Metalobit: Midnight

John Patrick McDonald Jr, lead singer with Crimson Glory, has died.

Crimson Glory had originally traded under the name Beowulf, forming in Florida in 1982. Their debut album - also called Crimson Glory - saw the light in 1986, although it didn't find a wider audience until it was rereleased as part of the band's deal with Roadrunner Records.

Leaning towards the Kiss-ier side of metal, Crimson Glory wore masks in order to make themselves instantly distinguishable from each other - a move that a few indie bands might want to consider, when you think about it. Midnight, alone, had a mask which left his mouth uncovered. So that people could actually hear him sing.

The band moved to Atlantic at the end of the 1980s. Between the recording of their first record for Atlantic, Strange And Beautiful, and the tour to support it, Midnight quit.

After a long period away from music, Midnight returned with a solo career and - briefly - was reunited with the still-churning Crimson Glory. That rapprochment didn't last long, and "difficulties" led to him leaving the band for a second time.

Midnight released three solo albums. He died yesterday, apparently from liver and kidney failure.