Top of feature

Your testimonials
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12

Testimonials - page 12

Mark Bryant, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA:
In 1972 I was a young 11-year-old boy at a boy scout camp in Mena, Arkansas. A few other youngsters were huddled around an 8-track player when a red-headed kid from DeQueen said:"You want to hear a cool song? Listen to this!" Suddenly, one of the greatest sounds that I had ever heard resonated from the speakers - so much so that I hurriedly asked them to turn it up. The song that turned me onto Deep Purple and Jon's powerful, never-to-be-emulated hammond was the intro to Lazy off Machine Head. Since then, I have loved the band regardless of who the members happended to be because Jon, like the rock of Gibraltar, were always there. Even though Jon has retired, I will continue to follow this band that I have always loved. But, I will always have fond memories of where I was when I first heard te introduction to Lazy. I will also always have fond memories of the Budokan in December 1993 when you and the band decided to carry on without Ritchie; I will have fond memories of the House of Blues Hollywood concerts that I was fortunate enough to witness; and I will have fond memories of the San Francisco concert I saw. May God Bless you always and forever - I hope that another Pictured Within is in the works - what a master piece it is - just like Jon has been for 60-plus years and I pray for many, many more.

Rob Hebenaar, Holland:
The first time I saw Mr. Lord performing live was with Whitesnake in Nijmegen, Holland. The second time I saw him was with the snakes again, in Utrecht, Holland. During his keyboard solo, some lads were screaming over and over. After a while Mr. Lord stepped out from behind his keyboards and told the unpatient youngsters: "Two minutes!" - and continued with his solo spot.

Jon Nuquist, Vermont, USA:
I discovered Deep Purple around 1980. I was sad that there would never be another album and I would never get to see them live. When the news broke that they were back together I was listening to the radio pretty much every night, eagerly waiting for the new material. The moment finally came and I can still feel the chill that ran up my spine when I first heard Jon's opening notes to Perfect Strangers. It haunts me to this day that that album and the next were recorded in Stowe, Vermont, a half hour from my house in Montpelier, and I never knew about it until after the fact! My best opportunity to ever meet the guys and it passed me by! I'm grateful that I eventually got to see Purple live with Lord four times, and I'm thrilled that he hopes to play on the upcoming album. Give him lots of solos, guys! And how about a bonus track with one last organ jam? Jon will be missed, but he'll continue to create music on his own and he's left us an incredible back catalogue with Purple which will never get old.

Alvaro Dahik, Ecuador:
It was precisely Jon and Paicey who gave their 100% to keep Deep Purple alive. Jon has in many ways been the core of the band - the very soul of Purple's landmark sound. I truly hope that Roger Glover's words were literal: "Jon has announced his wish to retire from ACTIVE PARTICIPATION in Deep Purple;" words that I hope mean that he will co-write and participate in the recording of the new studio album. This would be a true gift to the fans worldwide.

Hector Eduardo de San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina:
Jon Lord will be able to abandon active participation in the band, but he won't be able to abandon the place that he occupies in our hearts. From very far I want to reflect in these few words the many feelings Jon has inspired in me since 1968: Thank you, Jon!!!!!!

Andreas Eder, Vienna, Austria:
Without Jon things will never be the same again. Especially during my adolescence (but also later on), Jon was somebody you could look up to - his gentleman style and appearance. I will never forget the small tour in 1989 with Pete York Rock & Blues Circus in Salzburg, Austria when I had the chance to meet Jon after the gig for a chat and an autograph. My dream in musical terms would be if Jon teamed up with David Coverdale for a vocal/organ album in the style of the single b-side Need Your Love So Bad [Yes! Rasmus] - only Ritchie would be allowed to add some guitar snatches. Well, let's wake up again. I think we as the fans will have to come to terms with the fact that not all our idols can disappear the way Hendrix, Elvis or Bolin did - they have the right to simply retire.

Rob Berting, Den Haag, Holland:
Dear Jon - When I read your personal notes inside the superb Pictured Within album about your parents I got really emotional. These are the emotions I would like to express to you by thanking you for being the best rock (Purple), classical (solo), bluesy (Whitesnake, PAL) keyboard player ever. Let all other keyboard players remember that they have to Place (themselves) In Line behind you. May all your wishes come true. You have deserved time to work on the music you still want to compose and play, and to your family. You will be remembered as a genius. Before I Forget - thanks so much for your brilliant music. Stay healthy and creative.

Stephen Nguyen, Vietnam:
I really love that Hammond sound - 34 years of Deep Purple musical memories. From the first to the last studio recordings, And The Address to Bludsucker. Thanks Jon for everything - you're simply the best in the business, and you will be missed. Wishing you best of luck and love from Vietnam.

Thanks to Denis Zürcher for the photo.

Back to front