Simon’s piece on Jon Lord’s death on July 16. 2012 is now in our obituary section. However, the many comments from other fans are left here for people to read and add to if they want. We have added a page about Jon so people can read some of the comments and tributes coming in from elsewhere. There is also the Jon Lord news page which has updates.
Tags: deep purple, Jon Lord, smoke on the water
darker than blue 
April 2, 2014 at 9:48 pm |
Jon Lord is a maestro of the Deep Purple band, and I love of his creations of the Hammond keyboards playing forever. Good Bye Mr Lord. Rest In Place..
July 31, 2012 at 7:46 pm |
To notice such things…! What a lovely composition. A die hard Deep Purple & Whitesnake fan, I must admit that all these late years past since he left DP to pursue his own career I was only trying to “catch up” with the “soloist” side of Mr. Lord. Sarabande, Before I forget, Pictured Within… It was like rediscovering a whole different musician than the one I used to know. Yet so familiar… I will never regret doing this, as life has shown me what it can turn into with the simple blink of an eye. The Boom of the Tingling Strings… What can I say! Dear Mr. Lord: Thank you for so many years of music, of happiness, of company, the world will never be the same without you. God bless you and your family. Thank you, wherever you are…
July 31, 2012 at 2:56 am |
David Coverdale had a nice tribute on the Whitesnake Site: like me he chose “Need Your Love So Bad” as a chosen song – I think it was excellent – those with cassette versions of Slide It In should have it there. Just organ and voice – the best chance to hear both (musicians) without all the hype.
For those without – this is essential to track down. Note later CD reissues had a much weaker version of this.
August 1, 2012 at 8:47 am |
Most Whtesnake fans will have it on the original vinyl b-side. Quite why it was left off the CD reissue is something everyone commented on.
July 29, 2012 at 1:04 pm |
As I think it is with everyone it’s still an enormous shock to deal with Jon’s early passing. Was never lucky enough to meet the great man but was very fortunate to have seen purple in 1984 in Sydney when George Harrison joined them onstage. The look of joy on Jon’s face that night is still etched in my memory, the same again in 1999 on the Abandon tour, once again in Sydney. No DP show was ever the same without Jon behind the keyboards, we have all lost a true original musician, whose vision & passion for music will never be matched. Rest in peace Mr Lord, hope to see that warm smile again one day at the great gig in the sky..
July 28, 2012 at 8:55 am |
Well written eulogy Simon. I am still in disbelief at Jon’s passing. I am 53 years of age and Jon’s music mas been an essential part of my life for 44 of these years. I began studying piano when I was 6 learning Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and so forth. My older brother bought the Hush single home and I was hooked. Hearing that amazing solo, that was what I wanted to do. Jon showed us and the world that as he so eloquently put, “there are only two kinds of music – good music and not so good music.” He fought hard to smash labels, fought to show that rock music and orchestral music can be melded. I would say that he was successful. He was a true pioneer.
There are many people from history and from contemporary times that I admire. Hero is a word that is way overused to the point that its true meaning has been diluted. Having said that, Jon Lord was my hero in every true sense of the meaning of the word. He demonstrated what true musicianship is all about. More importantly, he was gracious, kind and generous, a true gentleman, and I would argue an important ambassador to music.
In conversations with my friends, the topic of who would you like to meet and have a discussion with would crop up. I always said, “Jon Lord” invariably followed by, “who?” I never met him, and sadly this will never come to be. Yet I felt like I knew him, that he was mentoring me on how to be a damn good keyboard player.
His passing is very sad, and more than the obvious reasons. We all know that he had so much more to say to us musically, and now, this as well as his astonishing playing has been silenced. Yet, what an amazing legacy he did leave us with. His music is a true gift to the world. He made our world a far richer place because he lived and shared his music and love of music with us. We were very fortunate. He left us way too soon. Thank you Jon for all that you gave us. The world has lost a giant. The world is a far poorer, emptier place.
July 27, 2012 at 6:16 pm |
Thanks for the memory Jon
July 26, 2012 at 4:52 pm |
Is it possible for a french guy to be so in love with Jon Lord’s great music? Definitely YES!… Je dois confesser que les albums solo purement classiques de Jon n’étaient pas trop ma tasse de thé et que je préférais des collaborations chaleureuses avec le groupe suédois Opeth, les Hoochie Coochie Men ou le Blue Project par exemple! Heureusement ses disques marqués de la J. Lord Touch nous restent et la version 2012 de son Concerto va bientôt sortir… RIP
July 26, 2012 at 2:25 pm |
It was as a 13 year old that I first saw Jon live. ’78 at the City Hall in Newcastle, Whitesnakes ‘trouble’ tour, and as much as I was in awe of Coverdale it was Jon that had me transfixed. Here was the man that along with Blackmore shaped my taste in music. Looking down from the balcony that night Jon was God and to see him rock that Hammond and just feel the power reverberate round the hall, well I think you know what I mean Simon – jaw dropping stuff. What a legacy of music the man as left us; how we will miss him. Over riding memory – Knebworth the opening notes of ‘Perfect Strangers’, Mr. Lord was back and our band had won the day. Gone but never forgotten
July 25, 2012 at 8:08 pm |
My memorial piece of his has been ‘Wait A While’ – I don’t think any song has ever hit me in the way it did at the 1999 Concerto show …. Is it too cheesy to wish Jon could have waited a while longer?
July 25, 2012 at 12:11 pm |
Jon Lord played the main solo in my musical life.
July 25, 2012 at 6:27 am |
I’m still tearing up each day! I met Jon three times over the years in Australia. He was a gentle, loving, giving, funny, spiritual person. What a loss, what a loss. Jon, you blessed us with so much to remember you by. ALWAYS loved and ALWAYS missed now… Arty
July 25, 2012 at 3:31 am |
Well over a week has gone and I just can’t stop playing Jon’s music, I simply don’t have the heart to play anything else at the moment apart from the fact that it is just so good.
It’s such a shame that other ideas he was working on (such as the Concerto for Tympani & Hammond) will never now see the light of day.
Although his passing is extremely sad, it is good to know that he went out at the top of his game as evidenced by “To Notice Such Things”. Everyone that hears this wonderful piece of music comments on it and most are truly astounded to learn it was composed by someone regarded by many as a “Rock God”.
First time I saw Jon was with Whitesnake at the Manchester Apollo in 78 and they were playing “Lie Down (A Modern Love Song)” and over the course of the first four bars or so you could see it was going badly wrong. Jon just calmly whacked his volume up full (previously way down in the mix) and in the course of about three seconds had the song back on track. Very impressive.
Got to meet him afterwards (courtesy of Simon) and a nicer guy you couldn’t wish to meet.
I had the pleasure (and good fortune) of meeting him at several other shows over the years, the last one being a DP gig at Wembley in 2004. By this time Jon had retired from the band. I had turned up late to miss the support acts and no one else was around. As I was walking past the stage entrance Jon stepped out of a Portakabin about 20 yards away. I called to him through the fence and to my great delight he came straight over and chatted to me for about 5 minutes. He was so polite and gracious and always had time for the fans a true gentleman.
Having made my night, he then made everyone elses by appearing for the encore.
As someone else pointed out meeting your heroes often leads to disappointment, but Jon was clearly an exception to this rule.
We love you Jon and miss you but you will live on through your wonderful music.
July 24, 2012 at 10:31 pm |
This was the most touching and heartfelt obituary I’ve ever read in my entire life… Nice tribute Simon. We from Poeira Zine mag (Brazil) pass our condolences. God bless you Jon.
July 24, 2012 at 9:48 pm |
Your words are beautiful Simon, as are all the sentiments expressed by every contributor. I am at least happy that when I did meet Jon Lord, I got to thank him for the pleasure his music had given me. I’m still upset by his passing a week on.
July 24, 2012 at 7:22 pm |
I had the great pleasure of shaking the great mans hand at his last gig with Deep Purple at the Ipswich Regent, he had tears in his eyes, what a man and what a keyboardist, Rock in Peace Jon
July 24, 2012 at 7:02 pm |
On the 1974 Deep Purple/Elf tours Jon was a great friend to us all and a true gentleman.
