Emerson, Lake & Palmer Founder & Keyboardist Dead At 71

Keith Emerson, founder and keyboardist of English rock supergroup, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, has tragically passed away at the age of 71. 

According to TMZ, the composer's death is being investigated as a suicide as law enforcement sources reportedly said that Emerson had a single gun shot wound to the head when his girlfriend found him in their Santa Monica home late Thursday night.

An official statement on the band's Facebook page confirmed Emerson's death. 

"We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night at his home in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, aged 71," the statement reads.

"We ask that the family’s privacy and grief be respected."

Fellow band member and drummer Carl Palmer addressed the devastating news in a statement on his personal website. 

"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," Palmer said.

"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 humor, compelling showmanship, and dedication to his musical craft."

Though it is understood he had plans to tour throughout Japan next week, it has been reported that Emerson was suffering from a "degenerative nerve issue in his right hand" which allowed him to play keyboard with only eight fingers and that his condition was worsening. 

Emerson, Lake & Palmer were considered one of the most popular and successful progressive rock bands of the '70s. 

They released nine studio albums between 1970 and 1994.

Prior to his success with the UK supergroup, Emerson was a member of late '60s group, The Nice.

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