Deep Purple Founder keyboardist Jon Lord Dies at 71

Jon Lord, the former keyboard player with heavy rock band Deep Purple, died aged 71 at a private clinic in London on July 16, 2012 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Lord co-founded Deep Purple in 1968 and co-wrote many of the group's hit songs including “Smoke On The Water”. Deep Purple went on to be one of the world’s most successful rock bands, selling over more than 100million albums.

He also played with bands including Whitesnake. A statement read: "It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jon Lord after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jon passes from Darkness to Light."

Lord retired from the band in 2002 and had began a second career as a classical composer.