Jon Lord (Deep Purple) died today.

[reswati]

Tragic demise of the greatest Keyboardplayer in the universe: Jon Lord, you will be missed as a musician, composer, inspiration, innovator and great person. Legendary Deep Purple keyboard player and composer Jon Lord – also loved for his work with Whitesnake, Paice, Ashton & Lord, The Artwoods and Flower Pot Men – has passed away today, Classic Rock has learned.

A statement from Lord’s PR representative reads:

“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.”

[SteveAJones]

Japan Mourns The Loss of Jon Lord

[chillumpuffer]

What a sad loss. Made In Japan was the first ever live Hard Rock album I ever heard. My brother had it when I was about 12. I will remember him by playing the album in full especially Space Truckin'

[MINI_Zoso]

Sad news.

Just a reminder to me to continue to get out and see/witness every great band that I can. We just don't know who is next.

Glad I got to see them live.

[2bitnogoodjive]

Sad news. Was just listening to MIJ over the weekend.

RIP

[DAS]

Sad news. He is one of the better musicians we have lost this year. RIP

[Black-Dog]

So sad, his new dvd should be come out in autumn with Steve Morse, Joe Bonamasssa...RIP

[Walter]

RIP Mr. Lord, you will be missed!

Condolences to his family.

[badgeholder]

Very sad news, indeed. Loved his playing. Gonna listen to some Deep Purple tonight

[Ady]

Terrible news.

RIP, Jon.

[the chase]

Sad news.. What a great talent and a classy,Gentleman..

Jon Lord more than anyone else seperated Deep Purple from all other Hard Rock / Metal bands..

He had the ballsiest Hammond sound of anyone, anywhere.

Rest in Peace

[ledzepfvr]

ARRRRRGHHHHH!!! Another. No More.

RIP Mr. Lord

[jimmie ray]

Sad news.. What a great talent and a classy,Gentleman..

Jon Lord more than anyone else seperated Deep Purple from all other Hard Rock / Metal bands..

He had the ballsiest Hammond sound of anyone, anywhere.

Rest in Peace

We always offer a lot of accolades to musicians when they pass, but this is one where it is really true.

[Ady]

[Stryder1978]

God bless you Jon and thanks for the years of great music. You are missed!

[Jimmy Jam]

Very sad news RIP Jon

[redhairedqueen22]

so sorry to hear about jon lord's passing. i would never wish cancer on anybody. his family, friends, fans, and deep purple are in my prayers

Edited July 16, 2012 by redhairedqueen22

[Led_Rock_Hard]

That's very sad news. Deep Purple will always be one of my favorite Hard Rock bands. He will be missed for sure.

[Wolfman]

RIP

[3DayBender]

Rest In Peace Jon...you will be missed.....

[DAS]

When I was scrolling through I thought he was the Pope. I didn't know he had an honorary doctorate.

Edited July 16, 2012 by DAS

[Bong-Man]

RIP Mr. Lord.....and Babbitt too.

[Jahfin]

RIP Mr. Lord.....and Babbitt too.

...and Kitty Wells.

[luvlz2]

The first time I seen Jon Lord was in Phoenix for the Perfect Strangers tour(Deep Purple), the way he shook his keyboards during his solo I thought the coliseum would explode! What great music he created!!! RIP Jon Edited July 16, 2012 by luvlz2

[Deborah J]

RIP, this is truly sad news.