| Greg Lake: THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH, IT HAS BEEN A REAL PLEASURE AND I VERY MUCH LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT TIME WE MEET. BEST,,,GREG. |
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| admin: Greg says: "Thank you all and good night, until next time..." |
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| Ikaris: Thank you for this moment , Greg! Your music has been touching and inspiring for all of us ELP fans. Hope see you on tour anywhere, Greetings from your spanish fans! |
| Greg Lake: HELLO THERE, SPAIN IS GREAT AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL IN THE NOT TO DISTANT FUTURE |
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| gsparaco: Hi Greg I was wondering. The ELPowell 1986 rehearsal that was released on Sprocket Sessions. I got a new copy of that tape but it says it was taped at Hammersmith Ode |
| Greg Lake: I HONESTLY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE SPROCKET SESSIONS WERE? THE WERE PROBABLY THE INVENTION OF SOME HOPEFUL MARKETING MOGUL. |
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| admin: Keep watching this site for the next chat date and be sure to sign up to receive the e-news. Thanks so much for being here! We will post an archive of this chat on the forum, so do sign up if you haven't already. |
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| Glenn: Hi Greg Hows Keith's hand. He cancelled his solo tour because of it and am wondering if he can still play? |
| Greg Lake: KEITH IS RECOVERING WELL AND I BELIEVE STILL HAVING ONGOING THERAPY. |
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| admin: We will be back soon. |
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| admin: Please join us when we chat again soon - we have a record of everyone's questions even if it was impossible to answer them all. There were more than 500! |
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| admin: Greg says: "The stuffing is falling out of the teddy" and is getting very tired. He is overwhelmed by the interest and the number of questions you all have posed. |
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| Lee: Greg, Let me tell ya something! I wanted to add that you are definitely one of the classiest guys in rock music. Do you ever get nostalgic about the earlier days? |
| Greg Lake: AS AN ARTIST I AM NOSTALGIC BY NATURE |
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| greenhazel351: Greg, I could be wrong but I understand that you are an only child. If so, have you at some point in your life ever yearned for a brother or sister? |
| Greg Lake: I AM AN NLY CHILD BUT HAVE NEVER REALLY FELT DEPRIVED IN ANY WAY, ALTHOUGH I DO SEE THE VALUE IN HAVING BROTHERS AND SISTERS |
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| cinnamon_girl: Greg, do you cook and if so, are you good at it? |
| Greg Lake: OH DEAR, YOU REALLY WOULD NOT WANT TO SEE ME IN A KITCHEN, STUFF GOES EVERYWHERE AND I GET THROWN OUT REAL QUICK |
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| AirC Images: what are you leaning towards in terms of bass guitars and amps for any upcoming live dates |
| Greg Lake: I FIND IT HARD TO MOVE AWAY FROM VINTAGE FENDER BASS'S, THERE IS JUST SOMETHING ABOUT THEM THAT CAPTIVATES ME. AS FAR AS AMPS GO I CURRENTLY USE MESA BOOGIE |
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| sharon: are you a grandparent? |
| Greg Lake: NOT YET BUT THANK YOU FOR ASKING |
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| autumnsong: I think progressive rock has had a profound influence (although probably not recognized) on today's music, even though there is a lot of homogenization in current rock and pop. Your thoughts? |
| Greg Lake: THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT PROGRESSIVE MUSIC HAS HAD A PROFOUND INFLUENCE UPON THE WHOLE WORLD OF MUSIC |
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| prog.sylvie: Do you sometime listen to jazz music, fusion jazz like Chick Corea ? I like you singing " Step Aside". I think that this form suited you well. |
| Greg Lake: I DO LIKE JAZZ BUT REALLY ONLY ORGANISED JAZZ |
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| George Stobbart: Greg, I love your guitar solo on Tarkus. How come E.L.P. did not feature your excellent guitar playing more often? |
| Greg Lake: THANK YOU SO MUCH, YOU ARE TO KIND |
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| Slick77GP: Greg, if you could put one of your works in a time capsule, which one would it be? |
| Greg Lake: CLOSER TO BELIEVING |
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| EJROCKER: Greg are you a diffrent man than you were in the70's? |
| Greg Lake: I HOPE NOT. WELL, I SUPPOSE WE ALL CHANGE AS WE GROW OLDER BUT DEEP DOWN I THINK I AM PRETTY MUCH THE SAME GUY |
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| prog.sylvie: Epitath is my favorite song. It still makes me shivering. Sometimes, do you listen to it ? |
| Greg Lake: I DO NOT LISTEN TO IT VERY OFTEN BUT OF COURSE I DO KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN. THE SONG IS INTENDED TO MOVE YOU AND I AM GLAD THAT IT REACHES YOU IN THE WAY THAT IT DOES |
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| greenhazel351: Greg, what hurts you most about life / in your career? |
| Greg Lake: THE ONLY THING THAT REALLY HURSTS IN LIFE IS WHEN YOU LOOSE SOMEONE OR SOMETHING YOU REALLY LOVE. |
