Six months ago, the hearts of the San Diego metal community were more than crushed to hear about the untimely passing of Michael Prince Johnson. Whether you grinded rails with him at the skate park, or banged your head to his vivacious drumming performances with the blackened glam rebels of Purple Church, or got shit-faced and blasted Mercyful Fate while speeding down the highway, every experience with Prince was guaranteed to be precious and unforgettable. Prince was nothing less than a valuable companion, a whiskey-bent and hellbound party animal, and a lovable, soulful human being.
I personally met Michael Prince for the first time at the Whiskey a Go-Go in Hollywood, just before Purple Church was slated to open for Swedish glam band Crashdiet. His hair spiked high, chains rattling around his hips, and proudly boasting a Marduk shirt, Prince was so kind in introducing himself and quick to ask if I wanted to come get drinks with them at the nearby liquor store. After watching them rock the Whiskey (even before the shitty sound guy ruined the last half of their set), I was so impressed by the band's energy and couldn't wait to meet them all again. I'll never forget that Prince exclaimed: "Fuck yeah babe, let's party!" It sounded a little too friendly at first, but when you get to know him, you begin to see that that's just how Prince rolls: he's welcoming, friendly, and ready to rock out with anyone who's ready to party. The band later graced themselves into the independent UCSD radio station to do some late night promotions for a local show they were heading, and I'll never forget how well they all interacted together, obnoxious but hilarious, both on-air and off. The world misses you, Prince. Go show Dio and Jeff Hanneman what a goddamn legend you are.
Please join us in remembrance of Michael Prince by rocking out with the SD Metal Community at the Boar Crossin on February 2. Purple Church will be playing a tribute show with Sean Elg of Nihilist ready to fill in some big shoes. Come down a beer, sing with us, and let's show Prince that he taught us well in the art of partying.
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