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Jon Lord Obituary
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.
Lord co-wrote some of Deep Purple's most famous tunes, including "Smoke on the Water," and later had a successful solo career following his retirement from the band in 2002. The statement posted on Lord's website said he died "surrounded by his loving family."
Earlier this month, Lord canceled a performance of his Durham Concerto in Germany. At the time, his website assured fans that it was "not a matter for concern, but it is a continuation of his regular treatment that has just taken longer than anticipated."
Lord had written to fans last year saying he was fighting cancer and would be taking a break from performing "while getting the treatment and c ure."
"I shall of course be continuing to write music - in my world it just has to be part of the therapy - and I fully expect to be back in good shape next year," he wrote in August 2011.
Lord got his musical start playing piano, first taking classical music lessons before shifting to rock and roll.
After moving to London to attend drama school, he joined blues band the Artwoods in 1964 and later toured with The Flowerpot Men - known for their hit "Let's Go To San Francisco" - before joining Deep Purple in 1968.
Deep Purple went on to sell more than 100 million albums before splitting in 1976.
Lord went on to play with Whitesnake and later, a re-formed Deep Purple.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
140 Entries
Morgan Knox
May 9, 2020
You'll be missed Mr Lord!
John Peters
March 30, 2018
I feel as if I have lost a family member even though I never knew Jon personally. I grew up on his music.
Vesna Koso
January 19, 2016
My Dear Jon Lord. It is almost four years You leave oss. Today is like when was yesterday You was which oss. Nothing is changing except pain because You are gone. Almost every day I looking You playing hamond on my pc. I miss you very much. I can't believe that you will never again show up your self on stage. Rest in peace.
How you can show support
April 3, 2015
Maestro descanse en paz
Wenno
October 2, 2012
Jon has influenced and inspired many musicians and music fans. His sound and his kind to play his Hammond were fantastic, unique and full spirit. He was for me the father of the classical rock music and my ideal. I thank Jon for his wonderful and timeless music and for his great live concerts where I could see him. He did alltimes an excellent job and he was always friendly ad full of enthusiasm.
The great master has gone. I will take his music into my own grave.
Rest in Peace, the very best wishes to his family.
Wenno, Germany
rick messina
September 18, 2012
A gentlemen,a friend,a genius of music. The best bloody organist ever. Thank you Jon.i can see you sitting with Ludwig,all your peers composing one hellava piece of music.
August 27, 2012
Thanks for showing us your skills and your knowledge of music, you created the best melodies of all the history. RIP, Sir Jon Lord.
-Jose Matute(Venezuela).
Kai Backhaus
August 25, 2012
Best keyboardist ever!
Jon, thanks for the tunes you brought to us!
I had th chance to attend your concert on 21st of November 2010 - it was overwhelming!!
God luck for your where ever you are now ...
August 16, 2012
Al maestro Sir Jon Lord genio musical
From México
gracias por todo maestro desde blanes catalunya
josep maria balague llorens
August 9, 2012
gracias por todo loque nos has dado a mi generacion y ha hotras descansa en paz maestro jon lord
August 2, 2012
Sir Jon Lord - R.I.P
August 2, 2012
Thanx for the music J.L. a fan from New Zealand and also for touring down here with D.P.
August 1, 2012
rip jon lord say hello to ronny james dio
July 30, 2012
I feel previllaged to have known you, Your music was fantastic, but you as a person were so much more - you were kind and generous and you really cared about the people around you. Thank you Jon, a true superstar beyound the realms of music - we will miss you, but your legacey will carry forward to the next generation and beyond, I just can't believe your gone XXXX
John van der Horst
July 28, 2012
My Sweet Lord......
Thank you for being part of the soundtrack of my life. The music you left still gives a good feeling.......
So nice to watch Jon in the Classic Albums documentary of "Machine Head" explaining the power of the organ beast as he calls it... I think, as you hear him talk, he was a very friendly man. Sincere condolences to your family and people you love.....
Farewell to a great musician....
Elizabeth Wickham
July 26, 2012
Thank you for some of the best music my ears ever had the pleasure of hearing. Sincerest condolences to your family and loved ones.
Jens Möller
July 26, 2012
Dear Jon,
Deine Musik begleitet mich seit 44 Jahren.
