R.I.P. - Midnight (Crimson Glory)

Defnitely sad news.



Arttie

Comments from the Crimson Glory camp about Midnight's passing...

A memorial service for former CRIMSON GLORY frontman Midnight (John Patrick McDonald, Jr.) will be held on Saturday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Siesta Key public beach (just south of main pavillion) in Florida. This celebration of Midnight's life will be open to all who wish to attend.

CRIMSON GLORY banmembers Jon Drenning (guitars), Ben Jackson (guitars) and Dana Burnell (drums) have issued one joint as well as three individual statements regarding Midnight's passing:

The band says: "Midnight was a very special soul with a beautiful heart...

"To try to describe his many gifts through the limiting restraints of text and typeset is like trying to describe a thousand rainbows to a blind man who never learned to count. His mind was both extraordinarily beautiful and enticingly frightening, an indescribably mysterious place from which came some of the most brilliantly creative and soulfully poignant lyrics in the history of heavy metal. He was not always understood, but his talents were undeniable and transcended far beyond the bounds of our weaker imaginations.

"As is the case with all truly great artists, Midnight was hounded by his demons...but he put them to work, using them to pull back the curtains of his cosmic wonderland and reveal the pieces and parts that made him who he was: the soft vulnerable child, the eccentric and maniacal genius, the soaring passionate believer, the charming and mischievous imp, the wistful dream weaver...discovering Midnight was like discovering a new reality for us; we knew from the moment we first heard him sing that he was something special, and we all feel honored that he shared himself not just with us, but with the rest of the world.

"Midnight's voice was truly unique; he had such an emotional, magical, mystical quality that most singers never have or come close to achieving. That voice took all who heard it through highs and lows, through triumph and suffering; every word, every note touching, reaching deep inside and commanding response and feeling. He was a great influence for metal singers and will continue to be for many years to come.

"Despite his personal demons we always loved him and hoped that one day he would get well. We will miss him dearly. He was one of us...our friend, our brother. Midnight was and will always be the singer for CRIMSON GLORY. He is at peace now; he will always live in our hearts...he is forever."

Jon Drenning: "Midnight and I shared so much together over the years; dreams, goals, visions, creativity... We would often daydream for hours upon hours about how we would make the most amazing music together that would 'transcend' the world. We were determined to make an impact like no other and wanted create a legacy that would be everlasting... Despite our disagreements, I loved him deeply and will miss him profoundly. We had a contentious, yin-yang type of relationship, but we respected each other's ideas, talents and creativity, and loved each other dearly; we were brothers 'til the end. Midnight was a kind, generous, spiritual, beautiful, passionate, eccentric, mysterious, stubborn old soul with the voice of both an angel and a lion. Truly, he was a rare individual with an enigmatic, angelic voice who had a great influence on many of today's well-known and yet-to-be-known metal singers. There have been many great singers throughout the years in the metal genre, including several who have tried to copy Midnight's uniquely moving, intensely emotional style, but there can be - and will only ever be — one Midnight. He was a once-in-a-lifetime singer, one-in-a-billion, a star among stars... Indeed, the world has lost a great singer, songwriter, painter, poet and friend... but his spirit lives on in each of us who knew and heard him, as well as for those yet to discover his creative genius. In death you live again, my brother, my friend. It does not mean the end; it never really ends..."

Ben Jackson: "Words cannot express the sadness I feel today over the loss of my dear friend Midnight. Having been friends with Mid for the last thirty years has provided me with memories I will surely treasure for the rest of my life until we hopefully will meet again. Together we made music, shared laughs and good times, traveled the world to faraway places and lived life with passion. He touched many with his unique gift and was universally loved by his many friends and fans. A gentle genius and a sweet, sweet soul. I will miss you so much buddy! I love you!"

Dana Burnell: "Today the world lost an incredible singer and songwriter. I lost my band mate, my friend... my brother. I've known Midnight for over 30 years; he was the gentlest, kindest and most caring person I've known, and I loved him very much. Midnight only wanted good for everyone, he was a good soul. Knowing he is at peace now brings me great peace. I love him and will forever miss him."

Midnight passed away yesterday (Wednesday, July 8 ) from "total kidney and liver failure." He was 47 years old.