July 24, 2012 at 3:20 pm |
Got the mail from Ann with the subject “Jon Lord”… As I was opening it I was trying to remove the thought of the end, hoping the mail would come with a happy announcement of Jon Lord returning to the stage… but… this is probably the first time I am truly sad by the loss of a person I never met…
Jon’s sound is the key component to DP’s unique sound. He was always up to something in the background adding to the groove set out by Paicey. His rhytm work on Hush and Hold On is so funky. And the solos on Burn, Highway Stars and You Keep on Moving are probably the reasons many organ players claim why they started to play originaly.
With Jon gone, my highest wish (musically) to see Lord/Blackmore do a classical / rock album together is also gone. Jon has left us but his music survives forever!
July 24, 2012 at 7:16 am |
Its like I have lost the closest of relatives. I cannot say anymore than that. Rest in Peace dear Jon. Always missed.
July 23, 2012 at 10:15 pm |
Deep Purple influenced my life so much. They seemed to play to me and my personal preferences before I even understood what they were. From an 8 year old playing MH for the first time, listening to Highway Star over and over again (much to the chagrin of my older brother who purchased said album) to an adult owning the entire collection of Purple material, they always amazed me. I could never figure out who I thought was most influential in DP, Ritchie or Jon. It was always a close call to me. This is the first time I have cried when learning of a musicians death. It has taken me this long to put any words down about it. I’m tearing up right now, thinking about the wonderful and marvellous sound that roared from Jon’s Hammond. I will be forever grateful to have seen him live, and experienced the music he made. I will miss him dearly even though I never personally “knew” him.
Godspeed Jon, RIP.
July 23, 2012 at 8:54 pm |
First time I saw hime live was Apollo Manchester with Whitesnake in 1979/80. I was struck by his sheer presence, even with Coverdale out front he always seemed immense to me, physically and musically. Up until the reunion, Blackmore was always the main man in my eyes, but more and more, as the reunion wore on, Jon Lord was the focal point for me. It was only after he left in 2000 that I stopped going to see them, because although Blackmore left a huge hole, while Lord was there, you were always guaranteed energy and power, which went after he departed. And when the band went through a flat period in the late 80s (even Ian Paice lost his mojo during that time) the one shining light was Jon Lord. My never to be forgotten moments – Wring that Neck, from the BBC In Concert 70/72 album and the opening keyboard for Knockin at Your Back Door. Thankyou Mr Lord
July 23, 2012 at 10:38 am |
Really saddened to hear of Jon’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Jon – National Concert Hall Dublin (September 24 2009). (We) spoke of the Tommy Bolin era of the band (Come Taste The Band is my favourite Deep Purple album) . Jon made time to talk to me, signed everything I had & posed for photos.
A real gent, they say never meet your heroes, you’ll be disappointed
Well I met one of mine & came away delighted.
Jon, you indicated when we met how much you enjoyed playing with Tommy, hope you & he are now as we speak making more great music.
A fan who appreciated ….
July 23, 2012 at 3:35 am |
Well expressed sentiments, Simon which I too share with others here. I was somewhat prepared for this as during the last decade I became aware of some people who had been diagnosed with cancer looking fine that day but quickly gone within 3 to 6 months. There seemed to be hope with Jon as it was over a year since he was diagnosed but sadly he has left us.
Just last Sunday night (July 15) I decided to listen to some DP from the 70’s for an hour. Instead I got so enthused that I played for 3 plus hours more. Looking back that evening, my thoughts were on Jon Lord, hoping he was getting better and deciding especially to pay attention to his awesome keyboard playing which always stood out and thus my wanting to listen to his playing in a non-DP setting with Pete York. I finished listening with SOTW from the second Osaka 1972 somewhere around 11:30pm and then found I could not go to sleep the entire night!
Around 5:30am, Monday morning in Florida, I did some stargazing and saw the three brightest objects on the eastern horizon forming a perfect right-angle triangle – they were the crescent Moon, Jupiter and Venus. Later on Monday afternoon, I got on the internet and in the process of checking the DPAS website discovered the sad news of Lord’s death. The fact that Jon was still active musically producing new music to great acclaim and his playing skills had not diminished with age makes his loss harder realizing he still had more to give to the world. Further, the all powerful trinity of Lord-Blackmore-Paice who form the core DNA of DP has lost a key member, dashing forever any hopes of seeing DP at its finest, one more time.
Thinking over the next few days, I find some consolation that I had been listening to Jon’s music during his last hours on Earth. And then thinking of the alignment of the planets and the Moon I saw at dawn in Florida when it was about 10:30am in London, I realized, it also formed a perfect “L”.
Jon’s composing and arrangement skills are a foundation which allowed DP to showcase its musical virtuosity in complex arrangements. He had a vision of putting together 5 supermusicians who would push the existing boundaries of music to the limit. Tony Edwards had a hunch that Jon had something leading to getting with the like-minded Ritchie who already had Ian Paice in mind in forming DP and they succeeded spectacularly. One only needs to look at the three songs from Santa Barbara Machine Head to see the prototype for the future DP – replace with a dynamic guitarist and a dynamic drummer, you get DP. I recall the liner notes by Bruce Eder on the Blues Compilation CDs, where he marveled at Lord’s powerful organ playing on those 3 tracks, concluding that Jon clearly had ambitions pre-DP and that once DP exploded into the music scene, electronic music has never been the same again!
Jon’s solo albums were initially overshadowed by the DP standard, but over time have become appreciated for its excellence, diversity, adventuresome approach. “Sarabande” and “Before I Forget” get played the most frequently.
Regarding Jon’s comment that the DP sound had a lot to do with his organ playing, I have a personal observation. I was listening to DP on headphones cranked at its maximum, so anyone near could hear something. My Mom to whom hard rock is pretty alien music, asked if I was listening to church music. The fact is that the Anglican Cathedral had a Hammond Organ and she recognized the prominent organ sound in DP. Well I definitely was and still am listening to enlightening and timeless music where Jon with DP pioneered and set the highest standard of musicianship from 1968-76 still unmatched, influenced and launched I am pretty sure at least a thousand music careers and bands. Mohan Thampi
July 22, 2012 at 11:33 pm |
one more rainy day,.. once again my mind is grey…
July 22, 2012 at 7:37 pm |
George and I found out in the middle of a birthday dinner last Monday night – I felt like I’d been punched, it was that much of a shock. Jon doubtless had a good life, but 71 is not old, and he surely had more to do… It’s just so sad. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Jon and all who knew him. When Jon left Purple we honestly thought he’d take a breather then compose some more and play on a stage somewhere until he was an old, old man, and then simply fade away, not be taken from his loved ones and the world of music prematurely. Several days on and it still doesn’t feel real…
I didn’t know Jon personally, I came here to read what others more articulate than I have to say about Jon and his work and I’m so glad I did. The memories and honest commentary here are a touching tribute, as befits such a talented and versatile musician.
Our only personal interaction with him confirmed his reputation as a gentle man/gentleman. I was blocking Jon’s getaway, as it happens after a Purple gig in York, but he was actually very nice about it. He didn’t barge through me to board the bus, at any rate! We spoke briefly and he also signed a programme. How I wish I’d said something sensible to Jon about his playing and how much we enjoyed listening to his music. Instead, I think I just gibbered at him a bit until Ian G came along to talk to us and Jon could make good his escape!
Hearing ‘In Rock’ for the first time as it was being played in its entirety at the record counter in ‘Woolworth’s in Durham Market Place, I was transfixed (Someone behind the counter must’ve been a fan!) ‘Hard Lovin’ Man’ was my first ‘Jon Moment’: what and who the hell was making that amazing noise and driving the track powerfully along behind Ian’s fantastic vocal? It was simply magnificent! And then later hearing the Concerto… Made in Japan… Hard rock underpinning, honky tonk piano pieces and classical greats excerpts – all in the same gig! Jon and the other lads’ different shades of musicianship. I was a 13 year old girlie and I was hooked.
Playful and Powerhouse. Always. What a tremendous talent, what a great legacy: Jon will be missed, but not forgotten.
