Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake and Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer stopped by Gibson NYC to talk J-200s, Elvis Presley, songwriting and performance.

[@kristinzeiber23]

Doesn't matter what he looked like as he aged and was ill, he was a beautiful person inside and out. One of the greatest musicians there ever was! Greg, you are sorely missed.

[@turnerthemanc]

I wasnt thinking what he looked like until you pointed it out

[@noone-t8y]

He was truly a gentleman, and yet a TOWERING talent, with immense humility. Man do I miss him!

[@turnerthemanc]

@@noone-t8y have you ever seen him doing I Believe in Father Christmas with Ian Anderson in a church. Wonderful

[@HearturMind]

Seeing him play at Birchmere when he was around this age and I treasure that night with such a kind passionate man. I loved his story about the MOOG solo in Lucky man. They were running out of time and needed a last song for the record. The guys went to the pub and he took Lyrics he wrote as a twelve year old and worked up the song. The MOOG was dropped off while they were out and when they returned it was cut in one take with that solo his first go on the MOOG.

[@noone-t8y]

@@HearturMind I was there. Go a chance to tell him how much he had changed the course of my life. Treasure!!!

[@harpmanb]

In his prime, there was no better singer than Lake. What a voice.

[@andrewhoran7088]

harpman1876 b Court of the Crimson King

[@jameskeeney2032]

I totally agree his accopella version of Epitaph is absolutely amazing. James Keeney

[@marcsalzman8082]

Top tier vocalist, accoustic guitar player, bass player, writer, & by all accounts I've heard just a friendly, kind, non rock star ego human. Very rare indeed.

[@Dennzio1]

So true harpman

[@jamessholtz6016]

Agreed.

[@PeedyJ]

Greg Lake was an absolute treasure who crafted timeless music.

[@IStayAwayAIC]

Hearing one legend talk about another legend never gets old.

[@dlpasco]

Perfectly well said, sir.

[@A66omd]

A guy talking so wonderfully and enthusiastically about his great love in life - the music . A total joy to watch and listen to him. Such a shame that he is no longer with us

[@kristinechristlieb1383]

Oh, I know. He was so articulate, so intimate, about that J-200 guitar. A true musician and knightly troubadour. Rest In Peace.

[@SwisstedChef2018]

Is anybody like this anymore??

[@SamHollidayV]

He is like a J-200 in human form.

[@Mach1Airspace]

A great voice. A kind soul. A true legend sorely missed.

[@overthetop52]

Cannot ignore that classical voice of his.....Unmistakable....Greg Lake...RIP

[@stlrockn]

In almost 50 years since it was released, "From The Beginning" is one of those songs I have never gotten tired of. I enjoy it now as much as when I first heard it. RIP Greg Lake. Thanks for the soundtrack to my life.

[@mereobservation]

Never seen anyone so in love with their craft. What a lovely (lucky) man he was.

[@rodmcdonough6111]

Well said!

[@jaapongeveer6203]

I see what you did there! That was my favourite ELP song.

[@mereobservation]

@@jaapongeveer6203 one of mine too!

[@graylingboysalisbury]

How in hell can someone this great not be with us? We will never see his like again. RIP my friend and thank you. X

[@rodmcdonough6111]

I agree, but his music and unique voice is with us every time we listen. It will outlast the physical human life only to become eternal.

[@JeffMcNeal]

When Greg was still with us, he wrote me and said that my band's tribute cover of "From The Beginning" was perhaps the best he had ever heard to date. I can't tell you how much that meant to us. Thank you, Greg.

[@timhitt9541]

What's your bands' name can we see it on youtube?

[@JeffMcNeal]

@@timhitt9541 The band is no longer, but we still have a lot of videos up. Mrs. Jones' Revenge. I just loaded one of our final performances of the song before we broke up last June. Thanks for your interest. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJu0gamZnpeMo6M

[@dffabryr]

@@JeffMcNeal I just saw your video !!! great perfomance, congratulations and ... rest in peace Keith and Greg !!! thank ypu for all your magnificent work

[@vancecalvin4042]

What a Honor

[@michelelaraia7358]

@@JeffMcNeal interesting.Info:If i want to extract the http(s) and put in a n Yt answer,how do i manage to do so/that?

