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Crimson Glory - Former Singer Midnight Passed Away


On July 8, 2009, founding member and original Crimson Glory frontman Midnight passed away at 3:30am surrounded by his family. An official statement reads as follows:

On July 8th, 2009 the world lost one of its greatest singer/songwriters. Founding member and original Crimson Glory frontman Midnight (John Patrick McDonald, Jr.) passed away peacefully, (in true Midnight form on an eerily cloudy, full moon-lit night) at 3:30am with his family by his side. He was 47 years old.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 11th at 6:30pm at Siesta Key public beach (just south of main pavillion). This celebration of Midnight's life will be open to all who wish to attend. The band has released the following statements:

"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."

Guitarist 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 vioice 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..."

Guitarist 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!"

Drummer 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."

Bassist Jeff Lords: Jeff's comments will be forthcoming. At this time we respect his request to gather his thoughts.

Source: crimson-glory.com
Band profile: Crimson Glory
Posted: 09.07.2009 by DayFly


Comments

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Comments: 18   Visited by: 144 users
09.07.2009 - 15:50
Icedburden

R.I.P. Although you had some problems, so does everyone else, you were an amazing talent and will be missed.
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Born Out Of Hate, Descending Upon The Earth
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09.07.2009 - 16:15
TheOwl

R.I.P Midnight! I will never forget the time we spend together!
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09.07.2009 - 16:26
Kap'N Korrupt
Account deleted
That's rather unfortunate...I loved his voice
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09.07.2009 - 18:29
Yossarian

Well, I am curious. Sorry. Which were their "personal demons" that everybody mentions and nobody tells? Same old shit, drugs or alcohol?

Anyways, it does not matter. Great voice and great man. Rest in peace, midnight
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09.07.2009 - 18:41
DoomGuard

Dang...RIP Midnight
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09.07.2009 - 18:49
Marcel Hubregtse
Grumpy Old Fuck
I actually only enjoy Crimson Glory with Midnight on vocals.
RIP

thinking back to when they supported their debut album with total facial masks at Aarschokdag when Celtic Frost, Laaz Rockit, Metal Church, Anthrax, and Metallica also played.
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Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal

Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight
Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.)
05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996

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09.07.2009 - 19:36
Nimlot
A. Reader
Every time Crimson Glory is mentioned the lyrics "Life in the attic" come to mind... His work was brilliant.
Rest in peace Midnight.
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09.07.2009 - 19:59
Edu10
Account deleted
Midnight, we will always remember and love you. You will live forever in our hearts. Now, you are a legend.

Spread your wings, you can fly...fly away in peace
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09.07.2009 - 20:33
Stalker
Lone wanderer
What a great singer he was... This is really sad. I will listen to the first 2 albums now.

P.S. He was ill or what?? I mean, he couldn't have died of natural cause in 47, but I don't know anything about his personal life...
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09.07.2009 - 20:38
Marcel Hubregtse
Grumpy Old Fuck
Written by Stalker on 09.07.2009 at 20:33

What a great singer he was... This is really sad. I will listen to the first 2 albums now.

P.S. He was ill or what?? I mean, he couldn't have died of natural cause in 47, but I don't know anything about his personal life...


He died of liver failure it says. So, do you maths
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Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal

Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight
Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.)
05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996

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09.07.2009 - 20:55
Stalker
Lone wanderer
Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 09.07.2009 at 20:38

Written by Stalker on 09.07.2009 at 20:33

What a great singer he was... This is really sad. I will listen to the first 2 albums now.

P.S. He was ill or what?? I mean, he couldn't have died of natural cause in 47, but I don't know anything about his personal life...


He died of liver failure it says. So, do you maths

Oh, so that was his demon... I'd rather say it was some sort of spirit then...
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09.07.2009 - 21:39
STEELER

"IN DEATH, I'VE FOUND THE ANSWER.IN DEATH I'VE LIVE AGAIN. FEAR NOT THE REAPER'S BLADE,IT DOES NOT MEAN THE END.IT NEVER REALLY ENDS" CRIMSON GLORY. TRASCENDENCE.
R.I.P. MIDNIGHT.
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09.07.2009 - 22:00
Marcel Hubregtse
Grumpy Old Fuck
Written by Yossarian on 09.07.2009 at 18:29

Well, I am curious. Sorry. Which were their "personal demons" that everybody mentions and nobody tells? Same old shit, drugs or alcohol?

Anyways, it does not matter. Great voice and great man. Rest in peace, midnight


His demons were alcohol. IN the initial statement posted on other sites on the web yesterday it stated he died of liver failure.
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Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal

Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight
Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.)
05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996

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10.07.2009 - 12:34
iaberis
Advice Troll
R.I.P.
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Bitch! Please
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10.07.2009 - 19:48
TheOwl

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10.07.2009 - 22:07
Symmachus

He will indeed be missed. Long live Midnight! RIP.
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13.07.2009 - 08:13
LeChron James
Helvetesfossen
EVERYONE IS DYING. this has to stop. Rest in Peace and go easyy.
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Kick Ass, Die Young

Less is More
Stay Pure
Stay Poor

Music was my life, music brought me to life and music is how I will be remembered long after I leave this life. When I die there will be a final waltz in my head that only I can hear.
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17.07.2009 - 19:18
Hellish Star

I once did an interview with this guy. He was drunk as hell. Although I always worshipped the first CG albums I was pissed of that day. Anyway this is a great lost for our Metal community. Rest in peace Midnight and you will never be forgotten! The CG albums with you are classic ones!
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www.myspace.com/hellishstar

Metal To Infiity Webzine: http://users.telenet.be/metaltoinfinity/MTIindex.htm
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