Carl Begai

As previously reported, Crimson Glory frontman Midnight (real name John Patrick McDonald Jr.) passed away on Wednesday, July 8th at 3:30am EST due to kidney and liver failure at the age of 47. I recently had the unexpected opportunity to interview guitarist Jon Drenning – at his suggestion – to discuss Midnight’s passing and set the record straight with regards to the rumours and misconceptions surrounding his death.

We also discussed Crimson Glory’s enduring legacy – an overview of the Transcendence album can be found here – and their upcoming September 11th ProgPower USA show as a tribute to Midnight. During the conversation Drenning elaborated on the involvement of for-the-time-being unknown special guest vocalist Danaë Saree, who also happens to be his wife.

“Danaë is an amazing singer, but unfortunately she never got to meet Midnight until he was in the hospital,” says Drenning. “She’s got some of the same elements that Midnight had that I love. She’s able to write beautiful, eloquent, colourful lyrics, and the ability to convey them emotionally when she sings. I’m very fortunate to have someone in my life again to be able to sit down with and create music, and to hear her sing those songs. Midnight recorded many songs before he passed away, Danae plays guitar or piano and sings Midnight’s songs, so in a way it’s like having Midnight back in my life.”
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