Jon Lord 1941 - 2012

Kerrang! are saddened to learn that former Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord has passed away in a London hospital.

Lord, who was 71 years of age, suffered a blood clot on the lung and died earlier today (July 16) following a battle with pancreatic cancer. According to an official statement, he was surrounded by his family at the time.

He was a founding member of Deep Purple and co-wrote their classic 1973 single Smoke On The Water. He retired from the band in 2002 in order to concentrate on a solo career.

We send our condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.

Tags: Deep Purple

Posted by Simon at 11:31PM | July 16, 2012

sad day in the history of rock to lose a great musician.but my thoughts go out to his family who have lost a treasured person.

Posted by magottfarmer | July 17, 2012 12:46 AM | Reply to this

The Greatest.
Ever.
And an amazingly lovely bloke as well.
RIP Jon

Posted by Paul Orchard | July 17, 2012 1:53 AM | Reply to this

The Greatest.
Ever.
And an amazingly lovely bloke as well.
RIP Jon

Posted by Paul Orchard | July 17, 2012 1:54 AM | Reply to this

A very sad day R..I..P Jon.
The greatest keybord player of all times.

Posted by Micael Blomberg | July 17, 2012 7:27 AM | Reply to this

A very sad day R..I..P Jon.
The greatest keybord player of all times.

Posted by Micael Blomberg | July 17, 2012 7:28 AM | Reply to this

A very sad day R..I..P Jon.
The greatest keybord player of all times.

Posted by Micael Blomberg | July 17, 2012 7:29 AM | Reply to this

To my mentor, the musician who inspired me most, it is a very sad day.
god bless you Jon. Your Hammond has its place in Rock history. My love and condolences to your family and freinds.

Posted by KrazyKen | July 17, 2012 8:34 AM | Reply to this