Jon Lord, keyboardist and co-founder of British rock group Deep Purple, has died in a London hospital aged 71, his official website said on Monday. “It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jon Lord, who suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism on Monday, at the London Clinic, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was surrounded by his loving family,” a message on the website said.
Deep Purple band said on Twitter: “God bless you Mr Jon Lord. Hasta siempre maestro Jon Lord.”
Lord co-founded Deep Purple in 1968 and co-wrote many of the group’s songs including Smoke On The Water. He also played with bands including Whitesnake.
Rage Against the Machine star Tom Morello praised “Deep Purple’s cornerstone/keyboardist. So many great great songs and that incredible SOUND of his! Thank you.”
Richard Jones of Welsh band Stereophonics tweeted: “Deep Purple in Rock was the first album I bought. RIP Jon Lord. Legend! RJ x.”
Lord had been receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer since last August.
Born in Leicester, Lord learned classical piano at an early age before being seduced by watching early rock ‘n’ roll star Jerry Lee Lewis and jazz organist Jimmy Smith.
Lord’s rock attitude helped Deep Purple become pioneers of progressive and heavy rock. Away from rock music, Lord composed and performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall in 1969.
He also performed a concert to mark the 30th anniversary of Concerto for Group and Orchestra.
He broke the news of his cancer diagnosis on his website last year, telling fans he would continue to write music as part of his therapy.(Reuters)
