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© WENN
Deep Purple's longtime keyboardist Jon Lord is battling cancer. Lord announced that he will take a hiatus from live performing as he undergoes cancer treatment, but insisted that he will not let the disease prevent him writing songs. He wrote on his blog: "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."

Lord declined to disclose what type of cancer he is suffering from. The musician first joined Deep Purple in 1967, playing keyboard and organ on hits like 'Highway Star', 'Smoke on the Water' and 'Space Truckin'. He officially retired from the band in 2002, but has rejoined Deep Purple for live shows on occasion.

Get Well soon Jon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg8FT7Gg8O8

I saw that somewhere earlier today...One of the great keyboard players in the business. I still love that killer organ intro to "Lazy".

Very humble man. A musical legend.

I turn 43 on Sunday and remember being a little shit with Deep Purple music playing at family functions.

I wish Jon ALL the best.

Here's to John beating this thing. A true, one-of-a kind, rock legend. Love his playing.

I'm a huge fan and he's perhaps my number one keys influence. He's been a lifelong smoker so this is sad but not a surprise. It's amazing some smokers live as long as they do. Smoking sucks!