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Lucky Man
Greg Lake first won acclaim as lead vocalist, bass guitarist and producer when, together with Robert Fripp, he formed King Crimson. Their first album, the landmark In the Court of the Crimson King, co-produced by Greg, featured the iconic song '21st Century Schizoid Man'. King Crimson pioneered progressive rock and paved the way for many famous bands that followed, from Yes and Genesis to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
In 1970 Greg met fellow legend Keith Emerson during a North American tour; the two shared common bonds: European musical influences and a desire to reinterpret classical works while creating a new musical genre. After being introduced to drummer Carl Palmer, they formed the first progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
To date ELP has sold over 50 million records. Lake produced Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Tarkus, Pictures at an Exhibition, Trilogy, Brain Salad Surgery, Works Vol. 1 and 2, and two different live albums. All went platinum and featured a series of hit singles, most written and all sung by Lake. The three created a unique live theatrical performance which featured Emerson attacking his keyboards with knives, Palmer playing a 2.5 ton stainless steel kit and Lake performing on a £6,000 Persian rug which had its own roadie. One of their very first performances was at the historic Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 and they went on to headline California Jam, one of the biggest concerts of the 1970s, attended by 350,000 people.
Probably the voice of his generation, Greg fronted the greatest rock supergroup of the 1970s but never held with the 'progressive' tag that attached itself to both the music and the excess. Lucky Man not only charts the highs and lows of a career in rock music but also reflects on the death of Keith Emerson last year, living with terminal cancer and the end of life. Greg can best be summed up by his now-famous line: 'Material wealth is a very fleeting pleasure ... when you can buy anything you want and do anything you want, you soon discover that you actually don't want any of it.'
In 1970 Greg met fellow legend Keith Emerson during a North American tour; the two shared common bonds: European musical influences and a desire to reinterpret classical works while creating a new musical genre. After being introduced to drummer Carl Palmer, they formed the first progressive rock supergroup Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
To date ELP has sold over 50 million records. Lake produced Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Tarkus, Pictures at an Exhibition, Trilogy, Brain Salad Surgery, Works Vol. 1 and 2, and two different live albums. All went platinum and featured a series of hit singles, most written and all sung by Lake. The three created a unique live theatrical performance which featured Emerson attacking his keyboards with knives, Palmer playing a 2.5 ton stainless steel kit and Lake performing on a £6,000 Persian rug which had its own roadie. One of their very first performances was at the historic Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 and they went on to headline California Jam, one of the biggest concerts of the 1970s, attended by 350,000 people.
Probably the voice of his generation, Greg fronted the greatest rock supergroup of the 1970s but never held with the 'progressive' tag that attached itself to both the music and the excess. Lucky Man not only charts the highs and lows of a career in rock music but also reflects on the death of Keith Emerson last year, living with terminal cancer and the end of life. Greg can best be summed up by his now-famous line: 'Material wealth is a very fleeting pleasure ... when you can buy anything you want and do anything you want, you soon discover that you actually don't want any of it.'
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 29, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 16, 2017
Will you enjoy Lucky Man? It depends what you're looking for. If it's new insights and information about ELP, you'll be disappointed. If it's an inside look at Lake's personal life, you'll be disappointed there, too. The majority of this book is, to the average King Crimson or ELP fan, already common knowledge. The few anecdotes Lake tells of crazy incidents are mostly stories we've heard before. However, a few sections go beyond a basic history lesson: his childhood and pre-Crimson days, the latter-day ELP records, and most of all, his assessment of Keith Emerson's suicide. That section alone makes this book worth buying. Even more enlightening is the final chapter, a eulogy by Stewart Young, who gives fascinating details of Lake's last days.
