Midnight, ex-Crimson Glory singer, dies at age 47

[dgn4369]

From Blabbermouth.net....

Former CRIMSON GLORY Singer MIDNIGHT Dead At 47 - July 8, 2009

BLABBERMOUTH.NET has learned that former CRIMSON GLORY frontman Midnight (real name: John Patrick Jr. McDonald) passed away earlier today (Wednesday, July 8) from "total kidney and liver failure." He was 47 years old.

According to JON OLIVA'S PAIN guitarist Matt LaPorte, who played on some of Midnight's recent solo recordings, the singer spent his final hours surrounded by his mother, brother, daughter as well as members of CRIMSON GLORY, SAVATAGE, and JON OLIVA'S PAIN. His death occured at 3:45 a.m EST at St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.

"I will miss my partner Midnight — the greatest voice and friend I've ever known," LaPorte told BLABBERMOUTH.NET. He added, "In spite of his demons, [Midnight] was a beautiful soul who constantly changed the lives of those he met and came into contact with."

Midnight sang on CRIMSON GLORY's first three albums — "Crimson Glory" (1986), "Transcendence" (1988) and "Strange and Beautiful" (1991) — before going into self-imposed exile for almost a decade until he was heard from again. He eventually rejoined CRIMSON GLORY in 2005 but was dismissed in January 2007 following the revelation that he was arrested in Sarasota, Florida and charged with "DUI [driving under the influence] with .20 [blood-alcohol level] or higher or having a passenger under 18" years of age. Midnight, who gave his occupation as "painter" to the authorities at the time of the arrest, was also cited for driving with a suspended/ cancelled/ revoked license.

Last fall, Midnight announced plans to release a new solo CD called "All Souls Midnight" which was to feature the "Acoustic Crimson" EP (four songs) along with the lost "Midnight Mass" recordings from the late '80s/early '90s plus some other "cool rarities."



HOLY SHT!!!
R.I.P. Midnight. Despite your many recent demons there are few albums I consider perfect and Transcendence was one of them.
The world has lost a TRUE talent today.

np: Crimson Glory - Transcendence - 03 - Painted Skies

 

[jaimek]

*blink*

Holy crap. What a week.

 

[Wayniac]

Wow.
As many issues as he had in recent years.. he was an amazing influence to many bands in the late 80's. He had such a unique voice
R.I.P.

 

[13ShadesofGray]

Rest in Peace, Midnight. I will never forget that "Midnight at 6am" mini-show at ProgPower V, or getting the chance to thank him in person for his range expanding inspiration.

 

[Rider of Theli]

I am proud to have worked with Midnight at last year's Wednesday night show.

 

[Chizilla]

The Media/Managements/Labels can make you and break you to this point! This is really sad

 

[MysticX9]

Man, what a shame. Another tortured soul at rest...

 

[imaskinbeater]

A sad day indeed

R.I.P brother

 

[JenniferLynn]

I could put up so many memories... Almost all are making me smile... One, the last time I saw him, hurts - probably because I knew it was our 'goodbye'...

Mid was a quiet guy, not too many people got to see who he really was.. But those that did got to see that he was such an amazing soul.. He would say things to me that would totally catch me off guard - so full of thought; his words had this weight to them and when he looked into your eyes and said them... it was a moment you FELT and would never forget...

I am so blessed to be able to say he was a dear friend, my brother...

"Who am I to call the night, who am I to lead the strays
Ever endless from her sight, never more to seize the day.." ~ Midnight, The Beach

Now my friend, I know you are soaring thru the stars, chatting with the angels and laying all your demons to rest... just like you told me you would...

 

[PurpleCrayonWriter]

CG's second album (Transcendence) is in my Top 25. I bought it when it was released back in 1988 and I still listen to it, at least several times a year.

I'm always saddened by the too-soon deaths of talented, creative people. (Forty seven is way too young.) They seem to lead such tortured lives. They give us so much, yet they suffer in the giving. It's a sad paradox, a bitter irony. It almost makes me feel selfish.

The only consolation is that maybe he has found in death the peace he seemed to lack in life.

R.I.P. Midnight. Thank you for the music you gave us.

Bill

 

[mel_progson]

One of the great metal voices. A sad day. R.I.P. Midnight.

 

[BenMech]

Tragic but not unexpected.

Sleep well, Midnight. Paint the Skies.

 

[Prog_Muse]

A statement from CRIMSON GLORY will be forthcoming.
Obviously everyone in the band is deeply saddened by Midnight's passing.
In the meantime, fans and friends alike are encouraged to post their sentiments at the following pages:

http://www.crimson-glory.com
http://www.savintage.com/cgforum
http://www.myspace.com/crimsonglory

 

[Pelata]

RIP Midnight.

 

[AMBR]

God bless him. Such a talented, yet tortured soul. Hopefully, now he's at peace. Thanks for everything, Midnight. So many good memories; so much great music. You will be missed.

 

[panzermastery]

Sad day. Had just told Matt on JOP tour how much I was looking forward to their new collabs together. Also got some music from Matt that I will cherish of him and Mid together. Rest in Peace my friend

 

[Dolamite S. Biffle]

Wow I dont know what to say. He is only the second musician that I loved to die, so this is really fucking with me. What sucks even more is that the only time I got to see him was the Pre-Party, I would have loved nah I would have killed to have seen him in his prime.

RIP Midnight

 

[MetalAges]

Sad, sad ,sad.

Hopefully about right now his demons have been chased away. RIP my man.

 

[AngraRULES]

Sad indeed. RIP.

 

[Metaldrumz]

Wow the news keeps getting worse *sigh*

The Metal World just lost one of its best voices of all time. Transcendence its just as much as a masterpiece as Ryches Operation Mindcrime.

R.I.P. Midnight. May you eternally Paint The Sky now.