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Testimonials - page 2

Chris Parsons, USA:
It's hard to believe so much time has gone by. It seems like 1975 was just the other day and Come Taste The Band, my first Purple LP, was released. As a matter of fact, I had heard You Keep On Moving on the radio several weeks before the LP was released, and as soon as the Hammond started slowly slinking in, I knew it was a new Purple tune. Jon's Hammond has always been the signature sound that defined Purple's sound, from Hush way back in 1968 to the more recent albums, which still featured his fiery embellishments and leads, as the band worked to forge new sounds within the old framework. His playing has always been vital and full of fire, and his call and answer sessions on stage with Steve Morse from recent years, no two ever being the same, continued to be the highlight of the shows. Jon is off to pursue other ventures close to his heart and more than likely to spend more time with his wife and family. I bet he never dreamed there would be so much demand for his talent and time. I'm very optimistic about Jon's future projects. I have long waited for a follow up to his last solo album, Pictured Within, which I consider the best piece of music I've ever heard. The prospect of him working with 'the sixth Purple', Paul Mann, is also an exciting prospect.

Rob Slegtenhorst, Holland:
Jon Lord is the difference between any band and Deep Purple. Listen to any live version of Speed King, hear the duel between Ritchie or Steve and Jon, and that is what nobody else ever could. I am really sad about Jon's leaving, but I'm very glad that I have seen him and the rest of Deep Purple live a number of times. I can't pick a specific concert as being the best. However, the Concerto show at the Rotterdam Ahoy (the one on CD) was very special. I want to mention this quote from an interview with Jon Lord: "Ritchie said to me, 'I spent years in Rainbow looking for a keyboard player like you and never found him. How do you do it?' And I said, 'Well, for a start you've got to be me.'" Thanks Jon, for all of those 34 years. I sincerely hope there is more to come.

Paul Tiplady:
There is only one Lord and I will miss him and his famous sound so very much. It feels like when Blackmore left, probably because you know you have lost something so close to your heart. I will always love Deep Purple and Jon's music. Take care Jon, wherever you are.You are still the best.

Dag, Huskvarna, Sweden:
To me Jon Lord is the most important ingredient for Purple's sound. I have had many happy moments listening to his Hammond organ. The duels with Steve during Speed King, or his solos in Wring That Neck, plus many others. I hope he continues making music. A new lovely Pictured Within - one of my all time favourites, or a wild Bach Onto This. His absolute best album to me is Sarabande. All the best, Jon, and thank you for all the years in DP.

Robert Axelsson, Ängelholm, Sweden:
People normally have guitar heroes, I have my keyboard hero - Jon Lord. I even embroidered his name on my jacket. I met him once in Copenhagen but I was too shy to speak to him. Later a friend of mine interviewed him and asked Jon to write a postcard to me. He wrote a very nice card and now this card is framed and one of my favourite items. I will always remember Jon Lord as a gentleman and a keyboard genius and can't honestly think of Purple without him. Purple have been fantastic since Blackmore left and I think Jon Lord benefitted from recruiting Steve Morse. Jon has given us so many immortal songs and performances. We have to respect his decision to quit and hail him as the keyboard hero he is and always will be. Tonight I will listen and Picture Within myself all the joy Jon Lord has given me. A big thank you to the first and biggest hero of my life.

Juha Koivukangas, Finland:
I'm very sad to hear that Jon's departure is true. My finest Lord moments are: Child In Time (of course!), Perfect Strangers and the keyboard solo in Highway Star (original studio version). When I saw Purple's latest show here in Finland with Jon, I could never have predicted his departure. But I'm sure he is making the right decision for himself.

Jose Jocas Vicente , Canary Islands:
I saw Jon Lord with Deep Purple several times from 1993 (with Blackmore) and 2000 (with Morse), including the RAH shows, and I think he's special, he's unique, he is a gentleman on and off stage. I loved the younger Lord in the 70s, but I also love the current Sir Lord. I wish him the best and hope he returns to Deep Purple, but only if he wants to. I think Deep Purple should make a party like Uriah Heep did in 2001, with all the old DP members, including Jon Lord.

John Andreas Garmland, Sweden:
It's so sad that Jon Lord now is leaving Deep Purple. They had such a good thing going with Steve Morse, I've been loving every minute of it. I would like to thank Jon Lord for his work on albums like In Rock, Made In Japan and Who Do We Think We Are. His solos on Made In Japan alone are so incredible and wonderful that Lord will always have a special place in my heart. Seeing him live with Deep Purple in 1996 and 1998 was really something. After hearing his screaming and roaring Hammond organ I found it hard just standing up after both these shows.