July 21, 2012 at 5:45 pm |
It still hasn’t sunk in yet that Jon has gone. I had the honour of meeting him twice and both times he was a Gentleman, I guess he knew I was kinda nervous at meeting him. He was kind and answered all my questions and finally gave me his autograph. This man and Deep Purple have been part of my life for 38 years and to sum up my feelings right now. I just cant. I’m numb and just can’t believe it. Rest In Peace Jon. Your music will keep me going.
July 21, 2012 at 3:13 pm |
Jon Lord’s unique sound, style of playing and composing has always been there for me ever since I became a fan of rock music as a young boy. Jon’s work on songs like “Highway Star”, “Fireball”, “Black NIght”, “Perfect Strangers”, “Burn” and “Child in Time” among many, many others gave me goosebumps then and still do now! Thank you and farewell Jon Lord.
July 21, 2012 at 8:50 am |
Jon, it was an honour seeing you and the boys at your pinnacle at the Meadowlands show in the 80s in NJ in front of 80,000 fans, opening for Aerosmith. What a show. I was so lucky. Talking to other fans most agreed that was one of the band’s finest hours To that I stand awestruck to this day how good Purps can be, up there with Zepps, Sabbs, Yes and Rush etc. God bless you Jon for always.
July 20, 2012 at 9:09 pm |
How do you deal with this loss? How do you come to terms with knowing that someone like Mr Lord is gone. How to deal with knowledge that there will be no more music and meaningful words from a true gentlemen? Is it fair? Is it just? Why do so many other undeserving souls get to continue playing on the turntable of life, but not Mr Lord? I don’t know. I never will.
But I know this, what is left behind will fill me with a smile on my face, bring lightness to my step and a moment of happiness whenever the music is played and the man is remembered ….again ….and again….and again. That, is immortality…and a life truly well lived and loved.
July 20, 2012 at 6:16 pm |
Simon, a very touching tribute and one that reflects all our feelings. Seeing Deep Purple for the first time when they re-opened the Rainbow Theatre in ’72, is a memory that will stay with me forever: Today, listening to and reading the sleeve notes of Pictured Within, makes me realise what a sincere and humble man Jon was;( and the best Hammond player around!) God bless you mate.
July 20, 2012 at 8:51 am |
I met Jon only once back in the early seventies and it was his keyboard skills that empowered me to attempt the electric keyboards unfortunately never anywhere near his level of achievement. I always admired him for his spirit and his pleasant manner as he always came across as a really nice guy. On hearing of his passing I was more than devastated, much to my own surprise, he had been a big part of my life since 1968 and I had seen him many time on stage with DP in fact I lost count some time ago. This is just my way of saying goodbye Jon, you will be sorely missed and I look forward to hearing the supergroup you have formed in heaven. The Lord on keyboards…
July 20, 2012 at 6:08 am |
RIP JON,….your musical soul is still in our heart
July 20, 2012 at 1:14 am |
I came here because at this time, living a long way from the places where I first heard the great man play, because I am saddened and felt the need to be ‘around’ those who shared the same feelings. I cannot easily convey the impression his music made on me as a teenager growing up in a place where Purple would never play, where finding the LPs was a challenge and where, other than Radio Caroline, one struggled to hear them. Life moved on, I got to see him play live several times, and I hauled my growing collection of Purple records (and associated sounds) around the world with me. At 50, I still love the music and I thank Jon for many, many happy memories. Thank you all too for sharing.
Peace, Andrew
July 19, 2012 at 4:25 pm |
A heart breaking loss. A brilliant musician, an ambassador for rock and Deep Purple’s true spokesman. I will leave it to others to single out specific tracks from the band – to me, they were all excellent and Jon’s contribution never failed to add complexity and depth. If one good thing can be said to have come out of this dreadful day, it is that, finally, the Concerto is being recognised for what it is, a visionary masterpiece and Jon’s true legacy. In future years, I suspect, it is as the Concerto’s composer that Jon will mainly be remembered – his co-credit on Smoke on the Water earning passing mention at most.
July 19, 2012 at 3:23 pm |
I was stunned when I heard the news on Monday evening and have been rather speechless since. I’ve been looking for consolation in the many obituaries and tributes paid to Jon. I must say words cannot express the loss I, like many, feel. But yours came very close. On a different note, it really bothers me to read so much nonsense about Jon in other places. It’s strange that all the prejudices about the oh-so-simple hard rock and its players are still there after more than 40 years. To this day, I haven’t heard one single Hammond player who even comes close to what Jon did with that instrument. It’s as if they haven’t even understood what Jon did. This is amazing.
July 19, 2012 at 9:37 am |
What a loss. We will deeply miss him.
When I first saw him in concert, I was thrilled by the way he played, rocked and worked on his organ. It was not only his job, he lived the music in every sense and in all its variety.
Now there are several CDs and songs that will accompany me through the next weeks: “Sarabande”, “Concerto…”, “April”, “Child In Time”, “You Fool No One” (LIVE ’75), “Wait A While”, “Pictured Within”, “Wine, Women An’ Song”, “Space Truckin'” (LIVE ’72), “Arabella”,…
one thing is for sure: his music will stay with us forever.
rest in peace.
July 19, 2012 at 9:15 am |
For some reason I’ve never liked the expression ‘soundtrack to your life’, but in the last few days the sadness I’m feeling about the loss of Jon Lord means it suddenly makes sense, at least in the way I’m interpreting it. Jon Lord is all over it, the sound of Deep Purple, the full on enjoyment of his work with Whitesnake (I can still feel the pleasure of the day I heard he joined up), the wonderful solo projects which one day I might understand all of, but at the moment some of it (even back to the Concerto) is still out of my ‘comfort zone’…the way he excelled on so many levels and had the majestic sound that had brilliance written all over it. I’m almost embarrassed to say that the keyboard solo from Hold On has been my ringtone for texts for the past two years or so and was recently joined by the solo from Burn for emails…I never answer straight away, I always want to hear them all the way through… I can almost feel him spinning in his grave at this notion. His work still reaches out and grabs me sounding fresh…only recently Sail Away on Burn, a song I’ve known, loved and appreciated for donkeys years just leapt out at me and I was just fascinated by Jon’s work on it and would lean back in my chair smiling at that sound…. and if I ever have 20-odd minutes to relax and absorb the whole of Space Truckin’ then I always find new passages in his playing that I swear I hadn’t heard before; in the past month To Notice Such Things has suddenly ‘fallen into place’ for me and I’m loving listening to it and losing myself in it. Now I can barely listen to the spoken piece on it.
Thank you Jon for so much consistently wonderful music and for being such a great man. My thoughts are with those closest to him.
July 19, 2012 at 8:39 am |
A sad loss to music. We have lost the man – but at least we still have the consolation the music he did produce and our memories of him in performance. His contribution to the development of the art-form we all enjoy is immeasurable. God bless you Jon.
July 19, 2012 at 6:53 am |
Very Sad, had to play Machine head very loud. He will be greatly missed. I feel as though I knew the guy, but only saw him in concert. I remember the first time I saw Purple in 76, Jon was rocking the organ back and forth in a solo and he had to stop and grab the top and pull it back because he almost sent it over.
July 19, 2012 at 9:02 am |
I think it was possibly Paris we saw him do this and it did go over – finished the set on electric piano!
July 19, 2012 at 3:08 am |
Extremely sad news. A monster behind the Hammond organ. “Solitaire” solo now going to played in his honour. A wonderful tribute Simon
July 19, 2012 at 9:03 am |
That’s a good one, I’ll dig my copy out too.
July 19, 2012 at 1:58 am |
A well done and hearfelt eulogy Simon. If there is an afterlife I think Jon will be very touched with this show of love and affection from his fans. We will miss you very much Jon.
July 19, 2012 at 9:05 am |
I’m sure the messages he got after his illness was announced cheered him no end.
July 19, 2012 at 1:48 am |
Lovely piece SImon. I saw the news on the net about 7:30pm on Monday. Absolutely devastated as Jon and Ritchie are my two biggest musical heroes. I was lucky enough to meet Jon several times (the first couple thanks to you) and he was always an absolute gentleman.
Been unable to play anything other than his music for the last two days. Truly a sad loss, but oh what a legacy!
