Peter Sinfield, who helped found the critically acclaimed band King Crimson, and wrote songs for Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Celene Dion, died on Thursday. He was 80.
The news was announced on the official King Crimson website. No cause of death was given but the NME reported that he had been dealing with poor health for several years.
Born in London, Sinfield was the one who came up with the name for King Crimson. He co-produced the band’s first four albums – “In the Court of the Crimson King,” “In the Wake of Poseidon,” “Lizard” and “Islands” – and wrote lyrics for several of their songs, including “I Talk To The Wind“and ”Under The Sky.”
Over the decades, countless musicians have ditched the birth names bestowed upon them by their parents in favour of more striking and memorable stage names.
Some monikers are slight tweaks of their birth name (Jon Bon Jovi, John Paul Jones and Jimi Hendrix), whereas others have ditched them altogether in favour of something much more stage friendly (Alice Cooper, Slash, Freddie Mercury).
Also featuring Alex Lifeson, Mikkey Dee, John 5, Joey Tempest, Axl Rose, Eddie Vedder, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ronnie James Dio, Pat Smear, Mick Mars, Nikki Sixx, Stevie Nicks, Michael Monroe, Muddy Waters, Iggy Pop, Cozy Powell, The Edge, Geddy Lee, Tina Turner, Peter Green, Steven Adler, Nicko McBrain, Pat Benatar, all four members of Steel Panther, Courtney Love, Chad Kroeger and loads more, take a look at the real names of rock icons below:
After parting ways with King Crimson, Sinfield produced Roxy Music’s first, eponymous album and recorded a solo album, “Still,” in 1973, according to the Guardian.
He later worked with Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and helped write the songs “Benny The Bouncer,” “Karn Evil 9 3rd Impression,” and “I Believe in Father Christmas,” which was a hit in the U.K.
He also wrote songs for Leo Sayer, Cher, Bucks Fizz, Five Star, and Cliff Richard. His biggest hit was in 1994 with the Celene Dion song “Think Twice,” co-written with Andy Hill. He an Ivor Novello award for the song.
Leave a Reply