Peter & Sandra Schuptar, Australia:
I have two great memories of the impeccable Mr Lord. My first is when I was a 12-year-old kid in 1973. I was watching my favourite TV show, In Concert on an old 13" black and white TV. Deep Purple where playing live and two things impressed me about the concert. Ian Paice trashing his kit and Jon rocking the Hammond back and forth during Lazy. I've been hooked ever since. Secondly, meeting Jon Lord in Australia in March 2001 at the end-of-tour party in Brisbane. He bought my wife a wine and although it was 1am and he was totally stuffed he still had the time for us and our fan-induced exhuberance. These two events were to form the basis of my musical career as a performer and listener. My favourite Jon Lord solo is Lazy off Made In Japan. I will miss him in Deep Purple.

Marcus Meyer, Muenster Germany:
What about a Thank The Lord concert in which Jon's masterpieces throughout his Purple days are celebrated in style? Who would not want to hear the classic stuff rendered at an all star show? Wouldn´t it be great to see and hear songs like Burn with Coverdale and Hughes, Owed To G - or solo stuff with the various stars Jon has had on his albums. Maybe they could even dig up Rod Evans and Nick Simper to show us what Hush was all about. An invitation even Ritchie Blackmore couldn´t decline. An opportunity to go out in style.

Keith Livingstone, Northern Ireland:
Retirement - it comes to all of us. How many could say that we would like to spend 40 years in the same career, and the majority in the same job without thinking about retirement? Are we selfish in thinking that we would not wish Jon Lord many happy years of retirement because we would miss him in the band? Jon deserves to retire when and how he pleases - we all knew that this day would come to pass. He has not died and we cannot know what the future has in store for him or for us, but I wish him all the best and thank him for the last 34 years.

Gerrit Klok, Holland:
Thank you, Jon Lord for all the incredible, outstanding musical highlights you gave us. I think it is impossible to mention one moment as the best. As I am a Purple collector I have gathered a lot of rarities over the years, with some exceptional pieces of music played by Jon Lord, the Maestro himself, and it doesn't matter if you listen to recordings from the early 70s or the late 90s.

Joasia Ostrowiecka, Poland:
What a pity. I'll never see Jon Lord in a DP show. He is the most refined DP band member. Nobody can play Perfect Strangers, High Ball Shooter, No No No or Place In Line so beautifully. Thanks to Jon I started to learn to play keyboard and I won't forget him. Thanks for everything. My best wishes.

George Martin:
It is sad to see Jon leave. I remember going to see Deep Purple at Radio City Music Hall in New York in 1976, for the sole reason of seeing Jon Lord and Ian Paice. I have seen Deep Purple many times over the years, some versions better than others, but I always left very satisfied. My only regrets are that I've never met him, and that I would have loved to hear songs like Flight Of The Rat and Smooth Dancer live. These two songs contain two of my favorite Jon Lord solos. But I can't complain. Jon has given us many years of great music and if he is happy with his decision that's all that matters. I wish him nothing but the best. I know Deep Purple will carry on in fine shape. Someday it will come to an end, but this band has been through more line-up changes than any band, and it still survives. Why? Because the music and the musicians are great! Thanks Jon, for all the years.

Tor Evert Bentsen, 42-year-old DP lover, Norway:
My sweet Lord - Takk for alt Jon Lord. Uten deg hadde i DP vært der de er i dag. Du har betydd enormt mye. Den "sounden" er det ikke mange som kan frembringe. Alltid like ernærgisk og kraftfull og stilfull når det trengs. Måten du spiller på frembringer så mange fine følelser. Håper du ikke gir det helt med musikk.

Bryan Moon, Australia:
I was very sad to hear that Jon Lord has left Deep Purple. Jon has been with the band for almost 34 years and proved himself to be one of the greatest keyboard players in the world. His contribution to Purple was always at the highest level, and he will be sadly missed. I was fortunate enough to see Jon in concert with Deep Purple twice in Australia, and I have nothing but respect for the talents of this man. Good luck for the future Jon and thanks for the music.

Keith Thompson, UK:
I saw Jon perform on six separate occasions. I thought a little poem wouldn't go amiss:-
Ode to Purple Jon
So farewell then Uncle Jon
You had a black moustache, which turned grey
When the man in black came back
Adieu Lord Jon of Cabernet
Keith's mum thinks you'll write film scores
And win an oscar
"Owwwwwww woo alright" then Jon Lord
You tinkled ivories in a French hotel
Had you ever thought
It would make you a few million?
- By Keith Thompson, aged 103 and three quarters

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