Danke
Julie Lewis
July 26, 2012
I became a fan in 1969. Thank you for the lifetime of music. RIP Mr. Lord.
Spiridon Harizanov
July 25, 2012
R.I.P. Jon, Love You!
July 25, 2012
A part of my youth growing up listening to music died today ..... RIP Jon, and thanks for the memories, your legacy will live on forever ...... HG Oliver (Dublin, Ireland)
July 24, 2012
Thank you Jon for all the wonderful music over the years, although I'm a guitarist I always have a Hammond in my music, thank you Jon, rest in the Hammond filled heaven.
Gains (Sweden)
Andro Bangiev
July 24, 2012
In 1978 when I was 12 years old, I heard Deep Purple's "Made in Japan" for the first time. And it was the first Real Thing I ever heard... And then my real life began...
Thank You for Your music and for Your magic, Mister Lord! God bless Your Soul...
Rest In Peace, Sir Jon!
Robert Beckembauer
July 23, 2012
Yo tenia fe en que se iba a poner sano estar fuerte y robusto pero no, no salieron las cosas que estabamos esperando. El Maestro de los teclados se nos fue. Yo todavia estoy triste.
Cynthia
July 23, 2012
My prayers to the family. Your music will live on forever.
James Crocker
July 21, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to a family who lost a husband and father. Jon Lord was the Icon of keyboards we will miss his talent, but his music lives forever God Bless you Jon RIP
Jake Otwell
July 21, 2012
My sympathy goes out to Jon's entire family...shared many a cocktail with Jon...Not only was he the best musician I have ever met(including Ritchie) But the nicest most hospitable person. I will miss him and his music for ever...a casual acquaintence from CT.U.S.A.Jake Otwell
Ryszard Jan Smolinski
July 21, 2012
serdecznie dziekujemy za muzica Pan Jon Lord
Patrick Stuyck
July 21, 2012
Thanks for all the music and joy you gave us, what a loss...sent me a postcard.
Patrick Stuyck
mauro gallato
July 21, 2012
ciao jon.........un pezzo di storia del rock che se ne va.........ora farai saltare e pogare i santi........you are leggenda............
Santana Rodrigo
July 20, 2012
El mejor nada mas para mi, deep purple es mi vida, sueña a cliche , pero quien no emulo al mejor tecladista de la historia del rock ¡¡¡ wring that neck ¡¡¡ rip jon the lord ¡¡¡ desde Chile
diego perez
July 20, 2012
From Argentina thanks for all these years of the greatest music which makes us all happy ...the world is now a place a bit more sad ....
Criatian Ramírez
July 20, 2012
From Chile....Jon Lord fué lo mas grande que logramos conocer en Latiniamérica en cuanto a Rock....Gracias a la Vida por enseñarnos el talento de un Grande.....
Cristian Ramírez....
Santiago de Chile.
July 20, 2012
Grazie maestro, di tutte le bellissime note che hai tirato fuori dal tuo cappello magico facendo delle bellissime melodie.
Roberto
July 20, 2012
the best hammond rock-player of the world... RIP
STEPHANY LYN WILLIAMS
July 20, 2012
No words left; They have all been spoken. A truly REMARKABLE gentleman of his time; Deepest condolences sent to your loved ones, as well as your comrades in Deep Purple, past and present. Your beloved Hammond organ best be put to rest, symbolically, right beside you in the Heavens; It will never be the same without your profound magic on the keys. RIP, MR. LORD; From your number one female fan across the ocean. God Bless You .
Mir Xhixhabesi
July 20, 2012
Dear Master,
I know you're rocking "the HAMMOND beast" in heaven and making the angels happy with your music now. We were happy to have you here, but even happier of your music.
SeeYa
Tammy, Darlene, Grace, Lillie Stewart
July 20, 2012
You will be missed greatly, but WE have your music n we thank you so much.
Jumber Bolkvadze
July 20, 2012
Dear Jon, during these days, knowing that You have passed, I am not able to calm my sadness. Now you are a part of the eternity…But you´ve done just a trip to the other world – not died! Your music will be allways in the hearts of all the real rock lovers and will be the best example for inspirations for the generations of the musicians. Take a rest and have a peace in the sky, Big Maestro, and if in the heaven there is some music, for sure, you will compose more and more beautiful new compositions and when we will die, can listen them!
