Greg lake enjoys songs of a lifetime

Greg Lake has been entertaining audiences for decades now, but he remains a man of passion, committed to creating vital and contemporary music which combines rock and pop with classical.

Tonight, the former Emerson, Lake and Palmer and King Crimson rocker brings his Songs of a Lifetime tour to the Queen’s Hall.

The tour, which coincides with the pre-release of Lake’s autobiography, which will be made available first to those who attend the shows in audio book form, was hailed as an ‘artistic triumph’ during its first run in North America.

And the rave reviews continue to pour in now it has been extended to the UK and Europe.

Songs of a Lifetime showcases Lake’s influence on music and those who influenced his music in an unusual, personal show consisting of songs, stories and even some audience participation.

The concerts give fans the opportunity to hear songs from ELP, King Crimson, and others in a storyteller format with a question and answer session.

The unique format allows for a different and personal show every night, featuring stories of Lake’s encounters with other musical greats who influenced him.

“The audience and I have created an intimate and unusual experience together,” says the 65-year-old. “However, at the end of the night the most important thing of all is that the audience always feels they have been entertained and enriched by the whole live experience.”

Lake goes on to say that his latest tour has given him a rare opportunity to get up close to his fans.

“Sometimes when you’re with a big band and it’s a big production out on the road you don’t really get to stop and talk to people very much,” he says. “You go on stage, you play you come off stage, you get on the bus, you’re gone.

“I wanted it to be a chance for the audience to maybe say something about their recollections,” he adds. “It’s two-way conversation.”

Lake, who is also well remembered for his classic 1975 Christmas hit, I Believe in Father Christmas, says there are surprises are ahead for fans in the Capital - and that no two shows on the tour are ever the same.

“This is not a boring show, with me strumming folk songs,” he says. “There is drama and pathos.

“I hope theatregoers will feel that they have been part of an unusual and enlightening experience, as well as having been entertained.”

Greg Lake - Songs of a Lifetime, The Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street, tonight, 8pm, £26.50, 0131-668 2019