As previously reported, former 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. He was 47 years old. Bandmates Jon Drenning (guitars), Ben Jackson (guitars) and Dana Burnell (drums) have offered their thoughts on Midnight in separate statements:

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..."

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."

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