[@MariaPerez-fj9cl]

Greg Lake, Such a great musician, song writer, singer, and performer. I love your music forever.

[@seaneagle239]

His voice is so deep almost Baritone, Awesome RIP Greg Lake, beautiful human

[@rickbales1880]

When he stroked "In the beginning", tears came to my eyes. R.I.P. Greg.

[@RobertSmith-tq6mf]

My favorite song of theirs.

[@birdman1112]

So great.

[@mauriceclemens3286]

I teared up too. One of the most recognizable songs of theirs.

[@Kritikateur]

I had the same emotional break down....Love this man. RIP Greg. C.A.😘👍

[@rokkitman59]

Oh, for sure...such an iconic song...takes me to a spiritual place, that song...

[@Prog-t9d]

There was a time when music was filled with magic and meaningful songs.Greg was a big part of one the greatest times in music.RIP

[@pablowatts4112]

Agreed. Those first two crimson records are timeless and beautiful

[@kerrinchurchill2616]

So true!!

[@johnoberle9750]

Very underrated singer. Greg lake had a great voice.

[@blueplanet8750]

Too true - powerful soulful voice. Great guitar player, musician, from a great band (ELP), amongst the very best of their time. Era and its music gone.

[@pmb61]

And one of the only singers I've seen that chewed gum while he sang!

[@Jominycrocket0]

John Lennon always did as well!

[@Dmdmello]

"You needed to be original. You needed to be different" How I would like to be around those times...RIP Greg

[@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive]

Those times are still here. The problem is that our voices are no longer being amplified. The ones that are being amplified are useless, or worse.

[@cindyames-girard8133]

Those times will never be again. I was blessed to be a teen back then. I still have their album. "From the Beginning ". Awesome times for the greatest music.... I'm 72 as of 10/12/24. Still love all of the music of those days. EL&P were one of my faves. RIP Greg Lake. You were underrated.

[@Gruntol5]

"We were quite good players at the time." What an understatement. Greg you were a lovely man.

[@charlie-obrien]

When you learned an instrument in the time that Greg would have first started, you had to learn it the traditional way....by developing an ear and practicing all the time. There was no auto tune, no internet with free charts or even digital tuners. It was all by ear and that is why they could recognize how to be original and craft the music they heard in their heads to the songs we heard on the radio.

[@sapinva]

It wasn't the guitar with the magic, it was him. Very underrated player.

[@oldschoolchartist]

One of my all time favorite lyrics... I carry the dust from a journey That cannot be shaken away It lives deep within me For I breathe it every day

[@gabriv1995]

Greg Lake is a very gregarious, friendly, intelligent human being as well as a top musician and a fantastic orator and story-teller.

[@deborahklinlger8565]

WELL SAID!!!!!!!

[@mackydog99]

Now then, that was 7:46 well spent. Greg Lake,I will always have you in my heart and mind. RIP Greg 😔

[@vincentl.9469]

each to his own...the J200 sounded good in his hands but not other people's 🤙

[@deppurple700]

what a voice this man possessed.

[@realsteviem]

Perhaps that's because he was English.

[@gfriedman99]

Stephen Marck lol. You must be joking

[@SpaceCattttt]

@@realsteviem So's John Lydon...

He had a theatre voice. What a gift. How did he deteriorate with all his money ? I know Ringo was a lifelong sickly guy but gets younger every year!

[@SpaceCattttt]

@ Ringo's finally started to decompose, though. Check out his neck...

[@christopherliebler]

Keith and Greg are gone but they will never ever be forgotten the music is timeless

[@johnbishop5316]

@Philip Holmes He was so kind even although he probably noticed that you had no idea how to capitalise or punctuate. That is a worse sin than suicide. You will roast in hell for your crimes against the English langauge.

