Emerson, Lake & Palmer keyboardist Keith Emerson died Thursday at his home in Santa Monica, California. He was 71. It was later revealed that he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and his death was ruled a suicide.”I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson,” bandmate Carl Palmer wrote on his 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 … I am very lucky to have known him and to have made the music we did, together. Rest in peace, Keith.”  Palmer later revealed on Twitter that he’s hoping to put together a tribute show for Keith in June.

Meanwhile, bandmate Greg Lake also issued a statement, writing on his website,  “As you know Keith and I spent many of the best years of our lives together and to witness his life coming to an end in the way that it has is painful, both to myself and to all who knew him.” He added, “What I will always remember about Keith Emerson was his remarkable talent as a musician and composer and his gift and passion to entertain. Music was his life and despite some of the difficulties he encountered I am sure that the music he created will live on forever.”

According to Emerson’s girlfriend Mari Kawaguchi, the keyboardist had been “tormented with worry” about an upcoming tour of Japan because nerve damage to his hand affected his playing. She insisted he planned to retire following the shows.

Emerson, Lake & Palmer formed in 1970 and released nine albums together. They split in 1979, with Emerson and Lake going on to make music with a new drummer, but eventually reunited the original group in the 90s for two more albums.

Source: Billboard