Lucky Man reveals Lake's professionalism, his desire to keep his private life out of the press, and his respect for others. He doesn't speak ill of anyone or tell stories of scandalous behavior. While this certainly sacrifices the juiciness we all crave on some level, it leaves the reader with an increased respect for Lake. He's one of few musicians who loved his parents, had only one spouse, and knew how to separate personal differences from musical ones. While not overflowing with new information, what new details Lake does provide are enough to make Lucky Man worth the price for the dedicated fan.
Lucky Man reveals Lake's professionalism, his desire to keep his private life out of the press, and his respect for others. He doesn't speak ill of anyone or tell stories of scandalous behavior. While this certainly sacrifices the juiciness we all crave on some level, it leaves the reader with an increased respect for Lake. He's one of few musicians who loved his parents, had only one spouse, and knew how to separate personal differences from musical ones. While not overflowing with new information, what new details Lake does provide are enough to make Lucky Man worth the price for the dedicated fan.
July 24, 2017
Will you enjoy Lucky Man? It depends what you're looking for. If it's new insights and information about ELP, you'll be disappointed. If it's an inside look at Lake's personal life, you'll be disappointed there, too. The majority of this book is, to the average King Crimson or ELP fan, already common knowledge. The few anecdotes Lake tells of crazy incidents are mostly stories we've heard before. However, a few sections go beyond a basic history lesson: his childhood and pre-Crimson days, the latter-day ELP records, and most of all, his assessment of Keith Emerson's suicide. That section alone makes this book worth buying. Even more enlightening is the final chapter, a eulogy by Stewart Young, who gives fascinating details of Lake's last days.
Lucky Man reveals Lake's professionalism, his desire to keep his private life out of the press, and his respect for others. He doesn't speak ill of anyone or tell stories of scandalous behavior. While this certainly sacrifices the juiciness we all crave on some level, it leaves the reader with an increased respect for Lake. He's one of few musicians who loved his parents, had only one spouse, and knew how to separate personal differences from musical ones. While not overflowing with new information, what new details Lake does provide are enough to make Lucky Man worth the price for the dedicated fan.
Lucky Man reveals Lake's professionalism, his desire to keep his private life out of the press, and his respect for others. He doesn't speak ill of anyone or tell stories of scandalous behavior. While this certainly sacrifices the juiciness we all crave on some level, it leaves the reader with an increased respect for Lake. He's one of few musicians who loved his parents, had only one spouse, and knew how to separate personal differences from musical ones. While not overflowing with new information, what new details Lake does provide are enough to make Lucky Man worth the price for the dedicated fan.
August 7, 2017
Tá q eu sou fã ! Muito fã !! Mas q livro ! Conta parte da história musical dos 70 até os 90 , simplesmente delicioso pra qualquer fã dessa banda ! HE was not the LUCKY man !! HE MADE us the LUCKY ones !!
October 2, 2018
I loved this book, because I loved him and ELP. His book presents a very nice chronology of the history of a classical rock band, one that stands alone in the annals of music!
July 19, 2020
A very moving autobiography, partly because Greg Lake knew that he had terminal cancer whilst writing the book : In fact he died a few months after Keith Emerson took his own life in 2016.
The account of a working class upbringing in Poole , Dorset, Greg had a supportive parents, talent, ambition, luck and success . From moving to lesser known band through to success with King Crimson, and through to rock superstardom with Emerson Lake and Palmer, three accomplished musicians who seems to be yearning for rock music which would be inspired by European classical music. ELP became successful quickly, their second gig was at the legendary Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. Getting a following in the USA , Western Europe, Japan and Britain , putting on extravagant live shows, producing complex music: Greg Lake recounted some of the highlights of touring, some of the festival gigs which turned into shambles and the odd riot . There is little in the way of 'Hammer of the Gods' type indulgence.
But ELP slowed down round about the end of 1974. The hints of a possible solo career for Greg with the success of his 'Father Christmas' solo single, are recounted in detail. ELP returned with 'The Works' , two double albums and notorious 1977 US ELP tour with an orchestra, which saw the band making 300,000 dollars a week loss even after sell out shows. The reader gets the feeling that Greg got committed to the whole venture against his better judgement.