[@pleasepermitmetospeakohgre1504]

Christopher Liebler I don't believe this Greg guy is gone, he drives a taxi in my home town.

[@plasticweapon]

amen.

[@AudiophileTubes]

R.I.P. to one of rock music's masters. What a class act he was! OOOOOH, what a lucky man, he was!

[@petermaxwell4904]

agreed...

[@rafaelorantes7185]

AudiophileTubes noo! We are the lucky ones.

[@dkerr4077]

Great doesn't even come close to describing this man and his compositions. He is missed. R.I.P

[@PatrickTK21]

What a cool guy- great musician, great storyteller. RIP Greg, you won at life.

[@mtyhntr49]

RIP brother, many years of great listening. Truly missed and never forgotten.

[@acousticrob2907]

RIP. One of my favorite bands from the 70s. I was lucky enough to see them 3 times

[@MrTomengle]

All these years later, I am in tears. Oh how I miss him. So talented, so humble.

[@Charleybones]

For a guy who has written some amazingly deep stuff on guitar, Greg is very personable. He seems like the kind of guy who you could hang out at a bar with and spend the whole evening drinking pints and talking guitars and music. Great interview from a legend who wrote some amazing songs back in his prime.

[@chuckhutton5087]

@Spike Elwood What a great moment in life for you. Greg Lake was one of the most under-appreciated musician ever. His impact on music was extraordinary.

[@souloftheage]

I thought the same thing. But ALL of "The Greats" in any endeavor are like that: They know what it takes to be good and they appreciate the effort to do well, regardless of the performer. And K.C. and ELP fans are no idiots.

[@giacoinvolto]

I met him very briefly in 1986 after a concert, and he was such a gentleman. I'll never forget it.

[@michelelaraia7358]

Medieval music,Blackmore's Night.

[@ralphrice9172]

@@michelelaraia7358 Jethro Tull also.

[@USAMontanan]

“When properly amplified...it could hurt you!”!! What a classic line referring to his guitar!! RIP Sir!!

[@arneberg9261]

Every vocal song from this man Crimson/ELP; they all touched me ---

[@justgivemethetruth]

+arne berg Me too, but it is odd now that i look back how ... well, just plain stupid the lyrics were. Someone bring me a ladder. So many silly utterances in the middle of such beautiful music ... it is kind of sad.

[@arneberg9261]

justgivemethetruth ... "you see it allclear; you are ment to be here; from the beginnig". that's pretty content ---

[@SuperFringy]

So he could get away from the madness....

[@neil2385]

you don't seem to understand the lyrics that is all. try for a second to think about the girlfriend. a beautiful model (which was a girlfriend he had), addicted to cocaine (girlfriends he had), who needs help escaping her madness. do you understand it now ?

[@mossymanx]

Hi Don, which girlfriends that he had were addicted to cocaine? I am so interested in him yet there's so few facts out there about his non public life. He seems so genuine.

[@mauriceclemens3286]

I miss his voice so bad. What an amazing musician. Rest In Peace Greg.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@andrewsmyth8462]

I loved Emerson Lake and Palmer, the beautiful voice of Greg Lake, those wonderful harmonies, his lush guitar playing, the fantastic playing of the awesome Keith Emerson and the majestic drums of the awesome Carl Palmer-what a band-thanks for the music Keith and Greg and keep the music alive Carl!

[@kowki]

I can't beleive there are 252 dislikes here! He is the sweetest person of rock! It's a crazy world..

[@eddiebrown687]

I'm not sure if Greg will ever be really appreciated for what he has contributed to the world of music.....just an incredible talent.

[@saoirseblue5353]

I agree.❤

[@dinkogrgat5188]

What a fine man and musician.Rare these days.

