Deep Purple - Deep Purple Star Jon Lord Battling Cancer

The keyboard player, who co-founded the Smoke on the Water heavy rock icons, has posted a statement about his health crisis on his blog.

The 70 year old writes, "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 has not revealed what type of cancer he is battling.