John Lord, former keyboard player for Deep Purple died today (Monday July 16) after suffering a fatal pulmonary embolism following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Last month, he cancelled a scheduled live performance to continue treatment but assured fans he’d be back at work soon. Lord Joined Deep Purple in 1968. He was also a member of Whitesnake before returning to a re-formed Deep Purple and had been enjoying a solo career until his illness became too serious. He died in London England at the age of 71.