MICHAEL ANTHONY On JON LORD's Passing: 'A Huge Piece Of Rock History For Me Is Now Gone'

I just got news of Jon Lord's passing. Sad music news! Deep Purple is an amazing band, and Jon was an awesome keyboardist! Probably one of the best keyboardists in Rock History!

I have been on a Deep Purple kick over the last couple of years. They were ahead of their time musically. Ian Gillan's screaming is responsible for so much that exists in Heavy Metal/Hard Rock. The band as a whole were top notch musicians, especially on drums and guitar. Jon Lord added another level of musicianship with his keyboard parts, like the keyboard crash in "Fireball." "Child In Time," "Highway Star" solo, "Demon's Eye", and everything else they did are amazing!

Deep Purple is responsible for the birth of a lot of bands including Metallica, and even Tommy Lee listed them as a reason for getting started in music.

Michael Anthony is a great Rock musician as well. Van Halen is missing a lot from their music without him, and it is appropriate that a legendary Rock musician such as Michael Anthony pay respect to another great Rock musician such as Jon Lord.

Deep Purple's music, along with Black Sabbath sounds so pleasant when you are throwing down some beers, and smoking some good green. It is legendary as well. You throw on "Highway Star" at a bar, or a party and the Metal Horns are held high with pride!

My favorite Deep Purple songs: "Black Night," "Speed King," "Child In Time," "Into The Fire," "Hush," "Maybe I'm A Leo," "Pictures Of Home" "Space Truckin'" "Highway Star," "Burn" "Stormbringer," "Fireball," "Knockin' At Your Back Door," "The Unwritten Law," "King Of Dreams" was a decent tune for an under appreciated era of Deep Purple. "Under The Gun" is another great track.

Even though "Smoke On The Water" is a consistent recurrent song on Classic Rock, and Rock radio, it is a song that will stand the test of time.

Happy 40th to the album Machine Head. Happy 20th anniversary to the band Machine Head.

It is sad to hear of Jon Lord's passing, but I have had some of the best times in my life listening to Deep Purple's music. His music, and presence will live forever on every freeway, every mountain top, every state park, through every stereo system, in every bar, and everything that is Rock.

Deep Purple was so ahead of their time along with Black Sabbath, and Zeppelin. Some of their songs are dark and mystical, and others are pure Rock & Roll party anthems! Long live Deep Purple, and Jon Lord!