But the book seems have peaked and the pace accelerates. Greg Lake was to live and work for very nearly forty years. ELP closed their contract with the 'Love Beach' album in 1978. There were solo projects, a spell with Asia, Ringo Starr All Stars, Emerson Lake and Palmer, ELP re-union, charity project with Roger Daltry and so on. Trouble of this none of this compared to King Crimson and ELP in their glory days. Greg found happiness with his wife Regina, daughter, and lived long enough to know his grandson.
The account of a working class upbringing in Poole , Dorset, Greg had a supportive parents, talent, ambition, luck and success . From moving to lesser known band through to success with King Crimson, and through to rock superstardom with Emerson Lake and Palmer, three accomplished musicians who seems to be yearning for rock music which would be inspired by European classical music. ELP became successful quickly, their second gig was at the legendary Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. Getting a following in the USA , Western Europe, Japan and Britain , putting on extravagant live shows, producing complex music: Greg Lake recounted some of the highlights of touring, some of the festival gigs which turned into shambles and the odd riot . There is little in the way of 'Hammer of the Gods' type indulgence.
But ELP slowed down round about the end of 1974. The hints of a possible solo career for Greg with the success of his 'Father Christmas' solo single, are recounted in detail. ELP returned with 'The Works' , two double albums and notorious 1977 US ELP tour with an orchestra, which saw the band making 300,000 dollars a week loss even after sell out shows. The reader gets the feeling that Greg got committed to the whole venture against his better judgement.
But the book seems have peaked and the pace accelerates. Greg Lake was to live and work for very nearly forty years. ELP closed their contract with the 'Love Beach' album in 1978. There were solo projects, a spell with Asia, Ringo Starr All Stars, Emerson Lake and Palmer, ELP re-union, charity project with Roger Daltry and so on. Trouble of this none of this compared to King Crimson and ELP in their glory days. Greg found happiness with his wife Regina, daughter, and lived long enough to know his grandson.
June 22, 2019
I really liked this book. Then again, I am a huge ELP fan. I would joke that they could come out with a version of "Pop Goes the Weasel"--which perhaps some of the stuff on "Love Beach" and "In the Hot Seat " represents--and I'd rush out and buy it. Of course the shocking deaths of both Keith Emerson and Greg Lake last year sadden me perhaps a bit more than I care to admit. Although I have had the good fortune to see them perform live a number of times--even briefly met them once in a restaurant long ago-- I did not know them but of course we all seem to feel a connection between the artists that perform the music we so love.
This is pretty much a courageous book. In the closing chapters Greg talks candidly about Keith's suicide and his own diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It actually is very humbling to read how he accepted the fact of his own death. He may be a bit too frank with his acknowledgment that the manner of Keith's death "didn't surprise him" but it somehow is a lesson to us all that for god's sake if you see someone you think to be "close to the brink" do something about it. But sadly by that stage Keith and Greg had drifted apart and as I know from interviews Greg gave he at times lamented at the fact that ELP were not "mates like the Beatles"--how could they be?
The book is also very insightful in terms of the hard roads Greg--literally--had to tow in touring with his early bands. He also discusses his stint with King Crimson and what a character Robert Fripp was--and fortunately for us still remains. It also is very interesting to get an insight into the making of the ELP albums. One thing that sort of surprised me was Greg's candid admission that he and Carl would often "butt heads"--I had often gotten the "impression"--pun intended-- that it was Keith and Greg who were constantly at each other's throats and that led to the band's demise. Of course, Keith's insistence on traveling on the Works tour with an orchestra and nearly bankrupting the group is not neglected. Greg basically acknowledges that Brain Salad Surgery was really the epoch of the ELP era. Fortunately, unlike Keith's "Picture of an Exhibitionist" in "Lucky Man: The Autobiography" Greg spares us a lot of the sordid touring stuff-- although the U.S. comes off as a bit gangster like with talk of having to pay "protection money" before a gig in Chicago--they didn't and you should read what happened--there also is a somewhat "humorous" story about Greg waking up in his New York hotel room to the phone ringing and receiving a death threat which was dealt with by their manager with supposed mob ties.
