Viv prince, Wild Drummer Who Influenced Keith Moon, Dies at 84
Viv Prince, the famously rambunctious drummer best known for his pivotal, though brief, role in the early days of British rock band The Pretty Things, has passed away at the age of 84. His energetic and often chaotic stage presence left a lasting mark on the music world, notably influencing the drumming style of The Who’s legendary Keith Moon.
news of Prince’s death surfaced on Instagram, shared by jack White, frontman of The White Stripes. White described the late musician as “wild and full of abandon,” highlighting Prince’s important contribution to rock drumming.
A Pioneering Force in Early Rock
Born in Loughborough, england, in 1941, Prince initially honed his skills as a jazz drummer. He quickly gained recognition for his distinctive and charismatic style, leading to session work and performances with various local groups in the early 1960s.
Joining The Pretty Things in 1964, Prince injected a raw energy into the band’s sound. he contributed to two albums during his 18-month tenure: The Pretty Things (1965) and get the Picture? (1965).
Onstage antics and Lasting Influence
You might be surprised to learn that Prince’s performances weren’t just about the music. he became notorious for his outrageous onstage antics, often disrupting other artists’ sets with playful pranks – like laying down carpeting mid-performance.
Ultimately, his unruly behavior lead to his expulsion from The Pretty Things in late 1965. However, his impact on the burgeoning rock scene was undeniable.
Many consider Prince a key influence on Keith Moon, whose similarly explosive and unconventional drumming style defined The Who. White himself acknowledged this connection, stating prince “influenced many other musicians like Keith Moon.”
Beyond The Pretty Things
Following his time with The Pretty Things, Prince continued to work prolifically as a session musician. He collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including The Honeycombs, The Who, Hawkwind, and jazz musician chris Barber.
Interestingly, Prince’s adventurous spirit extended beyond music. Later in life, he briefly joined the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, only to be ejected for, fittingly, misbehavior.
A Legacy Remembered
The Pretty Things themselves paid tribute to their former drummer in 1999. They recorded a song titled “Vivian Prince” on their album Rage Before Beauty, solidifying his place in the band’s history.
White, reflecting on a personal encounter with Prince years ago while the drummer was working on his farm in Portugal, expressed his admiration. He even suggested the possibility of a documentary about Prince’s life, calling him “an inspired and eccentric rock and roller.”
As White eloquently put it, “Safe travels into the sweet beyond Viv, you were one of the real ones.” Viv Prince’s legacy as a pioneering and unforgettable drummer will undoubtedly continue to inspire musicians for generations to come.
Image Caption: Pretty Things in 1964: (L-R) John Stax, Phil May, Viv Prince and Dick Taylor (Getty Images)
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