Jon Lord: Deep Purple keyboard star passes


Jon Lord, the former keyboard player with rock band Deep Purple, has died aged 71.

Lord, who co-wrote many of the group's legendary songs including Smoke On The Water, had been receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer since last August.


He co-founded Deep Purple in 1968 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18864409
Comments in tribute on his web site http://jonlord.org/2012/07/16/jon-lord-has-sadly-passed-away/#comments 

My meeting with Jon Lord was on the Deep live in Japan and Machine Head albums... RIP and thanks for my music history.

Keys To Shredding tributes http://www.keystoshredding.com/2012/07/jon-lord-tributes-pour-in.html

Rick Wakeman paid tribute to Lord.

"I was first made aware of Jon with Shades Of Deep Purple in the mid 1960s and I was a great fan," said the broadcaster.

"We became great friends and wrote stuff for (regular fundraising event) Sunflower Jam. And we were going to write and record an album before he become ill.

"His contribution to music and to classic rock was immeasurable and I will miss him terribly," said Wakeman, former keyboard player with Yes.


Jon Lord and Rick Wakeman - It's Not As Big As It Was



Jordan Rudess
"I'm very sad to hear about the passing of Jon Lord. He was an inspiration to me!"

Erik Norlander
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of the greatest rock keyboardists of all-time. R.I.P. Jon Lord. Let's raise a glass to this legendary artist and all the music he has left behind! With reverence, Erik Norlander

Adam Wakeman
"Very sad news about the great Jon Lord. [He was] one of my biggest influences and idols growing up. RIP."


Bob Katsionis

The problem isn't exactly the death of the Legendary Rock Musicians but the fact that there will be no successors,the way that "industry" treats musicians nowadays.
R.I.P Jon Lord-you've always been the Teacher.One and Only.

Ritchie Blackmore
"Jon was not only a great musician, he was my favorite dinner companion.

"We are all deeply saddened. We knew he was sick but the word was that he was recovering and doing much better. This news came as a complete shock.

"Without Jon there would be no DEEP PURPLE. He lives on in our hearts and memories."

Tony Iommi
"I was so shocked and saddened to hear the news of Jon's passing.

"Jon was not only a magnificent keyboard player and musician but a wonderful human being and a true gentleman. I'm honored to have had the opportunity to play together with him.

"We've lost a true legend but his music will live on in all of our hearts.

"My deepest thoughts go out to his family.

"R.I.P., Jon, my friend."

BBC Ritchie Blackmore, Rickwakeman



Steve Morse
"Jon just died. I'm shocked and don't know what to do, so I'm going to try to tell you a little about Jon.

"Jon was the powerhouse keyboard player that brought rock and classical directly together many times. The first was his timeless organ solo on 'Highway Star'. The next was his 'Concerto For Band And Orchestra'. I was able to perform with the whole band as it was played at Albert Hall before we toured extensively with it. Just weeks ago, I was able to play on a studio recording of Jon's concerto and share some heartfelt thoughts and words with him.

"Jon was the guy that would stop us from giving up on an idea in songwriting because it wasn't immediately obvious. I remember him encouraging me in the studio to keep doing what I was doing as I played around with an idea that I was intrigued with. After writing something as amazing as his concerto, he still had the imagination to hear ideas on top of anything I suggested. He always had a regal, gentlemanly manner. Like any of us, he could get annoyed, but he would only show it with his wry and dry wit. Mostly, he was upbeat and a pleasure for anybody to be around. His humor was right up my alley, with us exchanging ridiculous thoughts like, 'If Brenda Lee married Tommy Lee, her new name would be Brenda Lee...' Or having him finish the tune when an announcement at an airport would start with several musical notes to get your attention.

"It's hard to give anecdotes that convey an ease that somebody could give you, but he sure had that ability.

"We all love people that will pay attention to our kids, and years ago he charmed my (then) 5-year-old son Kevin with a Donald Duck imitation even while he was being hurried to get out of the dressing room and go to the green room for after show greetings.