Greg also talks frankly about his beliefs in God and nature with trying to put a positive spin on things...he talks about loving the Christmas story and how at an epic concert in New York City during the Christmas season they had snow falling on stage and sung silent night--he overlooks how "Father Christmas" also contains the lines: they told me a fairy story/ until I believed in the Israelite". Or how in Tarkus there is the haunting lines "how can you believe God makes you breathe / why did he lose six million Jews"--plainly that stuff always bothered me but in the context of those works it may all makes sense.
Death is life after all and we are all lucky people for having the likes of Keith, Greg and Carl around to thrill us with their talents, dedication, music and memories that we all can cherish
This is pretty much a courageous book. In the closing chapters Greg talks candidly about Keith's suicide and his own diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It actually is very humbling to read how he accepted the fact of his own death. He may be a bit too frank with his acknowledgment that the manner of Keith's death "didn't surprise him" but it somehow is a lesson to us all that for god's sake if you see someone you think to be "close to the brink" do something about it. But sadly by that stage Keith and Greg had drifted apart and as I know from interviews Greg gave he at times lamented at the fact that ELP were not "mates like the Beatles"--how could they be?
The book is also very insightful in terms of the hard roads Greg--literally--had to tow in touring with his early bands. He also discusses his stint with King Crimson and what a character Robert Fripp was--and fortunately for us still remains. It also is very interesting to get an insight into the making of the ELP albums. One thing that sort of surprised me was Greg's candid admission that he and Carl would often "butt heads"--I had often gotten the "impression"--pun intended-- that it was Keith and Greg who were constantly at each other's throats and that led to the band's demise. Of course, Keith's insistence on traveling on the Works tour with an orchestra and nearly bankrupting the group is not neglected. Greg basically acknowledges that Brain Salad Surgery was really the epoch of the ELP era. Fortunately, unlike Keith's "Picture of an Exhibitionist" in "Lucky Man: The Autobiography" Greg spares us a lot of the sordid touring stuff-- although the U.S. comes off as a bit gangster like with talk of having to pay "protection money" before a gig in Chicago--they didn't and you should read what happened--there also is a somewhat "humorous" story about Greg waking up in his New York hotel room to the phone ringing and receiving a death threat which was dealt with by their manager with supposed mob ties.
Greg also talks frankly about his beliefs in God and nature with trying to put a positive spin on things...he talks about loving the Christmas story and how at an epic concert in New York City during the Christmas season they had snow falling on stage and sung silent night--he overlooks how "Father Christmas" also contains the lines: they told me a fairy story/ until I believed in the Israelite". Or how in Tarkus there is the haunting lines "how can you believe God makes you breathe / why did he lose six million Jews"--plainly that stuff always bothered me but in the context of those works it may all makes sense.
Death is life after all and we are all lucky people for having the likes of Keith, Greg and Carl around to thrill us with their talents, dedication, music and memories that we all can cherish
January 31, 2018
I have a very deep, intense, and emotional connection with ELP's music. "Welcome Back My Friends..." was one of the first albums I ever bought. I was just a grade-schooler and I listened to it endlessly on my crappy little record player with the built-in speakers, just mesmerized by what I was hearing. I have followed them all my life, with the exception of "Love Beach" :-), and was fortunate enough to see them in concert. So when I saw this autobiography by Greg Lake, I pounced on it.
It's a nice look back at a long and important career, with some insider stories from touring, etc. He mentions some of the conflict within the band, objectively, never getting down in the dirt at all. But what really comes through is his love of music, and appreciation of the musicians that make it. The overall tone is one of true graciousness, and recognition of indeed how lucky he was to live his dream, a life he hardly could have imagined given his humble beginnings.