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| Ikaris: Greg,Which are your influences at singing? You're one of best progressive rock voices |
| Greg Lake: I WOULD LOVE TO TELL YOU BUT THERE REALLY ARE FAR TO MANY TO NAME RIGHT NOW. FROM BING TO ELVIS, FROM PAVAROTTI TO JONI MITCHELL |
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| prog.sylvie: Did you feel nervous when you entered the Olympic Stadium on august 26 1977 with the Orchestra ? It was a great show, I was nervous myself , it was very impressive. |
| Greg Lake: I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT IT WAS JUST A LITTLE NERVE RACKING |
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| EJROCKER: How did you like playing with the Who? |
| Greg Lake: PETE AND ROGER ARE FANTASTIC TALENTS AND THE WHO ARE A LEGEND. I ALWAYS ENJOY PLAYING ALL THE HITS BECAUSE I KNEW JOHN VERY WELL AND I ALWAYS TRY TO PAY HIM THE RESECT HE DESERVES |
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| buck1107: In the Manticore Documentary, you said that the greatest gift is to be a singer. Thanks for sharing your gift with all of us! |
| Greg Lake: THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS I DO APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT |
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| Slick77GP: Greg, what was the most interesting place you performed and why? |
| Greg Lake: THERE REALLY ARE FAR TO MANY TO MENTION AND I KNOW IT SOUNDS CORNEY BUT I LOVE PLAYING THEM ALL. IT IS THE PEOPLE THAT REALLY MATTER, NOT THE PLACE, SO THAT IS WHY IT ALWAYS FEELS IMPORTANT AND FRESH NO MATTER WHERE I PERFORM |
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| |
| Mary Ann: Sorry to hear you'll not be with TSO this year, I saw them two weeks ago and the snow falling reminded me of my first ELP show at Madison Square Garden on Dec 17th 1974, with the snow falling as you sang Silent Night with the choir. One of my favorite live concert moments ever! As I am sure was for many of the NYC area ELP fans that attended that show! Who's idea was it to do Silent Night with the snow and the choir?? |
| Greg Lake: MANY THANKS, I LOVE TSO THEY ARE GREAT GUYS, I LOVE SILENT NIGHT AND IT JUST SEEMED LIKE THE RIGHT THING TO DO |
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| prog.sylvie: How and where do you usely spend Chritsmas? |
| Greg Lake: WELL, SOMETIMES I SPEND IT HERE IN LONDON AND SOMETIMES I GO DOWN TO DORSET TO SEE MY OLD PALS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE. IF THE WEATHER BECOMES TO DEPRESSING I SOMETIMES GO TO JAMIACA COS I LIKE THE REGGAE |
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| IanM: Greg, I've just bought from iTunes 'Welcome Back' Had it on vinyl, cassette, CD and now it's on my iPhone. I was there that night at Wembley. Magical. Thank you, and looking forward to 2010! |
| Greg Lake: THANK YOU VERY MUCH, YOUR CONTINUED SUPPRT IS MUCH APPRECIATED |
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| tarkus: hi greg any idea who will be on the list as well as elp at the victoria park gig |
| Greg Lake: ZZ TOP |
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| greenhazel351: Greg, just for curiosity... What computer are you using for this chat session? A laptop with Mac? Is Daisy lying by your side on the Persian rug, as I picture her right now? |
| Greg Lake: I AM USING A MAC AND DAISY IS SOMEWHERE DOWN STAIRS ASLEEP! |
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| EJROCKER: Greg, Ever check out Rodney Holmes? Smokin drummer. |
| Greg Lake: THANK YOU I WILL CHECK HIM OUT WHEN I GET A CHANCE |
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| Mimin ELP: Thank you very much, Greg! Hope you like it when you check it out! What about Brazilian music? What do you know about it? |
| Greg Lake: I ONLY KNOW WHAT MOST PEOPLE KNOW, THE TRADITIONAL BRAZILIAN CARNIVAL MUSIC ETC, BUT I DO LIKE IT |
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| Richardk: Greg - I bought my ticket for the 25th July yesterday - can you tell us something about other acts? |
| Greg Lake: ZZ TOP |
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| cogsincogs: Are you going to be adding special effects to the Greatest Show on Earth in July? |
| Greg Lake: YOU WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE, HOWEVER I DON'T ANTICIPATE THAT YOU WILL BE DISAPOINTED |
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| CrimsonTwin: Hi Greg, Are there any songs you wished you could have used an orchestra with that you weren't able to at the time? |
| Greg Lake: IT'S HARD TO SAY BECAUSE ON ANY GIVEN DAY YOU COULD DO AN ARRANGEMENT THAT WOULD CAST A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LIGHT ONTO A SONG. |
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| Ikaris: Were you always oriented towards art, Greg? I heard you gave a try drawing in your teens... |
| Greg Lake: I USED TO BE A DRAFTSMAN BUT ONLY FOR A SHORT WHILE. APART FROM MY HANDWRITING I HAVE NO OTHER HIDDEN ARTISTIC SKILLS |
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| mario: Greg. How is it that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has yet to induct ELP? They should be called the Hall of Shame for not doing so. |
| Greg Lake: I DON'T KNOW, I THINK THEY HAVE FORGOTTEN ABOUT ENGLISH BANDS AFTER THE BEATLES |
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| wingnut: Who said that naughty word at the beginning of The Sheriff on Trilogy? Was it Carl? |