July 19, 2012 at 1:12 am |
Heard the sad news on my way home from work on Monday, Jon Lord was THE sound of Deep Purple, he conquered the musical world, but remained a gentleman. I have followed Jon and his music for 35 years and saw him play many times. God bless you mate, I will miss you.
July 18, 2012 at 11:46 pm |
Jon, you’re immortal, you live through your musical legacy…never gone, never forgotten! Deep Purple forever. With love and respect… Jack. (Mexico)
July 18, 2012 at 10:42 pm |
The loss of Jon saddened deeply and even now I feel just as bad. I thought this might lessen a bit but in fact I am just appreciating more and more how much I will miss his affect on this world. I met Jon in 2010 and spoke to him for quite awhile. He was exactly as everyone has said, unassuming and gentle. He talked about the early days with MK II in such an open and loving way and with a genuine love of Deep Purple and all it would go on to be. Reading others comments has made me realise that it was Jon that drew me in to DP. It was his opening call on Highway Star on Made In Japan and then on to all the years of joy I got from them. Good night Jon
July 19, 2012 at 9:08 am |
Hi Stephen. Sorry I had to put the phone down on you. Better now.
July 18, 2012 at 10:28 pm |
I thought he was getting better and had hoped that he would overcome his illness. It’s awful.
July 18, 2012 at 10:21 pm |
What sad news, I hope Jon’s family can take some comfort from knowing that his legacy already straddles several generations and will do so for many years into the future.
I only met Jon once, I think it was 1978 during the ‘Trouble’ tour, at the stage door of the Apollo Glasgow and he very graciously signed the covers of some DP bootlegs I’d brought along (Foxbat, H Bomb), only after he’d had a laugh about destroying them though!
We shall not soon see his like again and he will be well remembered.
July 19, 2012 at 9:14 am |
He signed my H-Bomb in 1972 as did the others – possibly my most prized souvenir of the band. Time to frame it up and find a corner out of direct sunlight I think. I felt a little bit guilty the other year when I was lucky enough to see Jon doing a bit of solo work for the Hoochie’s CD in the studio. He wrote a set of ideas for each solo down on sheet music paper and stuck them in the bin after he’d done the work. I had to rescue a couple for the archive, but daren’t ask him to sign them!
July 18, 2012 at 9:50 pm |
Deep Purple’s music has been the frame of our lives since we’ve first listened to them. And Jon Lord was its main creative source, the maestro of that music. No more words now. Too sad.
July 18, 2012 at 9:49 pm |
This one really hurts. RIP Mr. Lord
July 18, 2012 at 9:15 pm |
I hardly can´t believe that … tears in my eyes. I often listened his quiet solo music the last (few) years, more than the Purps these days. On the German radio DLF (Deutschlandfunk) there is right now a report about Jon starting with “Miles Away” from Beyond The Notes. I realised today how much keyboard work there is on “Who Do We Think We Are” esp. Rat Bat Blue. The lyric of “Blind” – it started to snow in the middle of July wondering why – are running through my head….
very sad…
July 18, 2012 at 7:47 pm |
Lazy from Made in Japan. That was the track that got me hooked when I first heard it on an old Binatone tape recorder. I used that weeks pocket money to buy a really good cassette, TDK Gold, to have my mate record it (yes, I know,’tape recording is killing music’, but I now have 6 versions of the album).
And that was that as they say. I still find myself today whistling Jon’s intro to the track.
I shed a lot of tears on Monday and Tuesday and still feel a little numb. I, and my wife and kids, were privileged to sit above Jon in the National Concert Hall in Dublin in 2009 at the 40th Anniversary rendition of the Concerto. At the end he turned to us waved and blew my wife a kiss. He’s the only man I would have allowed to do that.
He will be sorely missed.
July 18, 2012 at 7:34 pm |
nice piece…it was so sad to hear about Jon death. A gentleman and a great player, probably the most listenable keyboard player between the great rock players of the seventies (him, Emerson, Wakeman, Greeslade…)
July 18, 2012 at 7:22 pm |
What a great gentleman and musician have we lost! Listening to this man for the first time playing in Deep Purple in ’70 or ’71 is what really has kept me following him throughout his career all these years. God bless him forevermore!
July 18, 2012 at 4:53 pm |
as a huge fan of Deep Purple mark 1 & 2 and in some ways 3 I was shocked when I heard that Jon passed away. I grew up with this music just like many of my generation. The music he left behind will never fade away.
July 18, 2012 at 3:53 pm |
The Sky is Purple today. Just can said this: Thanks Jon, never forget you.
July 18, 2012 at 3:33 pm |
Just heard the sad news about Jon whilst holidaying in Europe.
The big “C” has raised its ugly head again.
As usual we leave it too late to tell people how we really feel about them and what they meant to us.
Jon, in my humble opinion was the sound of “Purple”. Whilst others may have been in the spotlight, it was Jon who gave us that huge sound that we all loved. I am reminded of that old Righteous Brothers song, “Rock and Heaven”. That “hell of a band” mentioned in the song now has its leader.
Long may you run.
July 18, 2012 at 2:41 pm |
Thanks Simon. He was an absolute giant. I’m sure we’ve all been listening to our favourite pieces over the last couple of days. To those mentioned above I’ll add the intro to You Fool No One from the California Jam – still unbelievably exciting after a thousand listenings – and the solo from Rat Bat Blue. Nothing and no one comes close to that! Jon, Thanks. You never knew me but you’ve made my life mile better with your music.
July 18, 2012 at 1:58 pm |
Nicely said Simon. I still can’t believe it. It was the Hammond sound on Purple Passages that got me hooked on Purple. Jon is my favorite musician. From Shades to all his classical music, he was a genius. He will be greatly missed. Just had And the Address on full blast. Thanks Jon.
July 18, 2012 at 1:29 pm |
Lovely words Simon.
I never met Jon but he has been a part of my life for the last 40 years. I think over the past 2 days what has come up time and time again from all the comments I have read is not only was he such a great musician and a wonderful composer, I have loved his more recent classical compositions such as the Durham Concerto, but over-riding all of this is just what a lovely guy he was and what respect he was held in by his peers… and really at the end of it all – what more can you ask to be said about you.
Thanks Jon for everything.
July 18, 2012 at 12:25 pm |
I was so pleased to read your obituary Simon. A truly fitting tribute to one of the greatest musicians – rock or classical – that this country has produced over the last century. Like you, I was a little disappointed (though not surprised) by the rather by-the-numbers approach of some of the papers and websites (‘rocker who co-wrote Smoke’… ‘founding father of heavy metal’ etc.). There was so much more to Jon than that.
It was Jon’s keyboard playing and classical influences that first turned me on to rock music. His solos and intros on tracks such as Burn and Lazy in particular completely changed my mind about the heights rock music could scale. I’ve been a fan of Deep Purple for more than 30 years, and while I was upset when Jon retired in 2002, I was delighted that Jon finally gained the confidence to spread his wings creatively and produce a wealth of classical works that more than lived up to his earlier solo promise in the Seventies.
I grieve for his loss, but will always treasure the legacy of incredible music he has left, not just for us but for many generations to come. He was a master of his craft.
July 18, 2012 at 12:14 pm |
What a lost. Now my life is very empty without Jon. R.I.P. God bless you and your family.
July 18, 2012 at 11:44 am |
There’s not much we can say.
On one hand I feel sad, obviously.
On the other hand I think he lived 71 years, played and created music all his life, lived a life that (from what we can see from the outside) has been fulfilling and happy, gave joy, emotions and dreams to millions of people, loved by his close ones…what more can one ask?
I think my sadness comes from the fact that I invested some of my emotions in Jon’s music and losing him one can fear to lose them. But it’s not like that: as obvious as it may seem, I believe the spirit of a man lives on in the things he did, in the emotions that he gave, in the relationships he built with the world around him.
Don’t know what’ll happen when we are gone but right now the world is a little better place because of Jon’s life, and this is all I can hope as for a “meaning” of some kind.
Nice one, Jon. Thank you.
July 18, 2012 at 11:42 am |
Thank you Jon for your wonderful music!! That music is for ever!
God bless you in Lightness!!
