Deep Purple Death

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Deep Purple icon Jon Lord has died from a health complication as a result of his fight with cancer. He was 71. Last year he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the fourth
most-common type of the killer disease – but vowed to return to health,
saying music would play a major part in his recuperation.An official press statement says: “It is with deep sadness we
announce the passing of Jon Lord, who suffered a fatal pulmonary
embolism today, Monday 16 July, at the London Clinic after a long battle
with pancreatic cancer.“Jon was surrounded by his loving family.“The legendary keyboard player with Deep Purple co-wrote many of the
band’s legendary songs including Smoke On The Water, and played with
many bands and musicians throughout his career.“Jon passes from Darkness to Light.”In 2011 he said he’d be bowing out of the limelight to deal with his
illness, but added: “I shall, of course, be continuing to write music.
In my world it just has to be part of the therapy. I fully expect to be
back in good shape next year.”He was due to appear in Germany on July 6 to perform his Durham
Concerto, but pulled out a week ahead of the show. Fans were told: “Jon
wishes to assure everyone that this is not a matter for concern, but a
continuation of his regular treatment that has just taken longer than
anticipated.” He planned to reschedule the performance for later in the
year.Pulmonary embolism is the blocking of the main artery to the lung,
caused by material which has moved from elsewhere in the body. It’s a
common complication of the form of cancer suffered by Lord.He co-founded Deep Purple in 1968 and is best remembered for a style
of keyboard performance that supported iconic guitarist Richie
Blackmore’s trademark sound. His Concerto for Group And Orchestra gave
Purple their first taste of fame.Lord left the band for good in 2002 to concentrate on his solo work.
He’d played with Whitesnake, the Artwoods and the Flower Pot Men amongst
other outfits.
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I watched the DP Machine Head rockumentary the other night after hearing about this. What an amazing talent and an all around good guy. He was one of the few keyboard players that really made a band, and when you have an amazing array of talent like Deep Purple did, that's saying something. He shall be missed.

Saw them several times back in the day. He used to beat that B3 organ. Killer/

I liked a few songs by Deep Purple, but I never was really a big fan.

I was a fan of the band, but haven't listened to them much in the last 15 years or so. He definately used to wail on that B3...I agree about him being one of the few keyboardist that significantly defined his band and their sound.

He really did define Deep Purple's sound. Much like Ray Manzarek's keyboard artistry with The Doors.