Keith Emerson, keyboardist for prog-rock trio Emerson, Lake and Palmer, has died.
"We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night at his home in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, aged 71," the band posted on its official Facebook page.
"We ask that the family’s privacy and grief be respected."
The cause of death was not revealed.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson," drummer Carl Palmer wrote on his own Facebook page.
"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. He was a pioneer and an innovator whose musical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz. I will always remember his warm smile, good sense of humour, compelling showmanship and dedication to his musical craft.
"I am very lucky to have known him and to have made the music we did together."
Born in 1944, Emerson first tasted fame in 1960s band The Nice, before forming Emerson, Lake and Palmer at the turn of the decade. They released a number of albums throughout the 1970s, including Tarkus and Brain Salad Surgery.
The band split and reformed a number of times, last playing together in London in 2010.
Emerson's passing follows a number of recent high-profile rock deaths, including Beatles producer George Martin, art-pop legend David Bowie and Motorhead singer Lemmy.
Newshub.
