Jon Lord diagnosed with cancer

Jon Lord took to Twitter yesterday to tell his followers that he’d been diagnosed with cancer.

The famed keyboardist of 70s rock band Deep Purple and classical composer issued the following statement via the social media platform:

“I would like all my friends, followers, fans and fellow travellers to know that I am fighting cancer and will therefore be taking a break from performing while getting the treatment and cure.

“I shall of course be continuing to write music – in my world it just has to be part of the therapy – and I fully expect to be back in good shape next year.”

Perhaps Lord’s most famous classical work is the Durham Concerto, which made it to number 153 in the 2011 Hall Of Fame. Just last month he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music Degree from the University of Leicester.

The Classic FM team wishes Jon the swiftest of recoveries.