In his eulogy for Jon, David Coverdale remembers first meeting Jon when one of Coverdale’s early bands was supporting Deep Purple.
- A sweet, sweet man. He knew how to elevate your spirit.
He speaks of how Jon comforted him before his audition for Deep Purple in 1973, and of the rehearsals at Clearwell Castle before they recorded the Burn album.
Courtesy of www.davidcoverdale.com
Jon’s Concerto for Group and Orchestra is available from Jon’s webshop.
Jon’s family have been informed that someone has been selling unofficial T-shirts at gigs and online regarding Jon’s passing.
They would like to make it very clear that this has nothing to do with the family or Deep Purple, and they are upset that anyone should profit from this tacky endeavour – unless the money is given to charity, which seems very unlikely.
They ask that you respect their feelings and not encourage this behaviour.
‘A technically brilliant pianist and soulful exponent of the Hammond organ, he brought a rare combination of taste and feeling to a playing style lit up with extrovert firepower.’
So writes Record Collector in their new tribute to Jon, which recounts the story of Jon’s musical career and interviews Rick Wakeman about the two keyboard player’s friendship, which really only started a few years ago.
Wakeman met Jon when he went to Ian Paice‘s house to discuss hosting the 2008 Sunflower Jam.
Today, Sunday September 16, two months after Jon’s passing, sees him remembered at two different events - in London and in Liverpool.
The Sunflower Jam at London’s Royal Albert Hall will feature a slew of Jon’s peers including his brother-in-law and Deep Purple band mate Ian Paice, Led Zeppelin‘s John Paul Jones, Queen‘s Brian May, Steve Balsamso who toured with Jon in recent years and many more.
The evening’s programme is not entirely devoted to Jon’s memory, but promises to afford him special attention.
Listen to Classic Rock Radio‘s interview with Ian Paice speaking about how the Sunflower Jam came into being, and Jon’s involvement in it.
Before I Forget in Liverpool
Also today, at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall, Jon will be remembered by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society with a performance of the title track from his 1982 album Before I Forget arranged for cello and piano.
Jon Lord’s family sends this message:
We wanted to say thank you so much for all your beautiful, kind words and sensitive thoughts. We have been amazed and overwhelmed by it all.
It will continue to be a comfort to us that his music moved so many people across the world.
We do plan to honour his memory with a special event in 2013.
Many thanks,
Vicky, Amy and Sara
Read also: Jon Lord has sadly passed away
In this tribute, Rasmus Heide remembers Jon
Jon Lord made emotional music that connected with our feelings. His music has a mood for every one of ours – whether it is his blistering work on the Hammond organ during Deep Purple‘s most explosive moments, or the introvert and heartbreaking beauty of his solo pieces.
His stunning stage performances would make me smile till my cheeks hurt. His inimitable presence would transfix, and make time and place disappear. Sometimes, after a particularly moving performance, I’d have to shake my head to realize where I was, as if coming out of a dream.
2008
We’re left with a legacy of stunning music and memories. The world has lost a compelling musician, a visionary artist and a charmingly lovable gentleman.
Jon’s music always evokes images in the minds of its listener. One For The Meadow is a gorgeous example. Even without Sam Brown’s wonderful lyrics, it sets me on a walk in green hills on a pleasant summer afternoon.
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.
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 9 June 1941 – 16 July 2012.