The end is of course very sad, as he mentions his diagnosis of terminal cancer, and there is a nice eulogy added at the end as well. But it's not sappy or self-pitying; in fact, I think his sense of appreciation for his life may even be stronger there at the end.
A wonderful book, and essential for any ELP fan.
It's a nice look back at a long and important career, with some insider stories from touring, etc. He mentions some of the conflict within the band, objectively, never getting down in the dirt at all. But what really comes through is his love of music, and appreciation of the musicians that make it. The overall tone is one of true graciousness, and recognition of indeed how lucky he was to live his dream, a life he hardly could have imagined given his humble beginnings.
The end is of course very sad, as he mentions his diagnosis of terminal cancer, and there is a nice eulogy added at the end as well. But it's not sappy or self-pitying; in fact, I think his sense of appreciation for his life may even be stronger there at the end.
A wonderful book, and essential for any ELP fan.
July 3, 2017
Very interesting read. Well written.
I am a lifelong fan. So I was very interested in reading Greg Lake's story and getting his viewpoint. The book is very readable and while I knew the basic story this book includes lots of detail and anecdotes that put colour on a very important musical story. Some sad bits of course. His obvious respect for Keith and Carl, the various managers and road crew and other musicians comes across. Highly recommended.
I am a lifelong fan. So I was very interested in reading Greg Lake's story and getting his viewpoint. The book is very readable and while I knew the basic story this book includes lots of detail and anecdotes that put colour on a very important musical story. Some sad bits of course. His obvious respect for Keith and Carl, the various managers and road crew and other musicians comes across. Highly recommended.
June 29, 2020
Lake comes off as a very likably person. I found his perspective on King Crimson and ELP very interesting. His take on the artistic quality of ELP's catalogue was very similar to mine. An enjoyable read.
August 9, 2017
I really liked this book. Then again, I am a huge ELP fan. I would joke that they could come out with a version of "Pop Goes the Weasel"--which perhaps some of the stuff on "Love Beach" and "In the Hot Seat " represents--and I'd rush out and buy it. Of course the shocking deaths of both Keith Emerson and Greg Lake last year sadden me perhaps a bit more than I care to admit. Although I have had the good fortune to see them perform live a number of times--even briefly met them once in a restaurant long ago-- I did not know them but of course we all seem to feel a connection between the artists that perform the music we so love.
This is pretty much a courageous book. In the closing chapters Greg talks candidly about Keith's suicide and his own diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It actually is very humbling to read how he accepted the fact of his own death. He may be a bit too frank with his acknowledgment that the manner of Keith's death "didn't surprise him" but it somehow is a lesson to us all that for god's sake if you see someone you think to be "close to the brink" do something about it. But sadly by that stage Keith and Greg had drifted apart and as I know from interviews Greg gave he at times lamented at the fact that ELP were not "mates like the Beatles"--how could they be?
The book is also very insightful in terms of the hard roads Greg--literally--had to tow in touring with his early bands. He also discusses his stint with King Crimson and what a character Robert Fripp was--and fortunately for us still remains. It also is very interesting to get an insight into the making of the ELP albums. One thing that sort of surprised me was Greg's candid admission that he and Carl would often "butt heads"--I had often gotten the "impression"--pun intended-- that it was Keith and Greg who were constantly at each other's throats and that led to the band's demise. Of course, Keith's insistence on traveling on the Works tour with an orchestra and nearly bankrupting the group is not neglected. Greg basically acknowledges that Brain Salad Surgery was really the epoch of the ELP era. Fortunately, unlike Keith's "Picture of an Exhibitionist" in "Lucky Man: The Autobiography" Greg spares us a lot of the sordid touring stuff-- although the U.S. comes off as a bit gangster like with talk of having to pay "protection money" before a gig in Chicago--they didn't and you should read what happened--there also is a somewhat "humorous" story about Greg waking up in his New York hotel room to the phone ringing and receiving a death threat which was dealt with by their manager with supposed mob ties.