| Greg Lake: WHAT NAUGHTY WORD WAS THAT? I HONESTLY CAN'T REMEMBER |
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| Slick77GP: Do you have any children and if so, have they been involved in music as well? |
| Greg Lake: I HAVE ONE DAUGHTER CALLED NATASHA, SHE IS GROWN UP NOW BUT HAS ALWAYS BEEN CLOSE TO MY MUSIC |
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| brianj: why dont you get the Brazilian orchestra to guest withyou for a series of orchestal gigs - the ones on you tube doing a version of pirates. They really nailed it |
| Greg Lake: VERY GOOD IDEA! I WILL TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT THIS |
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| brianj: what is your home studio setup? |
| Greg Lake: PRO TOOLS MAINLY, A LOT OF GUITARS OF COURSE AND I DO LIKE A BIT OF ANALOGUE OUTBOARD |
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| Glenn: It was great seeing my two favorite singer/songwriters on the Ringo tour (You and Ian Hunter) Ever think you would work with him? Plus I just LOVe "Lend your love to me tonight" and would love to hear it live. Thanks |
| Greg Lake: PLAYING WITH RINGO WAS GREAT AND IAN IS GREAT AS WELL. THESE GUYS ARE REAL DIAMONDS AND I WOULD PLAY WITH EITHER OF THEM ANY TIME ANYWHERE |
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| Lee: Hi Greg, Would you say the music biz has changed for the better or worst since the 70's? Your work has put a smile on my face for years. Thank You!! |
| Greg Lake: I HOPE THAT IT HAS MADE ME A BETTER HUMAN BEING. I HAVE CERTAINLY EXPERIENCED A GREAT MANY THINGS IN LIFE THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE DONE HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR MUSIC SO I CONSIDER MYSELF AS BEING ENRICHED BY THE LIFE I HAVE LED. |
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| Kim: What did your parents think of your great success as a musician? |
| Greg Lake: OF COURSE THEY WERE VERY PROUD AND PLEASED, HOWEVER THEY ALSO REALISED THAT LUCK PLAYED A HUGE PART AS WELL SO THEY WERE ALWAYS REALISTIC AND I SUPPOSE GRATEFUL |
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| EJROCKER: did you find tarkus easy to play or did it thke time to get it? |
| Greg Lake: IT IS NOT EASY TO PLAY UNTIL YOU STUDY THE FINGERING. ONCE YOU HAVE WORKED OUT THE TRICK, LIKE ALL THINGS IT BECOMES MUCH EASIER. |
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| face 1004: What do you think of the band Renaissance? I always thought Annie Haslam and you have great voices. Be a good duet for a song. |
| Greg Lake: I THINK YOU ASKED ME THIS ON THE LAST CHAT BUT MAYBE MY ANSWER GOT SWALLOWED UP BY THE SERVER THAT CRASHED. I AM NOT REALLY FAMILIAR WITH ANNIE'S WORK BUT WILL TRY AND TAKE A LISTEN AS SOON AS I CAN |
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| EAS: Aqua, definitely send those to Eileen, thanks (Ellie, here) |
| Greg Lake: |
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| Ikaris: Congratulations for your new website, Greg! |
| Greg Lake: MANY THANKS I AM VERY PROUD OF IT AND EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO THE FANTASTIC TEAM THAT ACTUALLY BUILT IT. WE ARE GOING TO KEEP FORGING AGHEAD WITH THE POSSIBILITIES ON THIS WEBSIT BECAUSE IT IS A FANTASTIC WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOU AND OF COURSE EVERYONE ELSE OUT THERE. |
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| aquatarkus1971: i have some photos taken in 2005 from weymouth i sent to eiileen soon after the gig, would you be interested in them for great new site greg? |
| Greg Lake: YES PLEASE DO SEND THEM TO EILEEN |
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| Slick77GP: I admire the fact that you have taken the time to get in touch with fans like us. |
| Greg Lake: IT REALLY IS MY PRIVILEDGE, IT IS WONDERFUL TO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE LIKE THIS ON A ONE ON ONE BASIS |
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| |
| cinnamon_girl: Greg, I once saw a pictoral of your beautiful family and noticed that your wife is a sculptor. Does she still create anything or hold exhibits? |
| Greg Lake: MY WIFE STILL SCULPTS, MAINLY IN TERRACOTTA BUT SOMETIMES IN BRONZE AS WELL |
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| Deborah Joy: Greg, Will ELP be performing any King Crimson songs next year at the Isle of Wight? |
| Greg Lake: I DON'T THINK ELP ARE PLAYING AT THE IOW? |
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| EJROCKER: Did u miss that Crown amp ,lens horns, and vitavox bins you used for a while? |
| Greg Lake: MY MY, HOW MUCH YOU KNOW ABOUT OLD GEAR! WELL THEY WERE CERTAINLY GREAT IN THEIR DAY! |
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| cogsincogs: Will you resurrect the Epitaph nod in Tarkus? |
| Greg Lake: EPITAPH IS A GREAT SONGT AND I ALWAYS ENJOY PERFORMING IT. MANY THANKS. |
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| buck1107: Hi Greg hope your day's going great! I would love to hear you play the "Lucky Man" electric solo live. It's always had a special place in my heart, and it is like a companion to Keith's exit Moog solo. Roger Hodgson played it when you were with Ringo in 2001, and it reminded me of what a truly great solo it is - I miss it. Keep up the wonderful work! Do you still own the Fender Telecaster or Broadcaster on which you played the originial "Lucky Man" solo in the studio? |