"Jon retired from the endless DEEP PURPLE tour schedule, but continued to do appearances with original material and performances of his concerto. I knew he missed the band he helped start, but at the same time couldn't stand the relentless travel. From time to time, we would see him on tour, and he would sit in with us. The last time we played, less than a year ago, at the Sunflower Jam at Royal Albert Hall, he had just come offstage from performing with Rick Wakeman. Later I talked with him and his wife about how strange it felt to look around at the keyboards and not see him there at Albert Hall. We promised to do something together. Soon thereafter, we all learned of his battle with pancreatic cancer. I kept hearing hopeful, positive reports that they might be making progress, but this sudden death caught me totally unaware. I thought we would meet and do a recording project in the future when he recovered from the chemotherapy. Well, we sort of did, but I had to record it and send it to him, as we were in different countries.

"If you have friends, family, especially kids, don't ever miss a chance to do or say something special.... or simply appreciate the fact that they are there. One day, they won't be."

Vinnie Moore
Deep Purple were the pioneers that paved the way for all of us to follow. RIP Jon Lord

Joe Bonamassa
I am extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Jon Lord this morning. I had the honor of playing music with him twice in my life. He was one of the nicest, humble and most talented people I have ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with his family right now. Rest in Peace my friend.

Mick Box
"I was truly shocked to hear that Jon Lord 71, had passed away. Jon was one of the all time great, rock keyboard players, and composers, and he had the most amazing Hammond Organ sound ever.

I have known Jon for many years dating back to the late '60's, and he was always the perfect gentleman, and great company.

The musical world has lost a giant, and his contribution to rock music will live on forever.

When people have asked me who was my favourite keyboard player, his name was always first on my lips."
Ian Gillan
"He was just an amazing character and, I suppose, the godfather of DEEP PURPLE, and we all looked up to him with tremendous admiration," Ian said. "If there was such a thing as a typical English gentleman in rock music, then it was Jon Lord. We've all been touched by Jon one way or another — anyone who's involved in music, not only the fans, but also behind the scenes. We all know Jon for the inspiration and the incredible talent that he was. I could speak for hours about what he's given us. We shall carry his memory forward and his music, of course."

Joe Lynn Turner
"I am deeply saddened about the passing of Jon Lord. I am proud and humbled to have known him both personally and professionally, and blessed to share a special time with him. He was a true and gifted original, a gentleman of the industry, and he shall be greatly missed! My sincerest sympathies to his family and relatives and to all of us who have lost one of the great musicians of our time! R.I.P., Jon... May God hold you in his hands."

Graham Bonnet
"It is with great shock and deep sadness that I was informed of the loss of a dear friend and great musician, Jon Lord. You brought fun, laughter, silliness and light with your sense of humor to everything you worked on, you changed the world of rock with your unique take on it all. I send my love, thoughts, and deepest sympathy to his family. God bless you, Jon. [You will be] forever in our hearts."

Joe Bonamassa & Jon Lord - Guitar & Organ Chase - The Ballad of John Henry - Sunflower Jam 2011


Brett Garsed
R.I.P. the great Jon Lord...

John Norum
Mr Jon Lord sadly passed away today... May he rest in peace... /Wm

Dann Huff
We are all deeply saddened by the news that Jon Lord has passed away today at the age of 71 after suffering a pulmonary embolism. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer and was surrounded by his family at the London Clinic. Our most heartfelt sympathies go to his family. Jon Lord, a giant among men, R.I.P.

Martin Goulding
http://jonlord.org/
Sad day, RIP Jon Lord, absolute legend.