[@robosborne7103]

England has produced some amazing Musicians and bands , ELP are one of those great bands indeed

[@jefftribiano1875]

Greg Lake was a great storyteller and was fully enjoying his take on this fabulous guitar however when he broke into in the beginning I so wanted him to continue till the end and then of course resume! One of the greatest songs of all time that never gets tiresome! God bless

[@RanetkiFan]

huge loss... RIP Greg and Keith

[@andrewsmyth8462]

ALIZEE LILLY Greg Lake had such a beautiful voice-rather like he was telling you a story-magical

[@stephenmaxwell8283]

I[m not worthy XO LOL XO

[@pse888]

@@motnosniv Poor Jimmy. burning in hell for bad-mouthing a person.

[@motnosniv]

@@pse888 I'm not one who destroyed the gift of life like Keith did.

[@Rob260259]

@@motnosniv There is no hell. Just like heaven was a man made invention. .

[@myplaylist.1121]

Rest In Peace. An angel with a guitar.

[@VAStarGazer211]

Hes so adorable when he talks about elvis. Its like hes a little kid trapped in a old mans body XD i love this guy

[@DaveRucci]

I almost forgot he had the English accent cause I’m only really familiar with his singing

Not so. Much an old man’s body. A body that he let go. Hell Keith Richards didn’t destroy his body 1/10th oh Greg’s. I am sure there were health issues but way too many or too much of SOMETHING😱

[@dalecauthen9086]

Saw them at August Jam, Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1974 and I'm still learning to play his songs. His talent was purely boundless.

[@lisareichard5791]

Absolutely! ❤️❤️❤️💔

[@jacobbrown1690]

we all get old and u always feel like the young version until u look in the mirror.

[@MichaelValadez-v6s]

ELP was my to go band back in the day. The first time seeing them play..Pictures at a Exhibition..when Greg Lake sang and played..the guitar was crystal clear..no distortion..clear as a bell..harmonics and all..I had never heard such a guitar like this before let alone his voice ..amazing. May he rest in peace Greg Lake 🙏 !!!!

[@dyster5179]

Greg was like Jimi. He could play a broom and I'd be entranced. He was a total package. He had one of the best voices in Prog too! Loosing him and Keith so close was tough. I saw ELP, EL, Powell, and 3 and ELP was just incredible. I sat very close for the Powell show and Tarkus was crazy amazing! They played it so fast and note perfect and Greg looking like he was wondering if he left the iron plugged in. Just Wow!

[@LionheartVegas]

This guy was a rock god in his young prime. Actually, he still is, he's one of the greats! I will always love his music. Timeless. Long live Greg Lake!!

[@myplaylist.1121]

He sadly passed from cancer . He’s a angel now.

[@KevinCartwright-d3d]

I went to see Greg lake in concert once , he was absolutely fantastic , and to top the night off I actually met him after the gig , what a lovely guy .

[@mikewest1542]

I've met Greg after a Concert at a meet and greet,he was such a nice guy , really genuine .

[@oatnoid]

You are a lucky man.

[@SpikesTrailerPark]

I see what you did there.

[@hertharojek1776]

Oh i bet he was a super nice guy ..

[@ebsenraptzski9522]

no one cares

[@gfriedman99]

ebsen raptzski i do

[@milehighed52801]

A music icon talking about another music icon with great respect. Miss both Keith and Greg. May they RIP.

[@1970PMD]

Really enjoyed your talents, RIP Mr. Lake...

[@mtidwell111]

A true musical legend. And golden advice to not listen to yourself playing but listen to others playing instead. THAT is taking it to the next level. Thanks for all the wonderful music, Greg.

[@FL-BEACH-MAN]

One of my greatest inspirations to keep playing for 50 years,Greg Lake,he never thought like he was some super star,just a humble man who loved playing music.He worked hard to be the best and he was part of one of the greatest bands -ELP

[@chrishickey7502]

There are musicians that transcend time and he’s one.

[@jamesmack3314]

It’s strange seeing him in this condition..I always picture him as he was back in Brain salad days

[@moonmadness1]

A very underrated musician passed away, thanks for everything you played.

[@oatnoid]

He was only underrated by those who didn't know music. Among musicians he was without peer.

[@christystewart5678]

moonmadness1 prog rock is different. But all three were at times noted (in the 70s) as being some of the best in their respective instruments.