| Greg Lake: MANY THANKS, I DON'T HAVE THE ORIGINAL TELE BUT HAVE BOUGHT A FEW VINTAGE ONES SINCE THEN |
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| wingnut: Do you usually modify your bass guitar in any way? |
| Greg Lake: I JUST TRY AND GET IT TO PLAY AS WELL AS POSSIBLE, NO BUZZ'S, ACTION AS LOW AS POSSIBLE, DON'T HIT THE STRINGS TO HARD ( EVER) |
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| babayaga321: Greg - I was wondering about the lyrical work you did with Pete Sinfield on some on the longer ELP pieces. How did the two of you find working with Keith - was it any different to how you'd worked together previously in Crimson? |
| Greg Lake: PETE AND I HAD A VERY SPECIAL WRITING RELATIONSHIP AND IN MOST CASES WE WORKED QUITE SEPARATE FROM THE BAND. |
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| cogsincogs: Greg, what is your take on the remaster job by Steven Wilson on "In the Court of the Crimson King??" |
| Greg Lake: I HAVE TO BE HONEST AND TELL YOU THAT I HAVE YET TO HEAR IT. |
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| KMJ: Doubt you'll get to my Q (I'm off to teach), but am enjoying the posts and wanted to offer a heartfelt thanks for all the listening joy you've provided me over the years. I wish you the best. |
| Greg Lake: MANY THANKS, THAT IS VERY KIND OF YOU |
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| Slick77GP: What was or who was your biggest influence in music and what do you attribute your success to? |
| Greg Lake: THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION, MY INFLUENCES ARE FAR TO MANY TO NAME, FROM ALL SPHERES OF MUSIC AND FROM ALL TIME PERIODS. HOWEVER, THE TRUTH IS THAT WE ARE ALL INFLUENCED BY MORE OR LESS THE SAME MUSIC, AND THAT OF COURSE IS WHY WE ALL UNDERSTAND THE SAME LANGUAGE. IE, THAT IS WHY THERE ARE HIT RECORDS OR POPULAR RECORDS |
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| Richardk: The “out in the green” festivals 1987 in Switzerland and Germany announced ELP to play as special guests. They cancelled it just one day before the concert due to an apparent motobyke accident of Keith. There are rumours that there was no accident, but that ELP never agreed to play – Greg do you remember and if yes what you think of the rumour? |
| Greg Lake: I AM SO SORRY BUT I HONESTLY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THESE SHOWS |
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| Galina: Greg, as I know you have a big library. What is your fav reading? I am restorer of ancient books and it's my 'professional' question .:-) |
| Greg Lake: I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT I AM A BOOK COLLECTOR RATHER THAN A BOOK READER SO I DON'T NECESSARILY READ ALL OF THE BOOKS I COLLECT. FOR EXAMPLE I HAVE A FIRST EDITION OF MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY SIGNED BY CAPTAIN BLIGH AND TWO BOOKS FROM THE PRIVATE LIBRARY OF MARIE ANTIONETTE NEITHER OF WHICH HAVE I READ, HOWEVER I HAVE STUDIED IN SOME CONSIDERABLE DEPTH THE HISTORY THAT SURROUNDED BOTH OF THESE SO THAT IS HOW MY INTEREST IN BOOKS EVOLVES. |
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| cogsincogs: Greg, Are you going to bust out the electric guitar on Karn Evil 9 and shred? |
| Greg Lake: WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE! |
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| aquatarkus1971: greg saw you inn weymouth 2005, awesome gig, we sat frontt row, centrre,, and your voice was so powerful, how do you do it? |
| Greg Lake: MANY THANKS, SINGING IS LIKE ANYTHING ELSE, THE MORE YOU DO IT THE BETTER YOU GET I SUPPOSE. I THINK IT IS JUST A MATTER OF HOW MUCH YOU BELIEVE IT |
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| greenhazel351: Greg, you were very young and I guess still living with your parents when you wrote "Lucky Man". What was Mum and Dad's reaction when years afterwards that song became a hit? |
| Greg Lake: MY PARENTS WERE OBVIOUSLY PROUD OF THE SUCCESS BUT AT THE SAME TIME THEY SAW FIRST HAND HOW CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVERYTHING IS SO I THINK THEY, LIKE ME ALWAY UNDERSTOOD REALISED THAT FATE ALSO HAD A VERY LARGE PART TO PLAY IN MY SUCCESS. |
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| Deborah Joy: Hi Greg! Yes, there are other voices. Yes, there are other acoustic guitarists. But there are none that compare to you be it while you were in King Crimson or ELP. Your voice, acoustic style and yeah well, even looks have always been to die for. I do believe God broke the mold after He made you! |
| Greg Lake: YOU ARE FAR TO KIND, NOW I AM BLUSHING! |
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| CrimsonTwin: Hi Greg, Have you ever recorded or visited Abbey Road studios? Thanks... |
| Greg Lake: YES MANY TIMES. IT IS A GREAT STUDIO AND WILL ALWAYS ECHO WITH THE SOUND OF THE BEATLES |
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| Jasmin: Hi Greg, do you like Germany? |
| Greg Lake: GERMANY IS A GREAT COUNTRY AND MUCH UNDERESTIMATED. THE PROBLEM IS THAT MOST PEOPLE HAVE THIS BLACK AND WHITE SECOND WORLD WAR IMPRESSION OF GERMANY WHICH IS REALLY A LONG WAY AWAY FROM THE TRUTH. THE LANGUAGE IS ALSO A BIG PROBLEM BUT I WOULD ADVISE ANYONE TO VISIT THERE. THE PEOPLE ARE FRIENDLY AND THE COUNTRY IS FULL OF INTERESTING AND BEAUTIFUL PLACES. THEY ALSO HAD THE COURAGE TO FACE UP TO THEIR OWN DARK MOMENTS OF HISTORY RATHER THAN HIDING THEM AWAY FROM PUBLIC VIEW WHICH I THINK IS TO BE COMMENDED. |
