Legendary bassist
Rudy Sarzo (pictured below;
OZZY OSBOURNE,
QUIET RIOT,
WHITESNAKE,
DIO) has released the following statement regarding the passing of former
DEEP PURPLE/
WHITESNAKE keyboardist
Jon Lord:
"My condolences to
Jon Lord's family, fans and friends on his passing.
Jon, thank you for being a part of the soundtrack of my life."
Jon Lord died earlier today (Monday, July 16) in a U.K. hospital at the age of 71. He suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism at the London Clinic after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jon was "surrounded by his loving family," a message on his official web site said.
In addition to
DEEP PURPLE,
Lord played in
WHITESNAKE — the band led by ex-
PURPLE singer
David Coverdale — from 1978 to 1984, having appeared on the albums
"Trouble",
"Lovehunter",
"Ready An' Willing",
"Come An' Get It",
"Saints & Sinners" and
"Slide It In".
Jon Lord is survived by his wife
Vickie and two daughters —
Amy and
Sara.