Greg also talks frankly about his beliefs in God and nature with trying to put a positive spin on things...he talks about loving the Christmas story and how at an epic concert in New York City during the Christmas season they had snow falling on stage and sung silent night--he overlooks how "Father Christmas" also contains the lines: they told me a fairy story/ until I believed in the Israelite". Or how in Tarkus there is the haunting lines "how can you believe God makes you breathe / why did he lose six million Jews"--plainly that stuff always bothered me but in the context of those works it may all makes sense.
Death is life after all and we are all lucky people for having the likes of Keith, Greg and Carl around to thrill us with their talents, dedication, music and memories that we all can cherish.
This is pretty much a courageous book. In the closing chapters Greg talks candidly about Keith's suicide and his own diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It actually is very humbling to read how he accepted the fact of his own death. He may be a bit too frank with his acknowledgment that the manner of Keith's death "didn't surprise him" but it somehow is a lesson to us all that for god's sake if you see someone you think to be "close to the brink" do something about it. But sadly by that stage Keith and Greg had drifted apart and as I know from interviews Greg gave he at times lamented at the fact that ELP were not "mates like the Beatles"--how could they be?
The book is also very insightful in terms of the hard roads Greg--literally--had to tow in touring with his early bands. He also discusses his stint with King Crimson and what a character Robert Fripp was--and fortunately for us still remains. It also is very interesting to get an insight into the making of the ELP albums. One thing that sort of surprised me was Greg's candid admission that he and Carl would often "butt heads"--I had often gotten the "impression"--pun intended-- that it was Keith and Greg who were constantly at each other's throats and that led to the band's demise. Of course, Keith's insistence on traveling on the Works tour with an orchestra and nearly bankrupting the group is not neglected. Greg basically acknowledges that Brain Salad Surgery was really the epoch of the ELP era. Fortunately, unlike Keith's "Picture of an Exhibitionist" in "Lucky Man: The Autobiography" Greg spares us a lot of the sordid touring stuff-- although the U.S. comes off as a bit gangster like with talk of having to pay "protection money" before a gig in Chicago--they didn't and you should read what happened--there also is a somewhat "humorous" story about Greg waking up in his New York hotel room to the phone ringing and receiving a death threat which was dealt with by their manager with supposed mob ties.
Greg also talks frankly about his beliefs in God and nature with trying to put a positive spin on things...he talks about loving the Christmas story and how at an epic concert in New York City during the Christmas season they had snow falling on stage and sung silent night--he overlooks how "Father Christmas" also contains the lines: they told me a fairy story/ until I believed in the Israelite". Or how in Tarkus there is the haunting lines "how can you believe God makes you breathe / why did he lose six million Jews"--plainly that stuff always bothered me but in the context of those works it may all makes sense.
Death is life after all and we are all lucky people for having the likes of Keith, Greg and Carl around to thrill us with their talents, dedication, music and memories that we all can cherish.
March 11, 2019
As a big fan of Greg Lake's work, I loved this book, and I would whole-heartedly recommend it to other fans. He focuses only on the positive aspects of his career, only hinting at the friction among the members of Emerson Lake & Palmer. There's no mud-slinging, no dirty laundry - as he writes, "if you have nothing worthwhile to say then it is better to remain silent". He does relate some great stories from throughout his career, some of which made me laugh out loud. I do wish he had gone into even greater depth and maybe included some more personal details; I feel that he probably had a lot more to say, but I suspect that despite all his celebrity, he was a private person at the core. I really didn't want the book to end, and reading his thoughts on the passing of Keith Emerson, and the eulogy that was read at Lake's funeral service, I closed the book on a sad note.
If you've gone through the trouble to read this review, then you'll probably enjoy this book as well. It's a quick read, and well worth the time for fans.