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| Carnival: Hello Greg, hope your well. Is it true that you don't like the 3rd impression of karn evil9 and if so why |
| Greg Lake: I CANNOT REMEMBER SAYING ANYTHING LIKE THAT, WHICH OF COURSE DOESN'T MEAN THAT I DIDN'T SAY IT BUT MERELY THAT I CAN'T REMEMBER SAYING IT. I THINK THE ENDING WAS OK WASN'T IT? |
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| KMJ: Cheers mate, was wondering how playing together now resembles (or not) the early days (70s). Warm Regards |
| Greg Lake: I THINK PLAYING IS PRETTY MUCH ALWAYS THE SAME, IT IS LOVE AND IT IS PAIN, IT IS TEDIOUS AND IT IS THRILLING IT IS HARD BUT IT IS ALWAYS REWARDING PROVIDED YOU GIVE IT EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT. |
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| Denise: Hi Greg, just wanted to say that again after 36 years! I met you several times |
| Greg Lake: HI, NICE TO MEET YOU AGAIN! |
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| buck1107: Hi Greg. The first time I saw you live was with Emerson Lake and Powell, and now that show is the standard for all live shows, for me. Are there any shows that were video taped or filmed from that tour? I would love to see more from that era. Many thanks for all of the wonderful music, and I'm looking forward to more! |
| Greg Lake: MANY THANKS. I=REGRETTABLY I DON'T THINK THERE WERE ANY FILMS MADE OF THAT TOUR. THE ONLY THING THAT YOU MIGHT FIND IS A DVD OF THE SINGLE TOUCH AND GO |
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| cogsincogs: Hello Greg, regarding stray dogs, installed and refinished Snuffy Waldens hardwood floors last summer. I gave him your website info. Did he ever contact you? He told me some wild stories while touring in support of ELP. A classy guy. |
| Greg Lake: SNUFFY IS A WONDERFUL HIMAN BEING AND A GREAT MUSICIAN, WE HAVEN'T TALKED IN A WHILE BUT PLEASE SAY HELLO TO HIM FOR ME |
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| Thomas: Hi Greg did you listen to Keith's latest album and what did you think about it? |
| Greg Lake: THE MUSICAINSHIP WAS CERTAINLY GREAT, BUT OF COURSE THAT IS WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT OF KEITH. |
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| kathyd: Hello greg, glad too be able too talk to u today its a year today since i lost my daughter and it just nice to be able to have something positive to look forward today hope to see yo in the boston area soon miss that voice,music and smile! |
| Greg Lake: I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS. NO WORDS THAT I CAN SAY CAN EVEN COME CLOSE TO EASING YOUR PAIN. I TO HAD A LOSS LAST YEAR WHEN MY DALMATION ASTOR DIED AFTER 15 YEARS TOGETHER. I STILL FIND IT HARD TO HOLD BACK THE TEARS WHEN I THINK ABOUT HIM. HOWEVER, IT IS BETTER TO HAVE LOVED AND LOST THAN NEVER TO HAVE LOVED AT ALL. MAY YOUR DAUGHTER REST IN PEACE AND THANK YOU FOR SAYING HELLO, IT MEANS A LOT TO ME. |
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| |
| Kim: I know that family is very important to you. Could you tell us a little bit about your parents and grandparents...where they were from, what they did for a living, or anything else you'd like to share about them. |
| Greg Lake: BELIEVE IT OR NOT MY GRANDFATHER WAS A JOCKEY AND WAS INJURED IN THE GRAND NATIONAL A FAMOUS HORSE RACE HERE IN THE UK. MY GRANDMOTHER PLAYED PIANO BUT OTHER THAN THAT MY HISTORY IS NOT REMARKABLE. I GREW UP VERY POOR AND SO IT CAME AS A HUGE SHOCK TO ME AT THE AGE OF 20 OR SO TO BE ALL OF A SUDDEN THRUST INTO THE LIMELIGHT OF FAME AND FORTUNE. |
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| EJROCKER: Would Greg sign my Stray Dogs L.P.? |
| Greg Lake: YES OF COURSE I WOULD! THEY WERE A GREAT TEXAS ROCK BAND, |
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| Illoman: Hi, Greg. The songs you wrote for ELP are my favorite from the band. Is there anyway to get your autograph? It would mean a lot to me! Thanks! |
| Greg Lake: MANY THANKS, JUST WRITE TO EILEEN ON THIS WEBSITE AND SHE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU |
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| lucskai: Hi Greg! I have been ELP for 40 years. I would like to speak to you this way if possible-btw I dont speak English ;) |
| Greg Lake: NEVER MIND, I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU MEAN, BEST GREG |
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| Slick77GP: Good Afternoon, Greg from L.I.NY-Been a huge fan "From the Beginning"..Will you be touring NY any time soon? |
| Greg Lake: I DO HOPE SO. SOME OF THE GREATEST CONCERTS ELP EVER PLAYED TOOK PLACE IN NY AND PARTICULARLY AT MADISON SQ GARDEN. IT IS TRUE WHAT THEY SAY, IF YOU CAN MAKE IT THERE, YOU CAN MAKE IT ANYWHERE" |
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| ohmyfatherfanatic: Hello Greg. I'm here just to say hello and to thank you very very very much for answering my question from Nov 15. That was very nice of you to post a word document with all of your answers. I admire you for that. Thanks again. You're my hero. |
| Greg Lake: MANY THANKS. THE LOYAL SUPPORT OF MY FANS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO ME. IT IS NOT A MATTER OF MONEY OR POPULARITY BUT IT IS RATHER LIKE HAVING A VERY BIG FAMILY OF PEOPLE THAT YOU CARE ABOUT AND SHARE LIFE WITH. |
