Written by: Alex Green

Former King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer frontman and co-founder Greg Lake has died after a battle with cancer.

He was 69.

The Dorset-born musician is considered by many to be one of the progenitors of Progressive Rock. Featuring idiosyncratic compositions, inventive solos and cryptic lyrics, the work of both King Crimson and ELP remains one of the most exciting, artistic and ambitious discographies around.

From platinum-selling records to packing stadiums, Lake’s career had many highlights, but ELP’s Isle of Wight Festival performance–a dizzying display of musical virtuosity–is one of the high water marks of a brilliant career.

Lake was a working musician to the end and in early 2016 he was given the very first honorary degree in Music and Lyrics Composition by Italy’s Conservatorio Nicolini.