If you've gone through the trouble to read this review, then you'll probably enjoy this book as well. It's a quick read, and well worth the time for fans.
March 19, 2025
A very quick read, nicely told. Greg Lake was the guitarist in one of my favourite prog rock groups, Emerson Lake & Palmer who really pushed the boundaries - indeed some would say almost created the genre, of prog rock. From the mid-70s I really got into them and Greg's telling of their rise to fame was fascinating. It's a very simple style, just concentrating on the timeline from his original school bands up to his involvement in King Crimson and then onto ELP and beyond. Having read Moby's two volume memoir of his life which goes into a lot more depth and is far more analytical I did wish for more insight into Greg's thoughts on the issues of the time, what happened on the tours (Moby talks about the drugs and sex, which are such a part of the rock scene) and I feel that's the only reason I couldn't give it a 5*. Keith Emerson, the keyboard maestro, also has an autobiography and I may get more insight into the behind-the-scenes from that, if I manage to find it. A nice book that I finished in three days!
December 29, 2020
Rock biographies often have a reputation for being full of life-on-the-road anecdotes, tales of rock and roll excess and drug and alcohol-fuelled binges. Unsurprisingly, to anyone familiar with the thoughtfulness of Lake's work, there's little of this in Lucky Man (tour bus-hotel interface notwithstanding). Nor would we expect it or want it. As a fan of ELP and prog rock in general, I found Lake's account of his early King Crimson and ELP days fascinating from a muso point of view, but the thing that really stands out throughout the book is his incredible modesty, and genuine gratitude for where a life in music took him, both geographically and professionally. Gracious, entertaining and genuinely moving, this book is as honest and from-the-heart as it gets.
November 24, 2019
Great book for the ELP and King Crimson enthusiast. Just the facts is what you will get and a little insight into the death of Keith Emerson; Greg's opinions anyway. This is really a chronical of Greg's life and the bands and projects he played and participated in. It's an easy read with no real surprises. There was a bit of sadness in the book for me in that an iconic voice and talent has been silenced forever. Good thing we have all of the recordings so we can appreciate his voice and talents at our leisure. RIP Greg Lake.
March 11, 2018
An enjoyable if insubstantial autobiography from Greg. No dirt is dished and although the friction within ELP is alluded to, it is subsumed within Lake's desire to make this book about remembering the many good times.
The book was completed shortly before his death which I suspect may have been a significant determinant in the mood of the book. It's not clear when the book was started and if this was before or after his diagnosis.
The book was completed shortly before his death which I suspect may have been a significant determinant in the mood of the book. It's not clear when the book was started and if this was before or after his diagnosis.
August 8, 2018
Enjoyable and nostalgic read. Clearly Greg Lake was a talented musician and a gentleman who, as a member of ELP created a separate branch of rock music.
This seems to be more of a collection of personal highlights rather than a proper autobiography, as it skims the surface of much but delves into little detail. Not a bad book by any means, but there is for sure a certain amount of holding back.
This seems to be more of a collection of personal highlights rather than a proper autobiography, as it skims the surface of much but delves into little detail. Not a bad book by any means, but there is for sure a certain amount of holding back.
June 11, 2019
I read this in one day. Greg Lake at Canterbury University in 1981 was the first gig I ever went to. I’ll never forget it. Gary Moore in his band and he actually did 21st Century Schizoid Man.
I enjoyed this autobiography but wasn’t blown away by it. I’m sure there could’ve been a bit more insight into what actually went on during their tours but it was kept very light.
I would recommend this to fans but I don’t think it would be enjoyed by anyone else.
I enjoyed this autobiography but wasn’t blown away by it. I’m sure there could’ve been a bit more insight into what actually went on during their tours but it was kept very light.
I would recommend this to fans but I don’t think it would be enjoyed by anyone else.
June 23, 2019
I never knew that Greg Lake was English, I assumed his major rock bands were all Americans but couldn't have got that more wrong. I didn't know much about the bands he was in.