July 18, 2012 at 10:46 am |
Hearing of Jon’s death yesterday brought a tear to my eye, Jon from the band that had been with me since my teenage years in the early to mid seventies. The band that has brought me so much enjoyment over the decades through their unique sounding music of which Jon played no small part. Very sad news indeed. I will never forget those opening keyboard riffs of Space Truckin’ and those numerous Hammond organ solo’s of Jon that were always compelling and interesting.
July 18, 2012 at 10:37 am |
Wonderful words Simon, fully understand about the tears, it really does feel as if a family member has passed. A truly dreadful loss.
July 18, 2012 at 10:24 am |
I am GUTTED and yes we have lost a family member. Since I first heard HUSH as an 11 year old in 1968 Jon has been part of my life for 44 years! It’s very hard reading all the tributes through the prism of my tears. Good on you Simon for this.
July 18, 2012 at 10:07 am |
Numb. Not quite sure it’s sunk in that I’ll never see him play again. Thanks for the great tribute. RIP Jon
July 18, 2012 at 9:51 am |
Shocked by the awful – though not totally unexpected – news of Jon Lord’s death.
Happy for Jon to have been able to do so much work outside the arena of hardrock over the past 10 years.
Cheered up (well, sort of) by listening to his distinctive, exciting and dramatic keyboard work in Deep Purple.
A true musician has passed away.
July 18, 2012 at 9:28 am |
I had the pleasure of meeting him in 1998 & 99 – which, being a life long Purple fan was certainly a huge thrill – and was taken aback by his gentlemanly behaviour. One of the greats, for sure. He will be missed
July 18, 2012 at 9:18 am |
Very beautiful written about Jon. I`m in shock and don’t know what to write, nothing seems right to describe what I feel. He and the rest of DP has been a very big part of my life since 1970 and they still are.
I had the honour to be invited backstage with them many years ago.
I will always care about my “Special Guest” card sitting on my wall.
I still remember how shaky I was when Colin gave it to me back at their hotel knowing that “now” it gonna happen.
Jon had an aura of politness and a glimpse in his eyes with a great sense of humour. Always a fun little comment, but most of all, what a musician.
I cound`t find out what to play when I got the news, nothing felt right, my tears just run and run.
What does one choose in a moment like this, but later on it felt good to play “April” such a beautiful piece of music and also “Pictured Within”.
Thank you for giving me so much joy in life through your music.
P.S. Thank you Ann and the rest for doing a fantastic work for us music lovers.
Gert Larsson
July 18, 2012 at 8:59 am |
Well done, Simon. Such beautifully-chosen words and a fitting tribute to a wonderful man whose brilliance has been the soundtrack to much of my life.
Chas Malkin
July 18, 2012 at 8:22 am |
I got the chance to meet him a few years ago and he was everything I imagined and more, meeting your musical heroes can be daunting but he was so humble and kind it made you feel at ease within seconds. A lovely lovely man whom I will never forget.
Thank you for all the wonderful music that changed my life.
God bless you Jon
July 18, 2012 at 7:59 am |
Deep Purple were the first band I ever ” got into” I well remember listening to Made In Japan on my brothers old mono record player all those years ago and realising that music was going to shape my life…. And it has
Jon was a big part of that.
Loved all his work both with Deep Purple and the solo work he did.
God bless and hold him close
July 18, 2012 at 7:51 am |
Don’t quite know how to put it, just that it’s a tragic loss. concerto for group and orchestra sounds suddenly different. Thanks for the music.
July 18, 2012 at 6:54 am |
I thank you Jon Lord, you started everything. Even yesterday I was listening to you performance on BBC recordings. We all live
in the world you have created and I love it!
Thank you and so long
Tak Yonemochi
July 18, 2012 at 6:48 am |
Those were Beautiful Words I just read.
Deep Purple’s one of the reasons why I play music. Purple would not have been Purple without Jon and his Hammond. I never met him but I feel like I’ve lost a close friend.
As it was said about Buddy Rich after he died. “You will never see his like again”. So is true with Jon.
July 18, 2012 at 3:36 am |
Yes indeed a sad day and one can’t quantiy the humanity and musical contribution/s as they are so predominant. I love the heavy/organ based sound on Deep Purple Mk 1 in particular and had in fact been playing a lot of it lately – especially tracks like Mandrake Root, Hush, And the Address, the Painter etc. In Rock of course so well known and respected. Also loved the Mk 111 and IV albums. And the Lord era of Whitesnake. and Before I Forget!
July 18, 2012 at 3:01 am |
Indeed, many thanks Simon for expressing the feelings of the society. Like most reading those words, I presume, I have lived my life with a Hammond soundtrack. In many times, of sadness and also euphoria, the drive of his swirling sound has elevated my mood. I had the privilege of meeting the man a couple of years ago when he performed the Concerto with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. As one of many in a queue for an autograph and photo, I could only make small talk. The ‘life with a Hammond soundtrack’ quote only came to me afterwards, so I never actually said it to him. I was only one of millions of Purple/Lord fans, but it would make me feel a little better today, on learning of Jon’s death, if I had taken the chance to say to him just how important his music was.
July 18, 2012 at 2:54 am |
l was sad to hear the passing of Jon Lord. I have been a fan of Deep Purple since In Rock came out.
July 18, 2012 at 12:35 am |
Wonderful tribute Simon – thank you.
The first of my holy trinity of heroes has passed – Jon being the father, Coverdale the son, and Blackmore the holy ghost…
My first yearning to play an instrument came from Jon – who’s sound and energy drove DP’s early years. But alas my parents couldn’t even afford a battered old Farfisa organ. So I went on to become a singer, it was cheaper! But god knows how many hours, dreams, posters on my bedroom wall, thoughts, fantasies, excited trips to the record shop, living and trying to get inside the music I spent in this one lifetime revolved around Jon’s given inspiration. I eventually shared a stage with him and the Purps on a number of occasions here in Australia – and that, aside from the coming of my three beautiful children into this world, will remain my zenith. My band – these nobodies from western Sydney with no money and very little prospects, supported Deep Purple not once but a few times, and met the man…
God live with and love you Jon…..And pray my Dad wasn’t at the pearly gates tell him to cut his bloody hair before he came in!!
July 19, 2012 at 9:33 am |
or telling him to turn that bloody racket down!
July 18, 2012 at 12:07 am |
Very sad the passing of Jon, but what a musical catalog we are left with. I’m lucky enough to be able to listen to my own music at work, so as my little tribute to Jon, I’ll be listening to many different stages of Jon’s career in music for the rest of the week. I was lucky enough to see him perform a few times, and he will be missed, but Thank You Jon for ALL the great music you have left us.
July 18, 2012 at 12:00 am |
Watching the performance of Beyond the Notes on DVD – sublime – the tears are falling down my face while I am watching it. You cannot help but be moved by this concert.
July 17, 2012 at 11:45 pm |
I think we all knew that this was inevitable, but it was made to sound like he was rallying a bit. Very sad.
Jon Lord is the guy who got me to really take notice of Deep Purple. It was that Hammond organ sound that sucked me in.
I still remember the very first time that I listened to ‘Made In Japan’ (my friend Akio made me a tape, and his Mom wrote all the titles & names in Japanese…wish I still had that tape case). The music was like an overload, no band could be that exciting, really? There were five guys playing, but you could listen to each one individually, and totally get into what he was doing. It was a total group effort, but those keyboards blew me away. I couldn’t believe that they could be that heavy, WOW!
Best band in the world, for sure.
Best keyboard player, easy.
Jon Lord is the Guvnor.
Good thing we have all this recorded music, because we’re gonna miss him.
RIP Jon.
July 17, 2012 at 11:22 pm |
I was lucky enough to have met Jon back in 84 when Deep Purple passed through my home town during the Perfect Strangers tour. My recollection was that he was a humble gracious man.
Jon has been one of my all time heroes for well over 30 years and his music has been there with me every day of that time.
I was gutted to hear the news of his passing, he had so much more to give.
His legacy will live on forever, he was to me, the best there ever was. RIP Jon.
July 17, 2012 at 11:21 pm |
Great words at such a sad time – God bless Jon Lord and the family that he leaves behind.