[@kamakirinoko]

A fucking LEGEND. His voice STARTED PROGRESSIVE ROCK.

[@gfriedman99]

Kamakiri Sassorichan indeed

[@johninjersey]

Greg Lake was a tremendous talent and a really nice man! RIP

[@saoirseblue5353]

Beautiful soul and singer-songwriting. R.I.P. 🙏🎤🎸

[@koslover]

Greg was a great musician. "C'est La Vie" from ELP is still one of my favourite songs. In the 70's, his work with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer was marvellous. There aren't many groups of their quality left nowadays, sadly it's all over .....

[@TheCommentator353]

Greg Lake's voice on Knife-Edge is awesome. So clear and defined

[@annehamlin6764]

A true raconteur, I could listen to him all day. His eyes sparkle and his face lights up with such joy. His voice and music are brilliant and timeless. What a lovely man, he's so missed.

[@jizzyjillespie7886]

Love his work with King Crimson, but didn't know he's such an interesting story teller and guitarist! Thank you Greg Lake!

[@TheDixieQueen]

Such talent. The music will live on into the ages. RIP.

[@jorgetacho1740]

Yeahhhh ELP forever!!!😊

[@russell3380]

Back in the early 70's I took my Mom with me to a concert and she loved them.

[@747jpdrummer]

THE greatest balladier of our time. Pure musician and pure talent. No BS.

[@Waynemann1]

A true pioneer in the music industry. What a down to earth fabulous man. Thank you Greg for all the beautiful memories. Your a winner and your songs are timeless. Meant so much to me as a young man finding my way. Totally awesome voice. Talent that’s sorely missed in today’s world. God bless RIP

[@rubbersole79]

Thank you for your lifetime contribution to beauty on this planet good Sir.

[@rainerseeger4195]

Greg Lake was a major part of the soundtrack of my youth. Thanks for the music and the memories.

[@leolopez_0728]

Great man, musician and storyteller, 4 years since we lost Greg Lake, RIP.

[@keep_it_tidy56]

Very interesting guy to listen to. Thankfully he’s left us with a wonderful legacy in his body of work.

[@tomstclair961]

He is magical with that j 200 and his arpeggios. The sound is so beautiful it Pierce's the heart and creates tears of the most beautiful thing you've ever heard. Love you and your fantastic music Mr Greg Lake.

[@felixmadison5736]

"From the Beginning" was, and still is, one of my favorite songs all-time, and I'm 76 years-old. I still get chills when I hear it on the radio.

[@tgmaintrim]

I Never Tire of Greg Lake nor His Music!!!

[@elstongunn6776]

My first concert way back in 1977 was Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Great band and Greg Lake was such a great singer. R.I.P. my friend.

[@robhargis6980]

As soon as he strummed "In the beginning" I got goose bumps. Such a huge loss in the music world.

[@nathan_wind]

Me too! I looked at the comments to see if someone else had the same reaction!

[@powerpooch2000]

Same here

[@edonefleites9420]

What great and beautiful songs ELP played , under control , smooth , without loud heavy metal sound, their sound was everlasting one of a kind ! and mostly true beauty ! Musicians like them are very hard to come by even now in days , maybe forever !!!!!!!!!!!

[@ARPSMUSIC]

Apart from being a great musician he's seems like a genuine nice guy and a great storyteller!

[@philiphart6688]

The late, great, and justifiably lamented Greg Lake. What a musician. What a band.

[@raivan354]

What a gentleman. His love for music is inspiring.

[@dant.1028]

I got to meet and talk to Greg for a couple of minutes during his Songs of a Lifetime tour in the US. He was a very polite gentleman and took time to answer everyone's questions. A wonderful memory.

[@paulsimmons5726]

ELP was the first concert I ever went to, around 1976-7? in Mobile, AL. I was totally shocked that those three guys could reproduce the album sounds without 10 or 12 more guys playing stuff behind the curtains... I have always considered Greg to be a complete musician because he could write it, play it, and perform it live. Greg was also a very warm person, he respected his fans as much as they respected him. RIP Lucky Man, you will be missed!