My dad liked Emerson Lake & Palmer and played me a few tracks.
I Believe in Father Christmas by Greg Lake is in my top 5 Christmas playlist.
A nice read, and a post script was added as sadly Greg Lake died of pancreatic cancer in 2016
My dad liked Emerson Lake & Palmer and played me a few tracks.
I Believe in Father Christmas by Greg Lake is in my top 5 Christmas playlist.
A nice read, and a post script was added as sadly Greg Lake died of pancreatic cancer in 2016
August 10, 2020
I'm a fan of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer...have been for years. Greg Lake's voice is so rich and beautiful. I loved this book and learned a great deal about his career and the study of music. He shares so many stories about his career - and throughout the book I could sense what a decent man he was. His values were family and music, not fame and fortune. He and Keith Emerson are greatly missed.
And yes, I read it in one day...I happened to have the time and it was that good!
And yes, I read it in one day...I happened to have the time and it was that good!
April 13, 2022
Mostly a dry recitation of events in his life.
But at the end, the dryness is turned on its head. Lake was so casual as he mentioned his terminal pancreatic cancer right at the end that I realized that the gratitude for his life and the people in it that ran throughout the book was entirely genuine.
But at the end, the dryness is turned on its head. Lake was so casual as he mentioned his terminal pancreatic cancer right at the end that I realized that the gratitude for his life and the people in it that ran throughout the book was entirely genuine.
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January 27, 2025Greg Lake was a wonderful & funny storyteller
if you're a fan of Greg Lake, ELP, King Crimson, or rock music in general and love reading stories about the formative years, especially from a rock star point of view, then this book is for you. I never knew Lake was a very fun storyteller. Love every paragraph he wrote.
if you're a fan of Greg Lake, ELP, King Crimson, or rock music in general and love reading stories about the formative years, especially from a rock star point of view, then this book is for you. I never knew Lake was a very fun storyteller. Love every paragraph he wrote.
September 21, 2017
Greg Lake was indeed a Lucky Man. How fortunate we are that his doing what he loved was shared with the world. The back story of "Lucky Man" (the song) is interesting. Not a tremendously deep look into the man, but truly worth the read.
October 23, 2017
As an ELP fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read it in two afternoon sessions, finding I couldn’t put it down . It’s not great literature but it’s a fascinating read and the ending , I found quite emotional. Highly recommend it to ‘Prog Rock’ fans everywhere.
August 14, 2018
I was not terribly familiar with this musician or his music, so his chronological telling of his story helped me to explore those.
For an autobiography, I also found that his telling seemed quite honest and trustworthy, probably reflecting the man himself.
RIP, Mr. Lake.
For an autobiography, I also found that his telling seemed quite honest and trustworthy, probably reflecting the man himself.
RIP, Mr. Lake.
January 8, 2022
Lebih fokus ke karir di ELP, justru tidak banyak eksplorasi karir pribadi. Periode paska ELP hingga kembali tur reuni tidak banyak dibahas. Sepintas saja saat kerja sama dengan Ringo. Atau ya mungkin periode tersebut tidak aktif, baik studio atau tur.
February 22, 2023
Very tame compared to most tear it up rock biogs. This is a wander through his back catalogue more than anything else. He did briefly mention his noticeable growth in body bulk which I was often puzzled about but appears to have been some sort of metabolic issue. Great singer.
July 22, 2023
Always loved "progressive" music and bands that pioneered the genre and kept it alive, but I've never been a "fan boy" obsessed with the personnel of the bands and their backstories, so a lot of this was new information for me. It's also quite well written and engaging.
November 13, 2017
Brings new meaning to skimming the surface. No insight into his music, just a quick run through of highlights that are already well known.
July 18, 2018
Really interesting, for everyone passionate about rock history. Fast-moving, poignant and sweet, this book makes me appreciate Greg Lake even more than I did before.
December 9, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable...
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