July 17, 2012 at 11:12 pm |
1991, October, I think, Poznan, First DP visit to my homeland. In the middle of Black Night, Jon played Chopin (not French, Polish composer). I still remember like emotions “grabbed” my throat and I had tears in my eyes. I was 18 then and when the show was finished Jon was talking to the crowd for couple of minutes. I cried for I realized that perhaps the best and the most emotional moment of my life passed. Jon was an important part of that day, the Day of my life. Now I am afraid to play Pictured Within…Deep Purple Mk2 will not reunite on Earth.
July 17, 2012 at 10:58 pm |
And there he was, we were screaming for the encore, kicking in the so familiar intro to Perfect Strangers….even now that moment still sends shivers down my spine, this was the Deep Purple we wanted!
Thank you for that and all the other musical emotions you’ve brought…
Very nice piece Simon, hits the spot
July 17, 2012 at 10:55 pm |
It’s been a frustrating day in the UK seeing Jon’s life summed up on the news with a few lines and a mention of Smoke On The Water and then dropped from later news programmes. God bless him and best wishes for his family. Well done Simon for the measured words of tribute.
July 17, 2012 at 10:19 pm |
Good words Simon, for a life and talent not wasted.
July 17, 2012 at 10:15 pm |
My big hero Jon Lord.. it was the year 1974 and I heard Burn the first time. Might just take your life have Jon written all over it, one of my fave songs all time.
July 17, 2012 at 10:11 pm |
BBC Radio 5 “up all night” on i-player has a Jon Lord tribute about 27 minutes in
July 17, 2012 at 10:00 pm |
I met Jon Lord in 1989 when I worked for A&M Records. We had an aftershow for Sam Brown who was one of our artists. It was at the Astoria & Jon was there with Vicky [I have a picture somewhere]. I approached him as a fan & we chatted for a while about Tommy Bolin as I remember who he referred to as a ‘dear boy’. A true gentleman & very gracious. I saw him a couple of years later at the Classical Brits but didn’t approach him. Deep Purple changed my life when I was 13 & will always be grateful for that.
July 17, 2012 at 9:49 pm |
We all have our favorites, here’s the Guardian’s Michael Hann’s take on his…. http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/musicblog/2012/jul/16/jon-lord-deep-purple-whitesnake
July 17, 2012 at 9:47 pm |
RIP Jon – another one of my heroes goes and like the passing of RJD brings home the pain of losing my own father to cancer again.
I shall miss Jon’s humour, humility personality and superb musicianship. Thank Heavens we still have his music and legacy.
July 17, 2012 at 9:22 pm |
I was travelling in the States when I heard the news. On the plane ride home yesterday I had Malice In Wonderland and the Concerto to listen to. Ah Mr. Lord, we will miss you. I was fortunate enough to meet you a few times, sit down and have a drink with you and tell you face to face what you and your music meant to me. Your music will live on my friend with the millions of fans around the globe. Thank you oh so much…Peace
July 17, 2012 at 9:13 pm |
The light swinging jazz of Lalena, the brutal daring solo of Hard Loving Man, the melodic classical Beyond the Notes and every mood, style and musical idea in between, it is barely imaginable they all came from the genius of just one man. He has been part of my musical life for almost 40 years and will continue to do so in years to come. He will be very sadly missed, thank you…
July 17, 2012 at 9:00 pm |
It’s rather amazing that the passing of a man I never met (well, I did see DP live in 1971) would affect me so deeply and grieve me so much. And yet, I feel as if I knew him intimately. I guess I “met” him first through his remarkable musicianship, which was equally apparent in his searing solos, his remarkable fills and “rhythm organ,” and his marvelous individual compositions. Even now at age 62, I still learn tricks from him that improve my piano playing. For this acquaintance of his music, I will always be grateful and will continue to be inspired. But I believe what I will remember most about Jon Lord is his innate goodness as a human being. You can’t read one of his interviews or watch one of the many videos on the internet without realizing what a genuinely great citizen of the world that he was. In this respect, he was (and will continue to be) a role model for me on how to treat your fellow man. Rest in peace, Jon – you were the absolute best both as a musician and as a person. I never met you – but I knew you as a friend, and I shall miss you.
July 17, 2012 at 8:58 pm |
It’s good-bye to a great man – a great musician and a great composer.
Go play Part 4 of ‘Pictured Within’ and cherish his memory and his soul.
Condolences and love to all his family and friends.
July 20, 2012 at 4:55 am |
Yes, give a good listen to ‘Pictured Within’ and then follow it up with side 2 of ‘Before I Forget’. You’ll need a beach towel to soak up all of your tears. Those records contain beautiful, but the most emotionally charged pieces of music Jon has ever composed.
I’m not sure I’m ready for that quite yet.
July 17, 2012 at 8:57 pm |
Well said Simon. I played Shades last night but it made me cry. Made in Japan sorted me out. From Jon’s opening fanfare to the final synth notes, Jon is all over it. Hearing the greatest live album for the first time 39 years ago changed my life forever. The first time I heard Jon’s solo in Space Truckin I thought my head was going to cave in and listening to it again today I felt exactly the same. God Bless you Jon, much loved and never forgotten.
July 17, 2012 at 8:56 pm |
A fitting tribute to a great man; for me I want to pay tribute to his early work where his contribution to Purple via the haunting cover versions in 68/69 of Donovans Lalena the Beatles Help, Jimi Hendrix Hey Joe, then his orchestral April – all now hold fond memories of an icon and a gentleman.
July 17, 2012 at 8:45 pm |
Very sad news Jon was a great musician and a gentleman , when I heard that Hammond for the first time I never looked back. Here’s to you sipping a nice claret.
July 17, 2012 at 8:39 pm |
Wordless today, and surely tomorrow too.
This hammond organ has driven my life somehow in the past 35 years or so.
In the begining it was TMIB, but as years passed, Jon Lord became my favourite. His work, his solos, his spirit.
July 17, 2012 at 8:38 pm |
My favourite Purple member, sorely missed. It’s interesting to hear peoples favourite track to remember Jon by. For me it was the joyous sound of the title track to Malice and Sarabande’s Bouree.
July 17, 2012 at 8:22 pm |
I am shocked and deeply saddened. Never met the man but feel i have known him many years thru his music. I will continue to do so for many more.
July 17, 2012 at 8:21 pm |
So much pain, I just learned this sad news. Thanks Jon for all the music you gave.
July 17, 2012 at 8:15 pm |
Couldn’t have put it better Simon. Its been a horrible couple of days. I was lucky enough to meet him a few times as a fan and he was an absolute gent, someone who commanded instant respect.
As a small aside, its also very sad to realise that with Jon passing so too does the chance of Mk2/3 ever playing together again.
In essence, classic Purple has gone forever………
July 19, 2012 at 9:50 am |
This is one thing which came to us the following day. In the same way that Ronnie and Cozy’ deaths forever closed a chapter on Rainbow, so does Jon’s going with Deep Purple.
July 17, 2012 at 7:58 pm |
Such a lovely tribute Simon. As a follower of the band since I was about 11 years old it’s come as an immense shock. We all knew that Jon had not been well but like many other heroes of mine who have passed away it’s always a shock when the news comes. I picked Nobody’s Home, Hush and Child In Time because they all introduced me to the wonderful the work of Jon and Deep Purple. I never had the pleasure to meet Jon but he always came across as a very warm and charismatic man everytime I saw him live and on tv. Unfortunately, the last time I went to see Purple live when Jon was backstage, I had to leave before the encore and missed him. However, I remember the first time seeing him live at Wembley in 1987 and obviously the Concerto in 1999 which will always stay in my heart as a wonderful time. In a time when there are not many originals, he was a true original which is what brought me to the music of Purple in the first place.
July 17, 2012 at 7:57 pm |
Un fantastique claviériste comme on n’en fait plus, doublé d’un véritable gentleman. Une grosse perte pour le monde de la musique, la VRAIE. Un grand Monsieur s’en est allé.
July 17, 2012 at 7:28 pm |
I’m completely devastated…. We’ll miss him more than we can say… not just as a musician but as a person. Every time that I hear your playing I will be reminded of you… forever!