Holy Crap! I cant get away from this damn song. Midnight recoreded the Sarah Mcclaughkin (forgive the spelling) song Arms of the Angels a while back and now its posted on his myspace here http://www.myspace.com/t42midnight . He said it was a song he would like played at his funeral, which is funny because my mom told me that too a couple years ago when it came out and of course since she told me that I cant even be anywhere when that song comes on cause im reminded of her telling me that. My moms still around, but to hear that song and think about that it really makes it hard to hear. anyway check out his version.

Besides the fact that his appearence at the Rockwave Festival in the mid '00s was very disappointing he is STILL one of my favorites. R.I.P. MY MAN!

Wow! That sucks. He was young.

Phoenix Reign Drummer wrote:

Holy Crap! I cant get away from this damn song. Midnight recoreded the Sarah Mcclaughkin (forgive the spelling) song Arms of the Angels a while back and now its posted on his myspace here http://www.myspace.com/t42midnight . He said it was a song he would like played at his funeral, which is funny because my mom told me that too a couple years ago when it came out and of course since she told me that I cant even be anywhere when that song comes on cause im reminded of her telling me that. My moms still around, but to hear that song and think about that it really makes it hard to hear. anyway check out his version.

Thanks for posting these! I'm really enjoying this song, and the others on the playlist there. Never thought I'd get to hear Jon Oliva sing "Painted Skies"!! I'm getting goose bumps all over my body!!

Looks like they're cooking up quite a tribute to Midnight for this September's Progpower USA Festival:

CRIMSON GLORY Announces Guest Singers For PROGPOWER USA X - July 24, 2009

Florida-based melodic metal veterans CRIMSON GLORY will be joined by the following special guest vocalists for their headlining performance at the ProgPower USA X festival on September 11, 2009 at the Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia: * Wade Black (CRIMSON GLORY, LEATHERWOLF) * Zak Stevens (SAVATAGE, CIRCLE II CIRCLE) * Lance King (PYRAMAZE, BALANCE OF POWER) * Nils K. Rue (PAGAN'S MIND) * Chris Salinas (ZERO HOUR, POWER OF OMENS) * Ronny Monroe (METAL CHURCH) * Andy Franck (BRAINSTORM, SYMPHORCE, IVANHOE) * Sean Peck (CAGE) * Danilo Herbert (MINDFLOW) * Joakim Brodén (SABATON) * Michael Eriksen (CIRCUS MAXIMUS) * David Vanlanding (CRIMSON GLORY, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP) Additional guest singers will be announced as they are confirmed. Also performing alongside the band will be guitarist Matt LaPorte (JON OLIVA'S PAIN, CIRCLE II CIRCLE, MIDNIGHT) and keyboardist John Zahner (CRIMSON GLORY, SAVATAGE, CIRCLE II CIRCLE, JON OLIVA'S PAIN), as well as bassist Nolen Strong and vocalist Danaë Saree. Commented CRIMSON GLORY: "The response of singers wanting to be a part of this has been nothing short of overwhelming, and we are very pleased with the lineup thus far. Indeed, we are both excited and honored to be sharing the stage with such incredibly talented people; each have made a name for themselves with their individual vocal stylings and we look forward to having them alongside us as we showcase [late singer] Midnight's extraordinary career with CRIMSON GLORY. "As this is our only U.S. show date scheduled for 2009, this promises to be a truly memorable show for long-time fans as well as the 'new blood' with something for everybody, and we feel that Midnight would be very pleasantly surprised to know that so many gifted singers have stepped up to lend their unique voices to his tribute. "We realize that many ProgPower USA attendees were coming to this year's fest to see specific bands, the absence of whom have allowed us this great opportunity to perform. It is our sincere hope that the varied lineup of guest performers we have selected will ensure that all who attend this year get something truly personal and special from our show. "CRIMSON GLORY wishes to again extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to founder/promotor Glenn Harveston for offering this great opportunity to celebrate Midnight's legendary legacy with our band, as well as for working so hard to keep this incredible festival going for ten years strong. "We are proud to be a part of ProgPower USA, and we aim to help make this the most memorable and truly special ProgPower event since its inception. "Lastly, to all of our fans both diehard and new, we thank you for your amazing support: it is YOU who make CRIMSON GLORY's music truly eternal. "We're looking forward to meeting those of you coming to the fest; we'll see you in September!" CRIMSON GLORY bassist Jeff Lords will not participate in the band's headlining appearance at the ProgPower USA tenth-anniversary festival for "personal" reasons. Midnight passed away on Wednesday, July 8 from "total kidney and liver failure." He was 47 years old.

Wish I could be there. I hope they film it for a DVD release.