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Viv Prince, Flamboyant Pretty Things Drummer, Dies at 84

Jack White's Instagram tribute renewed attention to the Pretty Things' wild‑hearted drummer whose showmanship influenced Keith Moon.

Overview

  • Jack White announced Prince’s death on Instagram after hearing from mutual friend John Baker and praised his uninhibited drumming, even musing about a future documentary.
  • No cause of death has been made public.
  • Prince joined the Pretty Things in 1964 and played on their 1965 albums The Pretty Things and Get the Picture?.
  • His unruly onstage antics drew notoriety and led to his expulsion from the band, and his approach helped shape Keith Moon’s style.
  • After leaving the group he deputised with acts including The Who, the Honeycombs and Hawkwind, and later lived on a farm in Portugal as tributes from fans and musicians rolled in.