Greg Lake - I Believe in Father Christmas ( Tribute ... RIP 1947-2016)

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Did you know that soon after its release, Greg Lake’s song I Believe in Father Christmas’ was misinterpreted by fans as an anti-religious song? This could have been what partly led to the massive success of the song and a very surprised Lake.

I Believe in Father Christmas Song History

Recorded by the late English musician Greg Lake, I Believe in Father Christmas was released in November of 1975. The single hit a staggering number 2 in the UK Singles Chart; second only to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. This symphonic song was written with the help of Peter Sinfield, and while it was categorized as a Christmas song, this was in no way Greg’s intention.

Lake explained that the inspiration for the song came from his experience with the holiday season as a kid and what Christmas meant to him. As a child, Christmas for Greg was the visual image of peace on Earth and innate goodwill toward fellow men; a symbol of generosity and feeling good among loved ones. However, Greg notices and expresses in his song how all that has somehow gotten lost in the commercial feeding and shopping frenzy that has overtaken the true holiday spirit.

Greg Lakes recorded the song as a message of anti-commercialism, but it was often misunderstood by people as being anti-Christmas. In an interview with Mojo Magazine, the late Greg stated that he found it appalling when people term speaking about Christmas as politically incorrect. That you had to talk about the holiday season instead. Greg felt that Christmas was indeed a time of love, warmth, forgiveness, and acceptance.

I Believe in Father Christmas – Making of the Video

For all you Greg Lake fans out there, you’ll be surprised how dedicated the musician was. He literally went to dangerous heights just to make the video for the song I Believe in Father Christmas. It was shot in some exotic locations and extremely hot, scorching locales that really pushed Greg to the limit. These areas include the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt and the treacherous Dead Sea Scroll caves in the West Bank where they fried an egg on a rock. Greg and his team had to walk across a narrow ledge with hundreds of feet sheer drop on both sides. Talk about hard work and dedication to give fans something unique.

Lake, unfortunately, passed away on December 7, 2016 at the age of 69 after a hard and lengthy battle with cancer. The great musician will be missed by fans worldwide for his passion, unrelenting beliefs and great heart warming music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_H2x81ywbE