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| ricka: Hi GREG long time fan of ELP It was dec.110 1973 BOSTON GARDEN BRAIN SALAD SURGERY TOUR. It was the most amazing show i,ve ever been to, i,ll never forget it. Is there any footage from that tour? |
| Greg Lake: THANK YOU SO MUCH. I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU REMEMBERED THIS SHOW IN THE WAY THAT YOU DO AND I WOULD ASK YOU TO PLEASE RECORD YOUR MEMORIES IN WERE YOU THERE SO THAT EVERYONE CAN SHARE WITH THE MAGIC TIME THAT YOU AND I WITNESSED TOGETHER |
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| rob : Hi Greg where do you see yourself musically 5 or l0 years from now. Don't you even think of retiring until your about 85 or so. You are my favorite singer-- love you man |
| Greg Lake: THANK YOU SO MUCH. IF ALL GOES WELL AND I AM STILL ALIVE I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP PERFORMING BECAUSE THERE IS VERY LITTLE ELSE IN MY LIFE THAT GIVES ME SO MUCH DEEP GRATIFICATION |
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| cogsincogs: Hi Greg, how ya doin'!! Looking forward to the greatest show on earth in July!! My father-in-law, Robert McCarthy did your special effects on many shows during the Brain Salad Surgery Tour. Remember the spinning piano and snowing in Madison Square Garden while you sang silent night. What special effects do you have planned for the Festival? |
| Greg Lake: THERE ARE MANY THINGS PLANNED FOR THE LONDON SHOW, IT REALLY WILL BE A ONCE IN A LIFETIME SHOW |
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| PACIFICA: Have you ever suffered from trouble with your fingers or wrist? I am a beginner as a bass player. I'm curious to know your experience in your early days. |
| Greg Lake: ALL OF ELP HAVE HAD HAD OR ARM PROBLEMS OF ONE KIND OR THE OTHER, I'M AFRAD THAT IT IS A PART OF TERRITORY.FUNNILY ENOUGH WE ALL USE THE SAME HAND SURGEON CALL NICHOLAS GODDARD |
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| Carlos Bill: Greg, ELP (you and Keith and Carl sure) performed once in Rio, at Canecão; I remember going for the concert and feeling thrilled with all that musicianship and 'discipline' of the scales, tons, rhythms...Has your manager a schedule for ELP touring South America and Rio, Brazil? You're a legend here, since 1972 on...as are Keith and Carl too. |
| Greg Lake: THANK YOU SO MUCH, I CAN TELL YOU THAT DISCUSSIONS ARE NOW TAKING PLACE FOR VARIOUS TOURING OPPORTUNITIES SO TAKE A LOOK AT THIS WEBSITE FROM TIME TO TIME WHEN ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE |
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| Denise: just want to say HI Greg after 36 years, I met you several times in the early 70's |
| Greg Lake: HELLO TO YOU TO, I AM SURE IF WE MET THAT I WOULD PROBABLY REMEMBER YOU. I AM TERRIBLE WITH NAMES BUT VERY GOOD WITH FACES |
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| Deborah Joy: Hi Greg! Let's try this again. You wrote/sang a song entitled Oh My Father (a beautiful heartwrenching tune I might add). So far I have only seen this song advertised on From The Beginning Box Set. Is it released on any other project? Next, I write ancient Hebrew, Greek, Celtic and Latin music. Any ideas on how these can be heard? |
| Greg Lake: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR KIND WORDS. REGARDING YOUR OWN MUSIC YOU WILL HAVE TO STUDY THE MARKET AND SEE WHERE THE INTEREST FOR THAT SORT OF MUSIC LIES |
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| EJROCKER: I have a mint 1960 doubleneck Danelectro Bass ans guitar interested? |
| Greg Lake: I AM AFRAID NOT, I ALREADY HAVE ONE! |
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| tzina nechumah: Hi Greg, Just wondering if you have started 'working' on the new album with Keith yet? Can you tell us about it? When ready will we here in the chatroom be the first to hear |
| Greg Lake: I NEVER LIKE TO DISCUSS RECORDS BEFORE THEY ARE COMPLETE, HOWEVER I WILL TELL YOU THAT I AM EXTREMELY EXCITED BY THE THINGS THAT WE ARE WORKING ON BECAUSE THEY HAVE A VERY SPECIAL CHEMISTRY |
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| Galina: Greg, do you have any plans to visit Russia? |
| Greg Lake: THERE ARE NO SHOWS CURRENTLY PLANNED BUT YOU ARE RIGHT I WILL LOOK INTO THIS AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY AND SEE WHAT CAN BE ARRANGED |
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| babayaga321: Hi Greg - do you have a favourite ELP and / or solo song that you've released on an album but never played live? Cheers - Graham. |
| Greg Lake: I HAVE NO ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE, THEY ARE ALL LIKE CHILDREN TO ME, THEY ALL HAVE SOMETHING THAT I FIND IRRISISTABLE |
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| Carlos Bill: Greg, have you ever played jazz, or free jazz somewhere in your career? Would you feel 'freer' playing that stuff, or is it quite different from your routine musicianship, a total opposite? |
| Greg Lake: I FEEL THAT FREE FORM MUSIC IS PROBABLY BETTER PLAYED IN PRIVATE. IT IS AFTER ALL AN EXPERIMENT, SOMETIMES IT WORKS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T AND AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED I BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO PAY TO COME AND SEE FAILED EXPERIMENTS NO MATTER HOW WELL INTENTIONED |
