The music world is speaking up following the death of iconic rock and metal keyboardist Jon Lord, who made his name in Deep Purple and Whitesnake.

Lord’s Deep Purple and Whitesnake bandmate David Coverdale stated, “It was an absolute joy and pleasure for me to know him and work alongside him. He is missed already.”

Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler posted online, “Very sad to hear of Jon’s death, following his battle with the demon cancer. One of the greatest musicians of my generation. Tony Iommi recently worked with Jon, and said what a lovely bloke he was. I met him a few times, but never got to work with him. Blessings.”

Accept bassist Peter Baltes told Blabbermouth, “Just like Ronnie [James Dio] was the master on vocals, Jon Lord was the kind on the Hammond organ … R.I.P. Jon Lord. I grew up on Deep Purple. He was truly the best … [It's a] very sad day for rock.”

Meanwhile, on Twitter, Twisted Sister‘s Dee Snider, Slash, and Iron Maiden all left their comments. Snider stated, “I just found out that Jon Lord from Deep Purple passed away. What an amazing musician and a true gentleman. We lost a great one … RIP.”

Slash added, “Sad day in rock and roll. Jon Lord has passed on. One of the biggest, baddest, heaviest sounds in Heavy Metal. One of a kind. RIP.”

Iron Maiden offered, “Very sad to hear that Jon Lord has passed away.”

The musician died Monday morning (July 16) at the age of 71 after suffering a pulmonary embolism.

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