Pioneer prog rock keybaordist Keith Emerson of the band Emerson Lake & Palmer was finally laid to rest this past Friday at a private ceremony by his family after having passed away at the age of 71 last month on March 11th.
Emerson's death was discovered to be a suicide, as he was discovered by his girlfriend with a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the head. The reasoning was because he had a degenerative nerve condition in his hand, which would render him unable to keep playing the keys.
People close to Emerson had some wonderful things to say about their lost loved one. Emerson's son Aaron Emerson posted a picture of his father’s grave to his Facebook and said:
“I would like to thank all the thousands of people who have sent messages of love and condolences to myself and my family after the passing of my father. We followed his wishes, and he has been laid to rest in Sussex. Rest in peace Dad.”
Guitarist Dave Kilminster also posted a picture of the churchyard and said:
“It was a warm, sunny afternoon when we said our final goodbyes. I was asked to sing a song during the service. I don't think I've ever felt so nervous – but it was such a beautiful ceremony, with so much love. I don't think the day could have gone any better.”
Drummer Carl Palmer reorganized his North American tour with Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy as a tribute to Emerson, saying:
“We have lost a very talented and gifted musician but this great music will continue for a long, long time.”
It's good that Emerson's friends and loved ones have been able to begin to find some peace over this tragic loss. It's kind of like a punch to the gut when such a key piece of your life gets taken away from you. Fortunately however, it seems as though his legacy will be remembered and his music played on for multiple generations to come.
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