July 17, 2012 at 7:14 pm |
Doesn’t seem like 41 years since I first heard the opening notes to “Child In Time”. Saw Mr. Lord at the Kursall, Southend with Purple in 74 and again at De Montfort Hall here in Leicester in 96. A talent like his stays with you forever.
July 17, 2012 at 7:12 pm |
Lovely words, thank you for so eloquently stating the loss we are all feeling. I have tears listening to Jon play now; I’m sure they will subside. I have felt the magic of his musicianship and know at least I can always have that comfort. I never met Jon, but my heart goes out to his family and friends who must feel so much more than I the great loss of a great man.
God bless you Jon.
July 17, 2012 at 7:10 pm |
I read the news last night and had to reread as I thought my eyes were playing tricks with my brain. Having grown up listening to Purple from 1970 onwards , I agree it feels like the loss of a family member, words do not come easily to describe the loss and emptiness that one feels on hearing this news. My memories of Jon are obviously of the Purple shows, particularly with Tommy, where Jon and Ian played out of there skins to maintain that high Purple standard to seeing him with Whitesnake and then Purple again on many occasions. I had the pleasure of chatting to him and he was so open, warm, friendly and great humour,a man who will be sadly missed, respected and loved by many, he influenced many and thankfully left a legacy of music behind and will live on through that. Thank you Jon, you were a true gent and missed by all
July 17, 2012 at 7:07 pm |
Simon, some very fitting words for one of nature’s fine gentlemen. My first purple song was Highway Star live, I will never forget the thrill I felt that day. This man has touched all of us who visit your site on a regular basis. My favourite music to listen to of late has been the album Pictured Within. In the sleeve notes he suggests pouring a large glass of red wine, sit back and savour the music. Indeed, reflect on a life well lived. Cheers to Jon, god bless you mate.
July 17, 2012 at 7:03 pm |
Nice words Simon. When I heard the news I played Space Truckin’ from MIJ and then was in to the 1999 Concerto – such contrasts!
It’s a funny thing with these rock heroes. You spend the post peak years wondering why they don’t do this, why they don’t do that and why they can’t reform with their old muckers.
You wonder why they don’t make the hair on the back of your neck stand up anymore and you day dream their music away thinking of that chance meeting when you wonder what you would say and how you can say thank you for all the brilliant music without seeming trite.
Then they are gone.
But Jon Lord was different. He had no post peak period. He just became a subtler, softer and gentler musician and he still inspired me with some of the most under-rated and beautiful music I have ever heard. The hairs on the back of my neck were always bothered by Jon’s music.
He could have, and probably should have, graced the ranks of the great British composers. And I am sure he would have brightened their days with his dry wit and boundless charm.
Jon Lord was a musician of great contrast – the roar and bang of the Hammond to the delicate intricacy of his later work. The contrasts were what set him apart and were what made him great.
I would love to have said thank you.
July 19, 2012 at 9:56 am |
I think you’re very right about Jon not having the typical up, peak and slow decline which is the fate of many musicians – well, of any of us all really! But his output was as good at the end as it had been at the start.
July 17, 2012 at 7:02 pm |
As noted above by Stephen thanks for the music that has provided so much joy, great memories and feelings.
July 17, 2012 at 7:01 pm |
Been a part of my life for nearly 40 years – never met him but feels like ive lost a friend. Jon pulling the band thro at the NEC in 93 will forever stay with me, a showman without a cape !. Off to hammer MIJ – RIP Jon.
July 17, 2012 at 6:44 pm |
My favourite organist/keyboard player. Managed to see him during, Deep Purple live in Malaysia in 1999 and 2001. Thank you for your music, Jon, Listen to Highway Star, Lazy, Burn, Rat Bat Blue and not forgotting Flight Of The Rat. Will miss you.
July 17, 2012 at 6:35 pm |
Sad news indeed.
Deep Purple never sounded the same after Jon left .
The last time I saw Jon live was at the Sunflower gig as well.
Pure brilliance.
Thanks for the past 40 years Jon.
July 17, 2012 at 6:29 pm |
Second time I saw Purple was Orchid Ballroom, Purley, circa 1973. Standing maybe 20 feet from Jon – those were the days.
July 19, 2012 at 10:01 am |
Indeed! Sat on the steps which rise up behind the stage at the City Hall here, looking down on Jon in 1974. Unforgettable.
July 17, 2012 at 6:03 pm |
I wish you were here… Descanse en la paz del Señor.
July 17, 2012 at 5:56 pm |
Where to begin? The journey Jon took us on in live versions of “Space Truckin’ “- Wow! The power of imagination as captured on “Made in Japan” & MK III from Graz Austria 4/75. These were some of the greatest live experiences ever. Not to mention the genius instrumental side of DP-from “Wring That Neck” to “Playground”–& of course “Child In Time” & “Lazy”. Atrue Child In Time as he coloured our world in so many unforgettable “Shades Of” purple. His legacy will be in our ears, hearts & memories forever.
July 19, 2012 at 10:03 am |
Thanks George. Sorry when you rang I had to break the bad news. Simon
July 17, 2012 at 5:18 pm |
A huge talent and a wonderful guy with a fabulous sense of humour, which he somehow managed to maintain as we sat together in the BBC bar after the infamous Whistle Test interview with himself and IG in November 1984. A true gentleman. Thanks Jon for all the hours of pleasure you’ve given us and will continue to give…
July 17, 2012 at 5:01 pm |
We’ve simply lost the greatest musician ever….
I can easily imagine J.S.Bach now leaving room at the keys of the Great Organ in Heavens.
Goodbye, Maestro.
July 17, 2012 at 4:59 pm |
it was the Hammond work of Jon Lord that fascinated me from the very first time I heard deep purple. And it is part of my ‘musical world, still. And besides Purple it is Sarabande, Malice in Wonderland and more. I always loved his live performance, solo as a kind of conferencier, in his last Purple years as the boss of the group. Jon lord was what I would call the soundtrack of my life.
It is a sad day for music and a sad day for me. All the best to his family, we all together lost an important person.
July 17, 2012 at 4:42 pm |
The whole day Lords music in the office, as tribute,
here be friends…
here be heroes…
here be sunshine…
here be grey…
here be life…
here love lies bleeding…
memories so hazy…
and dreams that drove me crazy
here be down…
here be paradise…
here be starbright…
here be pain…
Man this is sad.
July 17, 2012 at 4:32 pm |
A shock…. but… Mr Lord will certainly be missed. I also had Perfect Strangers blasting out this morning remembering the wet and muddy Knebworth Fayre back in ’85, I only met the man once after his final Purple gig in Liverpool in 2002, but as with a lot of fans I would have to say that that marvellous Hammond sound WAS the sound of Deep Purple as much as Ritchie’s Strat or Paicey’s drumming. So no more wondering if we will see Jon back with Purple, be it mark 2 or 3, doesn’t matter now….just pull out a Purple album, turn up the volume and remember how the world shook that first time you saw them. Regards Barry Williamson.
July 17, 2012 at 4:30 pm |
Jon was the very essence of Deep Purple and was the bond that kept them together through all the various versions.
His Concerto work was groundbreaking and he was in the compnay of keyboardists who were the absolute best of modern times..Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, Tony Kaye, Don Airey so many others.
He more than anyone pioneered the use of the organ in rock music and his very early experimentation with synthesizers paved the way, for many others.
Guitarists may come and go but Jon’s keyboards you looked forward as an integral part of the song, not just keyboard ‘fills’.
He took it to a lead instrument and I will never forget his carrying of the crumbling band in the MK IV incarnation whilst Tommy Bolin was self destructing, Jon would carry Tommy’s guitar parts as well as his keyboard melodies, sad but the mark of the brilliance of the man.
He will truly go down in the pantheon of major British musicians, who had such a distinctive sound and he was the rock of Deep Purple In Rock.
Always the consummate gentleman, he was a great ambassador for music in general and one whose keyboard stylings you could never tire of.
Condolences to his family and thank you Jon for dedicating your life to your craft and you made a huge mark on the world of music in general, not just rock.