John Flannagan
July 19, 2012
Been a fan for years! Deep Purple- First concert I ever attended! Will miss ya!
Ron Miller
July 19, 2012
Great musician. Helped make music what it is today. Great loss to the music world.
Reed
July 19, 2012
You were one of a kind; nobody played the organ like you. I will now have an even bigger smile every time I hear "Lazy," "Child in Time" and "Knockin' On Your Back Door." You will be missed.
Carmelo
July 19, 2012
Grazie di tutto, Maestro! Ti voglio bene...
andrea
July 19, 2012
Ciao Jon, Maestro che con la tua musica hai riempito tutta la mia vita.
Mi piace immaginarti lassù, su una nuvoletta, che prepari una nuova melodia e suoni il tuo Hammond come sempre e ...per sempre.
Continuerai a farmi sorridere ogni volta che ascolterò una tua canzone, perchè nessuno muore mai veramente e continuerai a vivere in me.
Ciao Jon & Rock In Peace
Andrea
July 19, 2012
Ciao jon..sei stato il mio maestro, senza di te nn avrei mai preso in mano una testiera...non nascerà nessun altro come te, quando ho saputo della tua scomparsa una parte della mia vita è andata via con te ma il tuo ricordo sarà sempre nel mio cuore e ti porterò con me sino alla fine ! riposa in pace jon !
Roberto Guerrini
July 19, 2012
Grazie di tutto Maestro.... mi hai accompagnato con i tuoi meravigliosi suoni per una buona parte della mia vita ma il tuo ricordo ma accompagnerà fino alla fine... nw sono sicuro!!
Fabio Zavatarelli
July 19, 2012
Ciao Jon ... Ciao Master. I will miss you ... but thanks for all this wonderful decades of beautiful music ... you have been and will always be the best keyboard player ever ... but more and more you have been a wonderful person ... full of culture, humour, talent, humanity, personality and kindness.
A real Gentleman artist ... a man out of time for some reasons, but .... in the end a man that will last with all what he did .....
Probably from the Lord's Paradise you will able to hear all we ... blind men who cry with your music living once again few of the most intense sensations inour lives.
Thanks Jon Lord.
Thanks .... and say hello to heaven ... and keep a good seat for me when i will reach you there for listening to your concerts there.
From Lord to Lord ....
Barry Regan
July 19, 2012
You will be missed by everyone who values the hard work and musical accomplishments of your life. You have left behind a great Legacy. You were always a true Gentleman. I have been following your career since 1968 and it now seems as though there is a Great Void. You have moved from the Darkness to the Light-Good Luck to you on this new Journey.
Marco Castellani
July 19, 2012
I will miss you, Jon. You saved my life with your music.
Rock in peace!
Alfred M. Stelzl
July 19, 2012
The epitomy of "How to express moods of both hard rock and blues with an extraordinary and unique technique in interaction with his keys while performing" has passed away. Let us be assured that his contribution to the history of music will remain immortal. RIP"
A.M.S
Nicola Clemente
July 19, 2012
Sono cresciuto con i Deep Purple, ho girato il mondo per vederli..
Jon non era solo un musicista... Lui per me era come un caro amico, mi è stato vicino con la sua musica in tanti momenti della mia vita... Quasi tutti quelli che contano...
Mia figlia ha 4 anni e non ha mai avuto il privilegio di vederti, ma le mostrerò tutto di te e le dirò chi eri ogni giorno!
Addio Jon, ci rivedremo tra qualche tempo e magari ci faremo una bella chiacchierata...
luigi tasca
July 19, 2012
Un grande musicista, un maestro, animo equilibrato e gentile, regale nel parlare, nel muoversi, nel suonare. Quando si accendevano le luci sul palco il primo che cercavi con lo sguardo era proprio lui, immenso dietro il suo Hammond, sorridente sotto i baffi come sempre, per sempre.
Addio Jon.
Valerio De Angelis
July 19, 2012
Jon, the world has lost a wonderful musician and a real gentleman...
Thanks for all you've left for us...
You'll remain "Pictured within" us all!!
Vallo
simone from Italy
July 19, 2012
Hi Jon, i'm an Italian fans....i will miss you.
