!

[@zambocinquantadue6911]

Te ne sei andato troppo presto, eri bello e bravo con una voce unica !!!!!!

[@alexhall6375]

Lovely

[@barryedwards1336]

Heard this story before from Greg, but who would have thought Lucky Man would be the monster hit it became, it became one of my favourites of ELP after seeing them perform it live

[@paologuercini7555]

How many times have I written ELP on the tables of my school in the 70s? I lost count ...

[@rainstein3680]

I loved ELP and saw them in concert as well and what a treat!!!

[@nelsonvanvickle8862]

This song would have been great even without Keith’s monstrous synth in the mix, but it wouldn’t have been quite the same. Something about the exclamation point that Emerson put into the music was in itself absolutely beautiful and brilliant. RIP Greg and Keith…phenomenal musicians and songwriters both…

[@Theearthtraveler]

Wow! Great performance!

[@horseyhorselips3501]

I Dedicate this Song 🎶 to My Uncle 2nd Lt John Roslick of the 31st Inf Reg Killed in Combat April 6,1942 Bataan and Listed Missing in Action on the Tablets in Manila Gold Star ⭐️ Mother Mrs. Mary Orzolek of Old Forge Pennsylvania Uncle John Orzolek Joined the Army in 1924-25 at the Age of 14-15 years old by changing his last name from Orzolek to Roslick. He served in the 3rd Cavalry and rode Horseback Show Horse 🐎 rider in FDR’s First Inaugural Parade in 1933 before they lost their horses & that’s when he got transferred to the Philippine Island’s when my Dad got Drafted into WWII after his brother died my dad changed his last name from Orzolek to Orzolick in memory of his brother Roslick

[@babysow1793]

i loved this group did so many good songs how sad he passed

[@jerdal6825]

I'm in my fifties and have just recently discovered what a great talent Greg Lake was. It leads me to the question why wasn't the band named LEP?

[@bbrisk]

I believe it was alphabetical.

[@gurgisjones1120]

I like the distortion thrown in on the acoustic at 5:48 for the solo, making it like an electric guitar.

[@axelgrotsch4654]

Grandioser Song,Grandiose Stimme.Unvergesslich.

[@feralmario310]

Quel magnifique artiste !

[@laskatz3626]

Love it!

[@pmoris4405]

Lake always told that story on his late performances. I think it was not intentional but he gives the idea that Keith first used the Moog on this occasion but Keith already played the Moog before. He had already purchased his own as we can see in the Isle of Wight performance. When recording first album he had used it on Tank not only on Lucky Man. However that square wave tone was never heard before and blew people`s minds up at the time.

[@anonymusum]

I read Keith´s book and his version of this particular song and solo is nearly identical.

[@pmoris4405]

Sure pal I read it too. The point is Keith had been using the moog before recording Lucky Man. It was recorded in the final days of the album sessions which ended by September 1970. The Isle of Wight festival took place in August and they also played a warm up gig at the Plymouth a couple of weeks earlier. I also read a magazine interview from 1997 on which Keith tells that he borrowed Mike Vicker’s modular moog to use it on a The Nice concert with orchestra. He said the crowd was so intrigued that he knew he had to buy one, which he eventually did. Perhaps they were just making the story around the song a bit more fun by telling like this.

[@anonymusum]

@@pmoris4405 Yeah, right. And Vickers probably edited the Lucky Man sound for Keith as at that time he hardly understood the structure of that beast. Anyway - what still amazes me is that in 1970 Lucky Man was considered to be progressive music. And the next thing that amazes me is that ELP´s successful mixture of Keith´s and Carl´s more aggressive style and Greg´s compensatory calm songs was born out of an accident with Lucky Man. I doubt that they would have been so successful without that accident. I remember hearing that record for the first time. The Barbarian blew me away and I thought: oh shit, I have to learn and practice a lot more than up to now.

[@pmoris4405]

@@anonymusum Yes totally agree, their talents together created one of the finest music ever created! The Barbarian is so powerfull! Some people at the time considered ELP a heavy metal band. As for Vickers yes I know it escapes from the initial point anyway here’s some cool info taken from Cornell University’s website. Can’t paste the URL. “Emerson was looking for a new sound for his band The Nice, and prodded his record label to write Bob Moog requesting a free (!) synthesizer. Meanwhile, he was able to experiment with the Moog sound by borrowing a synthesizer from Mike Vickers of the rock group Manfred Mann. When Emerson, Lake and Palmer was formed in 1970, the group’s label, Atlantic Records, agreed to purchase new gear for the band, so Keith finally received his modular synth from the Moog company.”