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| face 1004: Just wanted to thank you for the great music and I also for a show in 8-21-98 at Blossom Music, Ohio. That was my first date with my now wife. We will always remember that show. |
| Greg Lake: I AM HONOURED TO HAVE PLAYED A TINY PART IN YOUR HAPPINESS |
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| wingnut: What is the meaning of life? Sorry, I couldn't resist. |
| Greg Lake: I THINK THAT THE MAIN THING ABOUT LIFE IS TO EXPERIENCE AS MANY THINGS AS YOU CAN AND AS YOU GO ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS JUST REMEMBER TO DO UNTO OTHER AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU |
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| autumnsong: Question to Greg: Ah. I love your music, your musical ideas. I am a singer and just delight in great voices, like yours. There are few rock singers who really know what they are doing vocally, you are one of the top few.I have not ever heard/read much about how you developed your singing voice. It seems that you had a defined style really early in your life. The question, then, is when did you start singing, and truly know/realize that your voice, well, is superb? |
| Greg Lake: I THINK THE BEST WAY IS TO COPY OTHER PEOPLE. THE BETTER THEY ARE AND THE CLOSER YOU STUDY THEM THE BETTER YOU BECOME AND EVENTUALLY, ONE DAY YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF |
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| prog.sylvie: Greg, did you ever take singing lessons ? Did you ever sing in church as a choir boy ? |
| Greg Lake: I DID SING IN CHURCH BUT ONLY FOR A SHORT WHILE, I DI NOT TAKE SINGING LESSONS BUT SOMETIMES I DO WISH I HAD |
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| Margaret: In reading the q and a's from the last chat, I was struck by how much fans seem to know about you. Do you find this surprising,flattering, alarming? |
| Greg Lake: IT IS SOMETIMES SURPRISING BUT IT IS REALLY LIKE HAVING A HUGE FAMILY, EVERYWHERE I GO IN THE WORLD I HAVE ALL THESE FRIENDS THAT KNOW ME AND I AM HAPPY IT IS LIKE THAT. THE ONE GREAT THING ABOUT THIS LIVE CHAT IS THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME WE CAN NOW SPEAK TOGETHER |
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| prog.sylvie: Greg, can you stand a simple conversation in french ? |
| Greg Lake: DESPITE THE FACT THAT I USED TO LIVE IN PARIS I SPEAK FAR TO LITTLE FRENCH |
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| Ikaris: Hi Greg, best wishes for you and ELP reunion! |
| Greg Lake: YOU ARE VERY KING AND I AND KEITH AND CARL DEFINITELY VALUE YOUR SUPPORT |
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| Mimin ELP: Hello, Greg! I'm glad to talk to you! I used to be in your guest essay page on your old website when I was 14 and I used to right lots of letters to you in that time as well. My question is: In my ELP Tribute Page on myspace (http://myspace.com/elptributepage) I used to ask ELP fans to send me tribute versions of ELP songs and upload them in a player on the main page. Due to copyright issues, I quit it, but I would like to know if you have ever listened to these and what do you think about'em? |
| Greg Lake: DEAR IASMIN, I AM SO SORRY BUT THESE NEVER REACHED ME BUT NOW I HOPE THAT I WILL BE ABLE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS MORE DIRECTLY IN THE FUTURE |
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| JMCD: Did you ever consider playing Hallowed be thy name live? |
| Greg Lake: FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK, YES I HAVE, I REALLY LIKE THE SONG AND AM EAGRE TO PLAY MORE THINGS THAT ELP AND I HAVE NEVER DONE BEFORE |
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| Mary Ann: Greg, are you planning to participate in any of the Trans SIberian Orchestra shows this year? |
| Greg Lake: NOT THIS YEAR ALTHOUGH I LOVE THE SHOW |
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| prog.sylvie: Hie Greg / I love Pirates with the orchestra. Greg , what do you prefer: Pirates with the orchestra or without ? |
| Greg Lake: I LOVE BOTH VERSIONS, TO ME IT IS LIKE A MOVIE, WHEN I SING IT I AM TRULY THERE |
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| sleeveless: Greg, hello from West Virginia. How are things going with your animal welfare organization? |
| Greg Lake: THANK YOU FOR ASKING THEY ARE GOING WELL BUT ALWAYS NEED HELP. ANYTHING YOU CAN DO WOULD BE MUCH APPRECAITED |
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| greenhazel351: Greg, this month marks the 40th anniversary of that show at the Fillmore West where you met Keith for the first time. On reflection, what are your deepest feelings today about that encounter? |
| Greg Lake: I AM VERY GRATEFUL, IT WAS A GREAT MOMENT |
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| Carlos Bill: When you play the guitar, we see that your style is really superb. You was just an eager guitar player since 1974, wasn't you? You know, Greg, those licks in Welcome Back, My Friends...the record, just a few seconds before Carl Palmer's fantastic drums solo...Hey I'm a real curious guy!! |
| Greg Lake: YOU ARE TO KIND |
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| bosco: Hi Greg and tnx for another chat! I heard the first Crim lp back in ‘72 when I was just 18. Had to find out who was behind that voice and have been a fan ever since. Cool look, great voice, sweet guitar. Quick question: Can you turn us onto the tuning you use on Still...You Turn Me On (pun intended - ha!) |