Thanks for everything. Legend never dies.
tony rendell
July 19, 2012
one of the sadest days of my life,as a keyboard player jon was the bigest influances in my musical carear.the world has loss the giant of rock.my prayers for you and your family.
Ruth Haney
July 19, 2012
Your music transcends time, now a true HIGHWAY STAR,
Thank you. Rock on in peace
Wendy Phillips
July 19, 2012
l can't stop cryring. l want sum1 to hold me.
Luis Cordoba
July 18, 2012
Tristemente nos deja un gran genio, Que Dios reciba a este prolifico compositor!! GRACIAS por tan excelente musica!!! Descanse en paz JON LORD!!!
paul armfield
July 18, 2012
jon i will miss you and your music paul armfield
Jon Lord God Bless You and your family
Anthony Bayenderian
July 18, 2012
Anthony Bayenderian
July 18, 2012
Deep Purple is the best band
Jon Lord will be missed by his fans
he was a excelent keyboard player
Rest In Peace Jon Lord
July 18, 2012
I never missed a "Deep Purple" tour. 1986 "Perfect Stranger" tour was "PERFECT"...The way they did their set list with the "Sweet Child in time" break and blended with old & new songs,...Then close it down with the finish of "Sweet Child"...ABSOLUTE PERFECTION !!!...Books and classes of Jon Lord music will be part of music education from now on. God Bless,...and Thanks for the "Child in Time"...time. Chris form Texas.
John B
July 18, 2012
Celebrate the time we had. Love and Peace to you and your family. "Swiss time was running out" but it has really just begone.
Vic Malcolm
July 18, 2012
Jon Lord was, in my opinion, the most original rock keyboard player to come out of the U.K. You only have to listen to Deep Purple to know what I mean. I was fortunate enough to meet Jon on several occasions with my band Geordie in the 70's. I'd just like to say that he was one of the nicest guys I ever met. For a big-time star like Jon to have lots of time for a little star made me feel very important. Deep Purple have been an inspiration for generations. Your music will last forever.
My sympathies to all his family and friends.
Vic Malcolm, Geordie.
July 18, 2012
lord hammond est parti jouer avec les plus grand
maintenant. le rève d une reformation mk2 aussi.
merci de nous avoir fais révés ces annees .
repose en paix
gerard six fours france
Jon Clark
July 18, 2012
Thank you Jon, your music has made me smile for more than 30 years. I loved your concerts and I will never stop playing your tunes.
Luca Marcassoli
July 18, 2012
Today the word "silence" has a different meaning for me. Silence has fallen everywhere. Your music will be forever but Your absence adds sadness and nostalgia which won't abandon me. I've spent a lot of ours listening, studying, playing Your notes. It has been as if You were my "teacher", and so I consider You. Have a nice trip maestro, we'll all see on the other side and there we will make eternal gigs. I miss You so much.. Bless us all from there, I pray for Your eternity.
July 18, 2012
Legendary Jon Lord
Jon May your soul and spirit that is here on earth as it is in heaven in paradise you have everything You will find a happiness that continued on and on I fell that you will become alive again in anotheir kind of format. Life are circled around You played your tunes from your heart and soul
You gave your life shared your gift of love to all of us I fell you bære all in love an eternal holy you are Jon and late 68 era up to this day legendary music friend We rock forever With all from my heart kind love Maria
fabio
July 18, 2012
This is the life, we can't stop the eternal laws...if you love someone's music I guess you love the musician too. From his touch in the keys you can tell he was great. Thanks God for giving him his talents so that he could share his music for all of us. God bless you, dear Jon.
Vincent d'Unienville
July 18, 2012
Never underestimating Jon's individual talent as a musician, writer and composer, it was, above all, the togetherness of those five outstanding musicians and their ability to transcend their differences and produce a unique brand of music which made Deep Purple. Jon's contribution thereto is simply phenomenal.
Caroline Ryan
July 17, 2012
May you rock in heaven with the Angels.Rest in Peace sweet Jon.Thank you for your wonderful musical legacy.
Pablo Elizari
July 17, 2012
GRACIAS JON, por tu maravillosa música. Descanse en paz.
