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.

In an exclusive in-depth interview with BW&BK; scribe Carl Begai, guitarist Jon Drenning discussed Midnight's passing, the band's legacy and their upcoming September 11th ProgPower USA show as a tribute to Midnight. During the conversation Drenning elaborated on the involvement of special guest vocalist Danaë Saree, who also happens to be his wife.

“Danae 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.”

In a separate interview with BW&BK; Danaë offered her thoughts on Crimson Glory and being asked to take part in the tribute to Midnight. Go to this location to check it out.

Click here for more of BW&BK;'s exclusive interview with Drenning, featuring his comments on Midnight's passing.

Following is the list of guest vocalists confirmed to perform with them during their headlining set at ProgPower USA X

-- Wade Black (Crimson Glory/LEATHERWOLF)
-- Zak Stevens (SAVATAGE/CIRCLE II CIRCLE)
-- Lance King (PYRAMAZE/BALANCE OF POWER)
-- Nils K. Rue (PAGAN'S MIND)
-- Chris Salinas (ZERO HOUR/POWER OF OMENS)
-- Ronny Monroe (METAL CURCH)
-- Andy Franck (BRAINSTORM/SYMPHORCE/IVANHOE)
-- Sean Peck (CAGE)
-- Danilo Herbert (MINDFLOW)
-- Joakim Brodén (SABATON)
-- Michael Eriksen (CIRCUS MAXIMUS)
-- David Vanlanding (Crimson Glory/MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP)

Additional guest singers will be announced as they are confirmed. Also performing alongside the band will be guitarist Matt LaPorte (JON OLIVA'S PAIN/Circle II Circle/MIDNIGHT) and keyboardist John Zahner (Crimson Glory/Savatage/Circle II Circle/Jon Oliva's Pain), as well as bassist Nolen Strong and vocalist Danaë Saree.

Crimson Glory's Jon Drenning (guitar), Ben Jackson (guitar), Dana Burnell (drums) and Wade Black (vocals) add:

"The response of singers wanting to be a part of this has been nothing short of overwhelming, and we are very pleased with the lineup thus far. Indeed, we are both excited and honored to be sharing the stage with such incredibly talented people; each have made a name for themselves with their individual vocal stylings and we look forward to having them alongside us as we showcase Midnight's extraordinary career with Crimson Glory. As this is our only US show date scheduled for 2009, this promises to be a truly memorable show for long-time fans as well as the "new blood" with something for everybody, and we feel that Midnight would be very pleasantly surprised to know that so many gifted singers have stepped up to lend their unique voices to his tribute.

We realize that many ProgPower USA attendees were coming to this year's fest to see specific bands, the absence of whom have allowed us this great opportunity to perform. It is our sincere hope that the varied lineup of guest performers we have selected will ensure that all who attend this year get something truly personal and special from our show.

Crimson Glory wishes to again extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to founder/promotor Glenn Harveston for offering this great opportunity to celebrate Midnight's legendary legacy with our band, as well as for working so hard to keep this incredible festival going for ten years strong. We are proud to be a part of ProgPower USA, and we aim to help make this the most memorable and truly special ProgPower event since its inception.

Lastly, to all of our fans both diehard and new, we thank you for your amazing support: it is YOU who make Crimson Glory's music truly eternal. We're looking forward to meeting those of you coming to the fest; we'll see you in September!"