| Greg Lake: THANK YOU VERY MUCH THE TUNING YOU REQUIRE IS TUNE THE DOWN TO D, THAT'S ALL |
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| wingnut: What's in your pedalboard these days? |
| Greg Lake: NOT A LOT |
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| Carlos Bill: Hi Greg Lake! Hey I'm 'busy' in my questions heeh?! Would you tell me about what pick exercises for the bass can you suggest for a bass student play matter-of-factly those scales of the theme Promenade, of Pictures At An Exhibition? Hey man, you're the best bass player ever!! |
| Greg Lake: THANK YOU |
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| Missmoonlight: Hi Greg! is life a dream or do dreams help us to live better? |
| Greg Lake: I THINK IT IS PARTLY A DREAM AND PARTLY A REALITY BUT AS SOON AS YOU THINK IT ONE THE OTHER REARS ITS HEAD AND LEAVES YOU NEVER QUITE KNOWING. |
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| marco: Hi Greg. Glad to see that you were able to use so many of my photographs on your site ... and was wondering if I can look forward to more opportunities to see you with ELP again here in the states. And take more shots of course. :) |
| Greg Lake: I REALLY DO HOPE SO AND IF THAT IS MARC YOU ARE A GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER NO QUESTION ABOUT IT |
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| babayaga321: Hi Greg.... my father taught me to fingerpick the acoustic (bad move...as I bite my fingernails!). But your use of the combination of pick and fingers is so precise..... I was wondering, when and how did you first develop this technique? |
| Greg Lake: I LEARNED THE TECHNIQUE OF CROSS PICKING FROM THE LATE AND GREAT DON STRIKE WHO TAUGHT MYSELF, ROBERT FRIPP AND ANDY SUMMERS |
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| face 1004: What do you think of Ed Macan's book, Endless Enigma? |
| Greg Lake: I HAVE TO BE HONEST AND SAY THAT I'M AFRAID I HAVEN'T SEEN IT YET |
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| face 1004: What was the reason for not doing a Asia album after Budakon in 1983? |
| Greg Lake: I THINK THAT I WAS PROBABLY TO PROGRESSIVE IN MY THINKING |
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| Carlos Bill: Hi Greg! Would you, please, tell what are the three main chords of Karn Evil 9? |
| Greg Lake: THAT WOULD BE TOOOOOOO COMPLICATED FOR AN INSTANT CHAT LIKE THIS |
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| admin: Please note that the only confirmed date we have for Greg/ELP is in the UK in July 2010 |
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| Carlos Bill: Hi Greg! In your opinion, playing the bass with a pick makes you play with more speed? Or playing with the fingers can be as fierce as with a pick |
| Greg Lake: PLAYING WITH A PICK GIVES A SHARPER EDGE/ATTACK TO THE SOUND BUT YOU SACRIFICE INTIMATE FEEL |
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| prog.sylvie: Greg, can you stand a basic conversation in french ? |
| Greg Lake: DESPITE THE FACT THAT I USED TO LIVE IN PARIS MY FRENCH IS REGRETTABLY VERY LIMITED |
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| mike15: Hi Greg, thanks for all your music. I've been watching you tube videos of California jam.. do you have a favorite memory from that show ? Do you know of any plans to release commercially? |
| Greg Lake: I BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN BUY THE DVD, BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS PLEASE CONTACT EILEEN ON THIS WEBSITE |
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| mario: Was wondering if ELP has any plans to re-release the Pictures at An Exhibition without the overlayed animation especially during the Curse of Baba Yaga. I think many fans lost out on seeing three incredible musicians performing a stretch of music that would have even blown Muggorsky away. Thanks |
| Greg Lake: THERE IS GOING TO BHE A RE-RELEASE OFTHE ORIGINAL PICTURES FILM WITHOUT ALL THE SPECIAL FX. I THINK IT WILL BE GOOD. |
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| prog.sylvie: I am Sylvie from Montreal, and from the old greg lake forum. I know that you like to travel. Where did you go in your last trip ? |
| Greg Lake: DEAR SYLVIE, TO BE HONEST I TRAVEL SO MUCH I BEGIN TO FEEL AS IF IT IS ALL ONE BIG PLACE. I DO LIKE MONTREAL THOUGH AND USED TO LIVE IN WESTMOUNT FOR A WHILE |
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| Sing2me: Hi Greg! Ijust wanted to tell you that I first heard From the beginning way back in the 70's when I was in high school. It gave me goosebumps then |
| Greg Lake: thank you very much |
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| aquatarkus1971: and will the old grey whstle test, new year eve broadcast by the bbc ever be released on dvd? |
| Greg Lake: I very much hope so |
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| aquatarkus1971: hi greg, will the elp rehersals be available on dvd as they were on the gl band in 2005 , and will the high voltage festival be filmed for release? |
| Greg Lake: test |
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| Greg Lake: HI MARGARET I AM HERE WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY |
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| user1: Is Margaret in the room? |
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| admin: Greg will be here shortly. |
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