Jon Lord Dead at 71

Deep Purple founder and keyboardist has died at the age of 71 after a long battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was initially diagnosed with a tumor in 2011 and headed to Israel to get treatment. He was supposed to play a show with the Hagen Philharmonic Orchestra in Hagen, Germany but was unable to due treatment requirements. Instead he released the following statement, “Jon wishes to assure everyone that this is not a matter for concern, but it is a continuation of his regular treatment that has just taken longer than anticipated. He and the Hagen Philharmonic Orchestra hope to be able to reschedule the concert for later in the year.”

Jon Lord in 1973

Unfortunately, this was not the case, and today, Monday, July 16th, at a private hospital in London. His official website states, “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.”