Whatever other band member shenanigans may have been going on at various times, Jon anchored the band. Was a snazzy dresser and really was the consummate professional.
Hard to believe he is gone, this really is a day the music died.
Godspeed Jon, you must truly be #1 with a bullet when it comes to keyboardists in rock music, giving the instrument respect and a fire and passion that will be unequaled
We loved you, still love you and will miss you forever.
Condolences to your family and it is a time to reflect on your massive achievements with joy not sadness.
Thank you Jon, you gave all until the very end and define the true meaning of a musician, composer, band member, band leader and a mighty force that will never be silenced.
Dave Talkin Phx., Az..
July 17, 2012 at 4:25 pm |
Tricky really isn’t it. Never knew Jon Lord, never met him. Hate the ‘Diana Effect’ where there is an outpouring of grief for someone you don’t know at all. Surely that level of pain should be saved for family and friends. And yet, and yet…I cannot think of a single month since 1975 when I haven’t played something that didn’t have Jon Lord on it. So his contribution to my life has been immense. And for that I feel every right to feel sad now he has gone. Real grief I will leave to those that knew him. Thanks for the music Jon, it kept me going through good times and bad. Sleep well.
July 17, 2012 at 4:21 pm |
Well written, Simon. A fine tribute to The Gentleman Keyboard Player. Mr. Lord will be missed – Imagine the music in heaven now!
July 17, 2012 at 3:45 pm |
A very sad moment indeed. I really thought Jon was going to beat this terrible disease. I remember the words of a friend to whom I introduced DP at the 2000 Concerto in Buenos Aires: “where did that guy pull out those notes from?” And of course just by reading Coverdale´s memories of Jon making every effort to make him confident by joining nothing less than DP confirms that Jon was a beautiful human being.
Please Simon let´s dedicate the MH anniversary editions to Jon´s memory. He deserves it undoubtedly.
July 17, 2012 at 3:38 pm |
Heard the news earlier today and still can’t believe Jon Lord will no longer be making great music, apart from his own Space Truckin’
R.I.P. Jon you will be sadly missed. I’ve been a fan since 1972 and will always be.
July 17, 2012 at 2:54 pm |
Jon’s death will cast a long shadow over anything Purple. He was a true Icon. I do hope that Paul Mann will keep going with Jon’s music and the Sunflower Jam will continue as a Tribute to Jon. He touched so many of us. His music covered all genres. He never ceased to amaze and delight. His last album due in September will be a bittersweet event for all of us. “There is music in the midst of my desolation and a glory that shines upon my tears.” Thank you, Jon. You made my life better.
July 17, 2012 at 1:53 pm |
Sad day, enormous loss to the world. Chose Pictured Within from the 1999 Albert Hall gig as my remembrance song, just watching Jon at the piano, slightly nervous look on his face, obviously delighting in the event. A master musician and a gentleman of the highest order. We shall miss you mate.
July 17, 2012 at 1:52 pm |
Such a loss, and your description as loss of a family member I would think sums it up for so many. This is a man that through his music touched so many lives in such positive ways. His obsession with blending classical music with rock in turn made so many of us obsessive about it too… again with such positive waves…
King of the B3, when I saw him in duo with Rick Wakeman at last years Sunflower Jam at Jon’s second home – the Royal Albert Hall – little did I know it would be the last time I would see him play. The elation felt with the two masters playing flat out is hard to describe. Never Before.
We have all lost a great man, musician and icon of our times.
The tears are rolling and I know I’m not the only one…
Rob Corich
July 17, 2012 at 1:40 pm |
Jon’s music has been a source of constant joy and inspiration for me for 25 years. I can credit three Purple songs as the reason that I started playing keys years ago. He remains one of my heroes and I honestly feel like I’ve lost a teacher and a friend. Playing that solo in ‘Highway Star’ live is going to feel strange from now on.
July 17, 2012 at 1:27 pm |
Well done Simon for finding the words (I’m still somewhat lost for them at the moment). Very nice and fitting words you found too. Elsewhere someone described Jon as ‘a Titan amongst Legends’…I like that.
July 17, 2012 at 1:14 pm |
Jon is my favorite organ player of all time. He was a magician. Thanks for the music Jon: It will live on forever.
July 17, 2012 at 1:04 pm |
J’avais l’espoir qu’il guérisse… Le monde ne sera plus tout à fait le même, pour moi, sans lui.
July 17, 2012 at 12:56 pm |
Heard the news about 5:30 yesterday evening on Planet Rock radio… couldn’t believe it.
I was lucky enough to see Jon perform live 3 times – twice with Whitesnake, but more importantly – the Purps reunion at Knebworth. I loved Jon and Ritchie doing their DTC instrumental with 1980s crappy lasers….
For me I really can’t choose one particular tune – been playing In Rock in the car today and have to say that the intro to Child In Time is almost iconic, it has to be the keyboard equivalent of the guitar intros to “Smoke”, “More Than A Feeling” and “Whiskey In The Jar”
What is it with the last few years? It seems we’re losing all of the luminaries we grew up with…Rick Wright, RJ Dio, Mitch Mitchell, Gerry Rafferty, Garry Moore and Clarence Clemons and Ronnie Montrose… perhaps it’s a sign of our own age and mortality, but Jon above all of the names hurts most….
Night Jon, we’ll all miss you.
July 17, 2012 at 12:21 pm |
Simon – all here at Tight But Loose are very sad to hear of Jon’s passing – on behalf of the followers of one great band to another…we pass our condolences.
Dave Lewis/Led Zeppelin Tight But Loose magazine/webiste
July 17, 2012 at 12:17 pm |
I really don’t know what to write, but found myself coming to your site (as I did after Ronnie Dio’s death too) because of a purely selfish need for a sense of feeling myself to be in the company of like-minded friends as part of the community of people who loved the man’s music. And loved Jon, too, because by all accounts and as was evident in every interview I ever saw with him, he was a charming and generous-hearted man although, sadly, I never had the pleasure of meeting him. It doesn’t help Jon or his family for me to be here writing this, and yet I feel the need nonetheless to do it despite feeling I can’t add anything better than what you have already written, Simon.
I too have been listening to some of Jon’s music since I heard the news, of course. Last night, in sombre mood, I put on “Burntwood” from “Before I Forget” while today I’ve been more celebratory – his solos on “You Keep on Moving” and the “Made in Europe” version of “Stormbringer” and the endless inventiveness of his improvisation on the “In Concert” version of “Wring That Neck”, “Highway Star” from “Made in Japan” (naturally – it was my first introduction to Deep Purple and it opened a whole musical world to me).
On one site I found, someone listed “Sail Away” as a favourite, and that struck me as strange as Jon is barely featured, so it seems. But, playing it again now, it is as you rightly say – Jon driving and pinning the whole sound. Jon achieved such unrivalled expressiveness in his accompaniments from the range of sounds he coaxed from his Hammond through the never-ending pushing and pulling of drawbars – alternately strong and sombre, swirling, soaring and singing. And so, whether he was composing, soloing or simply being the fabulously natural ensemble player he was, Jon was at the musical heart of everything on which he played: unmistakeable and irreplaceable.
July 17, 2012 at 11:21 am |
Really nice written words…
July 17, 2012 at 11:21 am |
Nice piece Simon… fitting tribute.
July 17, 2012 at 11:13 am |
Couldn’t have put it better myself. In all the times I met him or interviewed him he was incredibly friendly, articulate not to mention passionate and as many have said a true gentleman. Such a sad loss but his musical legacy will survive. I was always reminded of my late mother when I played Pictured Within. Now I will also remember Jon and a life well lived
July 17, 2012 at 11:06 am |
A man I never met personally who’s been a part of my life for the last 40 years.Thanks for all the great music Jon. You will be sadly missed
July 17, 2012 at 11:00 am |
He came, he played, he left a legacy. An Icon and gentleman to the end and beyond. Jon Lord on the keyboards…..yeaaaah.
July 17, 2012 at 10:54 am |
Very sad, we have lost an absolute legend, Deep Purple’s music will live in our hearts forever. Everytime we play their music we will never forget his amazing contributions.
July 17, 2012 at 10:53 am |
Playing Burn, like I did for the past 35 years. It feels different now.