A true shock - the Lord of rock organ is gone.

http://jonlord.org/

He was a big influence on many of us who played rock organ and/or Hammond B-3/C-3.


Ian

A real pioneer. He will be missed.


Russ

Definitely a pioneer, Russ, I remember when Jon had the tone generators of his RMI Electra Piano installed into his Hammond Organ in 1973, which allowed him to play layered RMI and Hammond tones simultaneously. Used on Space Truckin', Never Before, and Demon's Eye to name a few.

He also used the organ "straight" for many years, running it into a Marshall amp instead of a Leslie.

I used to mic my first Leslie, a 122 (used with an M-3) and plug the mics into a Marshall stack...no shortage of volume with that rig.

Ian

RIP

RIP
Hooked up with a classic rock band a while back just for fun. Adding my keys meant adding new tunes. I introduced them to "Hush" and it is now one of our best.
Using my roland VR700 single manuel. I miss the two manuel B3 and switching sounds instantly but who can move one anymore.

He will be missed Smoke on the Water was one of my favorites......he will remain a Rock legend for sure!

Two manuals are a nice luxury...I played a VR-700 a few months ago at a jam session...very nice. It was being played through a Ventilator and into a Traynor (Yorkville) K4 amp/speaker.

I liked the idea of the red harmonic drawbar that allows you to control the volume of the Ensemble tones...you can get some really neat combinations using it, and they are so easily accessible.

(Later edit) I also really liked the keyboard action of the VR...very quick, and nice for doing smears.

My last organ rig was a B-3 with two Leslie 147RV (plus a few other keyboards)...I had to have a Chevy Suburban to move just my gear alone...that's also why I have a bad back today.

The Tyros4 has several SA Organs that I really like, especially the ProgRockOrgan...really nice and snarly.

We used to do a few of Lord's tunes...one of my favorites was, appropriate enough for me...."Lazy".

Ian

Bill,

I see another great player (bass) is gone as well...Bob Babbitt...one of the fabled Funk Brothers rhythm section.

Loved his playing on "What's Become of the Brokenhearted".

Man, it's been a tough year...many greats gone...all the more important to live each day to the fullest.

Ian

One of the best. RIP

Babbitt was a historic player, also.

Met him once...nice fellow.


r.

Like most of us in that era, the music and the musicians were captivating. Just about everyone stood out. But, my two favorites, who I still listen to today were Alvin Lee (guitarist) of Ten Years After, and............Jon Lord, the most innovative keyboardist ever. You never knew what direction he was coming from in his riffs. His syncopation and timing was outstanding. Musical ideas were in abundance.....he never ran out them.

I'll never forget when I was in London. Deep Purple (in the Deep Purple in Rock era) were playing at the Odeon. I found out that afternoon and by the time I got there seats, of course, were sold out. One of the entourage heard me say I was from America and they were my absolute favorite band. Next thing I knew I was sitting in a balcony seat, for nothing, directly over John Lord. Watched every move he made while I had my hands over my ears. It was like sitting on an airport runaway with jet engines all around you. Speakers packed onto the stage. Still.......what a show!

I'm so sorry to hear of his death. His music was a part of me all these years. This is one person who truly mourns his passing.

Mark