[@anonymusum]

@@pmoris4405 I see, we both have the same love for this band. And the same info as well ..... haha

[@jeffphakenewz8556]

Yeah, well, I wrote Yesterday, Inna Gadda Da Vida and Bridge Over Troubled Waters when I was 11. But you don't hear me bragging. :-) Greg, thank you for making and sharing your incredible talents with the world. The music, that voice, lyrics worth listening to. One of the reasons I was - and am - glad to have lived through that era. RIP

[@t161sprawotsi3]

Lucky Man .. this is First ELP Album 1970 The briliant Improvisation Three Musician & Best Performance .. I like by ESP'70 👍🇮🇩🙏

[@user-yc2ht5wf7n]

great

[@walterbarros2697]

Wonderful.

[@josedearaujofilho9028]

Very good!!!!

[@Kemrer]

Thank you

[@michaelpaster1316]

Cool.

[@asteroideb54]

Je regrette juste de n'avoir jamais vu ELP en concert........dommage

[@andremac4040]

Takin the high road homec

[@edellis515]

CHERYL Knight U R Correct!!!!!!!!!

[@Rickfirefight]

🙏

[@patmetheny6482]

RIP!

[@edellis515]

GOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@pasfra7259]

Quelle chanson greg etait une legende j.espere qu.il fait des boeufs la haut avec keith

[@SWog617]

The one thing I never quite understood about it being a medieval song... "a bullet had found him...". Seems like you'd have to be a very unlucky man to be killed by a bullet in medieval times. 😆 I love the song anyway... rest in peace, Greg.

[@peterwarner5306]

I'm in better than hi my ,yes I'm pure

[@williamsands5519]

The tail end, last few seconds of the moog is obviously not from the original. Anyone know the story on that? Is it part of the original recording and not used? Was it someone else playing a slightly different version of the track?

[@TractorMonkeywithJL]

Was there a band or was he singing to a backing track?

[@drawingtime2589]

Good question

[@ericleyton4153]

It's a track

[@ponkopanajot5143]

Има ли значение бе, пе'дал ?!

[@sweetitis]

I passed up Led Zepplin after seeing them like 12 times But a friend lost his mailed in tix so i went to Cobo Ticket office shot cock and bull Mail tix never arrived in Canada and girl named Pat hand wrote a pass Saw Zep and got idea to cut too of pass off and hand wrote ELP tix for 12 2 nights in a row , did Black Sabbath and finally pass got so short i got stopped at Rush or someone haha I remember Carl Palmer spinning upside down on his drum kit what a great 3 piece band

[@kathyratino962]

Carl did not spin upside down. His kit revolved. Keith spun upside down on a hollowed-out grand piano.

[@sweetitis]

@@kathyratino962 i stand corrected Drugs were good in those days haha

[@peterwarner5306]

Why are people on earth who don't agree with me.

[@TimLondonGuitarist]

Keith's bit works well if cut off as here, the original goes rambling on in 1 chord very boringly & ruins the mood.

[@jondoe8889]

Sorry, but I will never understand why singers continue to sing, long after their voices are crap. And why people pay to hear them. I recently heard Springstein on TV. I was embarrassed for him! For most untrained singers, by 60, the voice is getting bad. The highs are gone, as is the volume and sustain. I loved his story, but couldn't listen to his singing. I prefer to remember him when he still had a voice!

[@gamblerintimidator3858]

Your speakers must be blown.

[@horseman03]

Greg can still very much sing in this clip, the only difference may be the little highs and a much darker sound, but he could still outsing a lot of other singers his age

[@paulkcormier]

GO BACK TO YOUR BRITNEY SPEARS ALBUMS YOU FLAKE -- in this he knocks it out of the ballpark even harmonizing to the key board solo -- you are a waste of oxygen

[@TopJimmyWinn]

Troll!

[@kristopherstaley289]

And who are you?