And I don't blame him. The man is 60 years of age - he hurt his knee - he has been touring with Purple since the '60s. I agree it's time for a break (assuming that is what he was feeling).

I haven't found it easy to find personal information about the group members, so I don't know if Jon has children, grandchildren - this may have been a factor. I do know, from the Purple Website, www.thehighwaystar.com, that he wants to pursue solo efforts - cool.

I am now 40, and I still get excited about Jon rockin' his Hammond. The '84 tour, when I saw them in Toronto, man, it was cool - that still is to this day, the best keyboard solo, no question - the neon lights, Jon rockin' back and forth, I was in heaven. Hard to believe that was almost 20 years ago.

There has been only one drummer in Deep Purple - Ian Paice - and there has been only one keyboard player in DP - Jon Lord. This feels wrong - like getting a new parent when you're 40 - or, finding out that your favourite food is really chocolate-covered ants - or that you are really insane and that the woman you married is really a man, and you actually live on Venus and breathe cardon monoxide- but- I don't feel really bad.

I love Purple so much (I know that sounds bad) that as long as they exist I'm happy. I try to push Purple music on my friends - even acquaintances! I need help! I make tapes of Purple music for people then never finish the project. I've got 20 copies of every album on tape that were supposed to go to someone. If I were blinded I could just reach out and grab and put a Purple tape in.

I wish Jon the best, and now I'm looking forward to the new phase. It will be different, but we have to move on - Jon is. I know of Don Airey, I'm not totally familiar with him, but it will be a learning experience. His career so far has been quite prolific, so I only expect the best.

I could ramble forever - best wishes Jon, hope to hear you on the next studio album. Your work on Abandon was awesome. Welcome Don - try to make this a long-time career move.

Cheers everyone,
ken.

P.S. Lord's replacement, Don Airey, has been around for quite some time. He has played with Gary Moore, Whitesnake, Ozzy, and Rainbow, just to name a few bands. Instead of listing all of his accomplishments, go to www.donairey.com to see for yourself.