Phil Hilborne
Very sad news about Jon Lord passing - He was an inspiration to so many. Such a tragic loss. Sincere condolences to his family....

http://jonlord.org/
James Byrd
RIP John Lord :-(


Bill Berends
R.I.P. Jon Lord



Tal Wilkenfeld
We lost Jon Lord & Bob Babbitt in one day? That's just not right. RIP. This pic was taken the first/last time I saw Bob

The Official Ronnie James Dio Fan Page
It is was much sadness that we report that, Longtime Friend of Ronnie James Dio, Jon Lord died today, Monday, July 17th. Lord was 71 years old.

A statement on Lord's Official Website says the Leicester, England-born musician suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism in London after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Our thoughts are with Jon's family, friends and his legions of fans.

Rest In Peace Jon.

EarMUSIC
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jon Lord, who suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism today, Monday 16th July at the London Clinic, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was surrounded by his loving family.

Jon Lord, the legendary keyboard player with Deep Purple co-wrote many of the bands legendary songs including Smoke On The Water and played with many bands and musicians throughout his career.

Best known for his Orchestral work Concerto for Group & Orchestra first performed at Royal Albert Hall with Deep Purple and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1969 and conducted by the renowned Malcolm Arnold, a feat repeated in 1999 when it was again performed at the Royal Albert Hall by the London Symphony Orchestra and Deep Purple.

Jon’s solo work was universally acclaimed when he eventually retired from Deep Purple in 2002.

Jon passes from Darkness to Light. Jon Lord 9 June 1941 – 16 July 2012.

http://jonlord.org/

Andy Wood
RIP Jon Lord... Purple is a little deeper today....


Roy Marchbank
There goes another part of my youth RIP Jon Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrglx5kTqcY

Dragomir Herendic
R.I.P. Jon Lord .... and thank you for every single note you played for us!

Stefan Rosqvist
R.I.P John Lord, you Will be missed but not forgotten.

Lyle Watt
Jon Lord died today. Am actually gutted - Deep Purple were one of my favourite bands as a wee kid, and their music is one of the reasons I play guitar. I used to sit for hours and work the songs out by ear - I spent weeks trying to master Jon Lord's organ solo in Highway Star - dare I say it, I was even more of a fan of his playing than Ritchie Blackmores! The world has lost a great musician today - RIP Jon Lord. :(

Lyle Watt - Highway Star (Deep Purple)


Bill Lonero
Legendary keyboardist for Deep Purple, Jon Lord has passed away. R.I.P. Heaven has one Hell of a band!

Milan Polak
and another legend gone... R.I.P. Jon Lord!

Mike Dawes
RIP Jon Lord. Total boss :(

RIP Jon Lord. One of the fathers of heavy rock usage of the B3 as well as one of the fathers of timeless music that will live on forever.

Alan Williamson
R.I.P John Lord! Great loss to the music world, God bless you John. Deep purple will not be the same without you. X

Eugene Berger
R.I.P


Nico Schliemann
Daa da da daa da da daa da da da daa da da............da da......

R.I.P. Jon Lord
Steve Bello
Just received word that Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord passed away from lung cancer. Looks like I'm going to have to crank IN ROCK as loud as possible in memory of him...

Alberto Rigoni
RIP Jon Lord

Christian Muenzner
RIP Jon Lord ;(

Jonas Hörnqvist
RIP Jon Lord!

Fran Alonso
I just found out that Jon Lord, Whitesnake, Deep Purple keyboardist has died... We will another of the great... Terrible loss for music... R.I.P

Ray Riendeau
RIP Jon Lord. Deep Purple was a HUGE influence on me, such a great band. This is sad news.... CRANKING this today!!!!!! RIP Jon Lord>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh0iihjANPc


Ivan Chopik
Rest in Peace Jon Lord. You will be missed and your music lives on!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T9ByW6eRLw

Scott Jones
R.I.P. Jon Lord.

Ponch Satrio
RIP Jon Lord
Fabrizio Chiruzzi
r.i.p. jon lord

Irene TheNerd Ketikidi
R.I.P. Jon Lord, sad loss.


R.I.P. Jon Lord everybody crank up Highway Star!


Child In Time - Deep Purple

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