Welcome Home
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
July 17, 2012
We put our trust in the Lord.
ulamanaia sialaoa
July 17, 2012
you are one of the founding father of morden rock. you might not know you and the deep purple also have pacific fans. May he Lord be with you and the family . Ulamanaia form Samoa
Kimtraila Williams
July 17, 2012
To Mr. Jon Lord Family,
May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared,
comfort you now and in the days ahead.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family.
Kimtraila pray the love of God enfolds you during your difficult times and he helps you heal with the passage of time.
God Bless,
Kimtraila Williams
frank schindhelm
July 17, 2012
my heart is crying - one of the builder of me & my life is gone - I survived the GDR because his words & his music were in my mind & in my heart...Now I stay by your Family & friends dear JON -sorry for my bad english - you life forever... Frank from Germany...
Dinah Collins
July 17, 2012
Thank You for your contribution to the Music Industry. May your soul rest easy.
Roland Lackner
July 17, 2012
It is written that you,re gone from darkness into light.So shall it be. My deepest sympathie for your family in this time of grief. I will always remember you and your hammond and your style of play. Your concert back in 1985 in Vienna with Deep Purple is deeply engraved in my mind. A memory that will never fade away. Rest in Peace Mr. Jon Lord
Eugenio
July 17, 2012
descansa en paz,se fué un genio y una gran persona. Geno
911 "We Will Never Forget"
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
July 17, 2012
Larry
July 17, 2012
Heaven just got one fantastic keyboard player. Thank you for your contribution to music. You will be missed greatly.
July 17, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Lord family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Tommy Carlyle
July 17, 2012
I grew up learning to play B3 to Made In Japan. Now at 53, and having played all my life, I still find myself learning new things that Jon played. He has a true master, innovator and showman, and my heart is deeply saddened by his passing. Perhaps it is comforting to his family to know how many lives he touched, for the times that I found strentgh or a respite from solace through his music are too many to count. You will be truly missed my friend.
David Cook
July 17, 2012
Can't believe he's gone. An absolute giant in the rock world (and a true gentleman). Saw him twice with Purple in the 90's. RIP Lord of The Hammond.....a Rock Legend for all eternity.
J. M. M. Barkovich
July 17, 2012
My heart is so heavy after learning of Mr. Lord's death - words cannot express my sadness. Oh, to hear that wailin' monster once more on stage - what memories!
To his wife and daughters; please know you are in my prayers. "Pictured Within" will take on a whole new meaning for many of us.
May God Bless you, Jon, and may he give you a great big hug!
July 17, 2012
Thank you Mr. Lord
July 17, 2012
RIP Jon. There goes, for the time being, another of the real musicians that inspired our generation out of the pop music of the 60s.
Janet Ahl-Kearns
July 17, 2012
So sad to hear of your passing. I was fortunate to have seen Deep Purple twice.
Once in the late 90's as backup to Emerson Lake& Palmer at an outside show and then again last year when they came to Hartford CT. Everyone I knew was busy that Wednesday nite so I went alone and had A BLAST!! Love "Smoke on the Water" and "HUSH" what music and lyrics BEST TIMES listening to your music what a talent thanks for the memories and RIP Jon.
Linda Jackson
July 17, 2012
I have been a Deep Purple fan for many, many years and my favorite song is Smoke on the Water. Mr. Lord was a wonderful musician and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Mark Rogers
July 17, 2012
Our beloved Jon passed away on this day Monday 16th July 2012.We have lost a dear friend, a brother and a wonderful musician.His dignity and graciousness touched us all. His music was an inspiration and took us to places beyond our imagination…A truly great man.We humbly express our eternal love and great respect.
jon anthony
July 17, 2012
Jon was a key part of the soundtrack of my childhood and his music will live on forever. RIP Jon
Mike Arcangeli
July 17, 2012
Jon,
Your playing was one of the reasons I took up keyboards after piano. You will always be an inspiration. Enjoy your next great gig in the sky!
M Rogers
July 17, 2012
RIP Jon,the greatest keyboardist in rock & roll....
Tom Mazza
July 17, 2012
The world lost a great musician. My deepest condolences to Jon's family, friends and music lovers everywhere. Rest in Peace.
Sheryl and Patrick Frazier
July 17, 2012
What an amazing talent! Thank you for all the wonderful music, and for sharing your talent with the world. Blessings to your family during this time of loss.
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