Vivian “Viv” Prince, the erratic and influential drummer for the British rhythm and blues band The Pretty Things, whose wild stage antics earned him the moniker “rock’s original madman drummer,” has died. He was 84.
Prince’s death, confirmed by a family representative, marks the passing of a figure central to the raw, unbridled energy of 1960s rock and roll. His tenure with The Pretty Things, though brief, was marked by a series of legendary performances and off-stage escapades that cemented his reputation as a force of nature behind the drum kit.
A Force of Nature on Drums
Born on August 14, 1941, Prince joined The Pretty Things in 1964, replacing their initial drummer. The band, formed by former Rolling Stones bassist Dick Taylor and vocalist Phil May, quickly established itself as a more rebellious and raucous alternative to their contemporaries. Prince’s drumming style perfectly complemented their abrasive sound, characterized by a powerful, often chaotic, approach that eschewed traditional technique for sheer visceral impact.
His stage presence was equally, if not more, memorable. Prince became notorious for his unpredictable behavior, which included setting his drum kit on fire, fighting with audiences, urinating on stage, and frequently disappearing mid-performance. These antics, while scandalous at the time, contributed significantly to The Pretty Things’ cult status and rebellious image, paving the way for future generations of punk and hard rock musicians.
“Viv was an absolute lunatic,” Phil May, the band’s frontman, often recalled in interviews. “He took everything to the extreme. You never knew what he was going to do next, but it was always exciting.”
Prince’s influence extended beyond his drumming. His flamboyant style and disregard for convention made him a prototype for future rock showmen, with many drawing parallels between his early career and the later antics of drummers like The Who’s Keith Moon.
Departure and Later Life
Despite The Pretty Things’ growing success and critical acclaim, Prince’s volatile nature eventually led to his departure from the band in late 1965, reportedly during a tour of New Zealand after an incident involving a golf buggy and a hotel lobby. His exit marked the end of an era for the band and for a distinct period in British rock music.
Following his time with The Pretty Things, Prince pursued various other musical projects, though none achieved the same level of notoriety. He maintained a relatively low profile in later decades, but his legacy as rock’s original wild man drummer continued to be celebrated by music historians and fans of 1960s garage rock and psychedelia.
Viv Prince’s impact on rock music stemmed not just from his rhythmic contributions but from his embodiment of rock and roll’s untamed spirit, leaving an indelible mark on the genre’s formative years.
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