British music legend Keith Emerson could have committed suicide

Legendary rockstar Keith Emerson who was found dead at his home on Friday could have killed himself, Express.co.uk reports, citing police.

The 71 year-old-keyboardist was a founding member of progressive rock group Emerson.

Sergeant Erika Aklufi of Santa Monica police said Mr Emerson had an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

She said: “It's being investigated as a suicide.”

His former band Emerson, Lake and Palmer confirmed the sad news on their official Facebook profile.

They asked “that the family's privacy and grief is respected”.

His band posted earlier today: "We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night at his home in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, aged 71. We ask that the family’s privacy and grief be respected."

Keith’s distraught bandmate Carl Palmer led the tributes, with him remembering his "good friend and brother-in-music" in a touching statement.

He said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson.

"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. He was a pioneer and an innovator whose musical genius touched all of us in the worlds of rock, classical and jazz.

"I will always remember his warm smile, good sense of humor, compelling showmanship, and dedication to his musical craft. I am very lucky to have known him and to have made the music we did, together."

Emerson, Lake and Palmer formed in early 1970, but hadn't performed together since 2010, when they staged a 40th anniversary at the High Voltage Festival in London.

In their first year, the group signed with Atlantic Records and released Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970) and Tarkus (1971), both of which reached the UK top five.

Their success then continued with the likes of Pictures at an Exhibition in 1971 and Brain Salad Surgery in 1973.

After a three year break, they returned with Works Volume 1 and Works Volume 2, both released in 1977.