Deep Purple and Rainbow guitarist had played folk music since 1997
Pre-sales for live dates available now (October 29)
Band will headline the O2 Arena next December
Axeman calls Lord's sound 'One of the biggest, baddest, heaviest sounds in Heavy Metal'
The Deep Purple co-founder passed away earlier today at the age of 71
He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer
Legendary bassist tells all in upcoming autobiography
Ex-guitarist Ritchie Blackmore says he 'will be missed greatly'