For those unable to attend this past Saturday's memorial for late CRIMSON GLORY singer Midnight in Siesta Key, FL, the band's webmaster has issued the following recap:

"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 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 has added his thoughts on the evening: "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, 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."

As previously reported some sort of memorial is in the panning stages for the annual ProgPower USA festival, September 11th-12th, in Atlanta, GA. More details as they become available.