Rock Star Greg Lake Dead At 69

Rock legend Greg Lake — whose "I Believe in Father Christmas" became a holiday standard for his band Emerson, Lake & Palmer — has passed away at the age of 69. Longtime manager Stewart Young announced: “I lost my best friend to a long and stubborn battle with cancer."

Greg (at left) was the guitarist and bassist for the popular rock trio, in addition to composing and singing ELP hits including "Still You Turn Me On" and "Lucky Man." His death is the second blow this year for fans of the popular act, with bandmate Keith Emerson (center) having committed suicide on March 11, 2016. The keyboardist had reportedly become depressed over health issues that left him unable to play.

This new loss leaves drummer Carl Palmer (left) as the sole surviving member of the band. The statement by Stewart Young added: "“Greg Lake will stay in my heart forever, as he has always been. His family would be grateful for privacy during this time of their grief.”