Former CRIMSON GLORY Singer's Memorial Service: A Recap

A memorial service for former CRIMSON GLORY frontman Midnight (real name: John Patrick McDonald, Jr.) was held this past Saturday, July 11 at Siesta Key public beach in Florida. This celebration of Midnight's life was open to all who wished to attend.

According to an online posting by the band's webmaster, "Several people contributed photos, as well as several pieces of Midnight's artwork, lyrics, and personal possessions. Candles and incense were burning throughout the entire evening. We had a very large crowd; I won't try to estimate a number, including Midnight's mother, brother, daughters and grandson. After some very emotional and heartfelt words and anecdotes from the band, as well as Mid's younger daughter Ariel, 100 silver balloons with wishes and prayers for Mid were released into the sky as Mid's version of SARAH MCLAUGHLIN's 'Angel' was played. There was not a dry eye on that beach. Following the release of the balloons, various members of CRIMSON GLORY and JON OLIVA'S PAIN (as well as a few guest vocalists) played tribute to Mid's work: 'Painted Skies', 'Burning Bridges', 'Transcendence' and 'In Dark Places'... Ben Jackson [CRIMSON GLORY guitarist] also played 'Tired', a selection from his solo album. A few other tunes from SAVATAGE, BLACK SABBATH and IRON MAIDEN were jammed out as well. The night ended with everyone present singing JOHN LENNON's 'Imagine'. It was an absolutely beautiful and extraordinary ceremony full of photos, stories, friends and family, and the combined love of so many people both near and far from Midnight's personal life."

Current CRIMSON GLORY singer Wade Black posted the following recap of the event on the band's official forum: "We all came together as fans and personal friends for the final farewell for John (Midnight) McDonald. It was nice to see so many loving friends gather for... The last goodbye from this, as we know it. The Brothers of Crimson all said their parting words... it was a very deep and emotional time for each of us. Dana Burnell [CRIMSON GLORY drummer], my brother, my friend; gave a very moving speech about growing up with Midnight. Stories of growing up as teens to living larger than life icons. You could feel how much it hurt him let his brother go... There were many people who stepped up to share special times of their lives all revolving around Midnight. Each remembering the man with a touch of the same and a different side of him, as we all know; there were many 'other sides of Midnight.' He was of an old soul, that touched us all. Knowing this, we will always feel his presence. Whether it is in poetry or the slow moving turtle at the creek, he is with us, as he always was. A man of mystery. A man of passion and depth beyond this world. May you reign forever. Merry we meet, merry we part."

Midnight passed away on 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 occurred at 3:30 a.m. EST at St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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. He eventually rejoined CRIMSON GLORY in 2005 but was dismissed in January 2007.

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."

CRIMSON GLORY's classic "Lonely" video (off "Transcendence"):

CRIMSON GLORY performing "Lost Reflections" live at Rockwave festival in Greece (2006):