[@marvintaylor7500]

I was at the ELP show in Mobile. It was after the release of their rendition of "Fanfare for the Common Man". Awesome what these three could do. To think that only Carl Palmer is still on this side of eternity now.

[@santatigerclaus]

i like the "Still......you turn me on" live vid where hes got the piece of gum keeping him from drying up- popular trick (and all the women for miles around were in love)- Fanfare for the common man in the stadium is epic too

[@DariusSarrafi]

One of my favorite Greg Lake moments is when he plays the bass and electric guitar (layered tracks of course) in the adlib section of Karn Evil 9: First Impression in Brain Salad Surgery album.

[@bluelady549]

What an absolutely gorgeous guitar. My friend had one, so I got to hear its amazing sound on many occasions. Greg Lake was a master storyteller, a fabulous musician, and an incredible singer. How I miss him.

[@janproy7956]

Magical way with words.......so gifted🎶🎶🎸💜❤️💜

[@troddy3925]

Huge fan since the 70’s, great voice, sorely missed, never forgotten

[@seanharris6771]

He's a legend! Stunning vocals and great player! Thank you Mr. Lake!

[@bbbeno]

Phew... incredible man. Thanks for you magical music Greg!!! a real legacy. RIP

[@deepindercheema4917]

What a romantic soul. He is sadly missed especially at this time of the colder year.

[@SwisstedChef2018]

A true gentleman, with so much respect he shows to others, humble, and and incredible musician with an incredible voice. RIP Greg, you were a TRUE icon

[@unknown772]

He's such a very cool gentle man and a very good bassist !!!!! his voice is unique! my fav voice is in KG!i miss him, he seems simple and passionnate and adorable !

[@mahulad7298]

His description of seeing Elvis live is every bit true, at 15 years old it was a feeling I could never explain, in saying that while in my late thirties experiencing the very talented king of pop MJ came close.

[@ralphalessandra2604]

RIP Greg Lake. What a talent!

[@yurolson]

Wow!!!!!!! My records when I was 12 living in Hamburg as an American kid where all elp....pictures, tarkus, in the beginning- no wonder that music touched me. IT was classical they were trained, they were reaching. I had all the records up to the brain salad and the live 3 please set. And then king - I talk to the wind led the journey to genesis. What a time. What a music. I need to carry it on the best I can with my guitar. At 60im more inspired than ever, more jealous of the time that remains to try to achieve the most I possibly can. Thank you Greg lake for sharing and giving and leaving a legacy.

[@kristinechristlieb1383]

It was fairy tale music; timeless, ethereal. You were transported to another place and time.

[@LynneC44]

What a beautiful and talented soul. RIP Greg. Your music is always in my heart 💞...

[@7775Kevin]

His songs on the “Works” ELP album are beyond great. I’ve listened to them for years and his lyrics and vocal delivery get me every time. Great musical force.

[@sngwrter49]

Best Elvis story I've ever heard. RIP Mr. Lake.

[@fw1421]

God I miss Greg Lakes voice. Such a wonderful musician. Rest In Peace Greg,you are sorely missed by all of us,your fans.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@harqalada65]

Elvis was Greg's idol; Greg is mine. He seemed like such a kind, deep soul, too bad I never got to talk to him. RIP legend. (You too Keith Emerson & keep rocking Carl Palmer!)

[@Tawny6702]

What a great guy that is sorely missed, and I love how pays tribute to this guitar in such a personal way, but also how pays tribute to Elvis even though his music was far and away different to the music he helped create!

[@jjones6387]

I've seen this man in concert several times and he's a true class act. R.I.P. Greg & Keith

[@88pynogrl]

SOLD!!! This is awesome! He was sooo engaging to listen to-brilliant.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@19trebor53]

Such a gifted musician. He is missed.

[@Seibling]

back then, originality was the currence. nowadays you want to be the same as the others. so true, greg. and i am so glad i always respected your work. from the beginning to the very end. my hero.