BLACK SABBATH Bassist Geezer Butler Remembers JON LORD - "One Of The Great Musicians Of My Generation"
July 16, 2012, 12 years ago
As reported earlier, former DEEP PURPLE keyboardist JON LORD has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at age 71.
BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler (pictured at left) has posted the following statement:
"Very sad to hear of Jon’s death, following his battle with the demon cancer. One of the great musicians of my generation. (Black Sabbath guitarist) Tony Iommi recently worked with Jon, and said what a lovely bloke he was. I met him a few times, but never got to work with him. Blessings."A message at Jon Lord's website states:
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jon Lord, who suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism today, Monday, July 16th at the London Clinic, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon was surrounded by his loving family.
Jon Lord, the legendary keyboard player with Deep Purple co-wrote many of the bands legendary songs including 'Smoke On The Water' and played with many bands and musicians throughout his career.
Best known for his Orchestral work Concerto For Group & Orchestra first performed at Royal Albert Hall with Deep Purple and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1969 and conducted by the renowned Malcolm Arnold, a feat repeated in 1999 when it was again performed at the Royal Albert Hall by the London Symphony Orchestra and Deep Purple.
Jon’s solo work was universally acclaimed when he eventually retired from Deep Purple in 2002.
Jon passes from Darkness to Light.
Jon Lord - June 9, 1941 – July 16, 2012.
