The British music scene has lost one of its most electrifying and uncontainable founding fathers. Viv Prince, the powerhouse drummer whose wild, unpredictable style propelled British rock pioneers The Pretty Things to fame, has passed away at the age of 85.
Prince's family confirmed the news, stating he died peacefully on Wednesday, 10th September. His passing marks the end of an era for a generation that defined the sound and the spirit of the 1960s.
The Wild Man of British Rock
To call Viv Prince merely a drummer is to undersell his role entirely. He was a force of nature on stage and off—a whirlwind of energy, humour, and pure, unadulterated rock 'n' roll chaos. Alongside frontman Phil May and guitarist Dick Taylor, a founding member of The Rolling Stones, Prince was integral to the band's raw, rhythm and blues-infused sound.
His reputation for mayhem was legendary, often eclipsing his immense musical talent. Stories of his antics are the stuff of music industry folklore, from outrageous on-stage behaviour to unpredictable off-stage escapades that perfectly encapsulated the rebellious spirit of the time.
A Legacy of Influence and Mayhem
While The Pretty Things never achieved the same global commercial success as their contemporaries The Beatles or The Rolling Stones, their influence was profound. Bands from David Bowie to The Sex Pistols have cited them as a key inspiration, with Prince's frenetic drumming providing the backbone for classic hits like Don't Bring Me Down and Rosalyn.
His time with the band was relatively short but incredibly impactful. He left The Pretty Things in the late 1960s but his legacy within the group remained untouchable. The band's statement spoke of his "fearless, powerful, and truly original" style, noting that "Viv embodied the very essence of rock and roll."
Tributes have poured in from across the music world, honouring a musician who was as beloved for his personality as he was respected for his talent. He is remembered not just as a great drummer, but as a true original—a charismatic and unforgettable character who helped shape the landscape of British rock music.
Viv Prince is survived by his partner, Annie, and his brother, Roger. The beat, as they say, goes on—but it will never sound quite the same.
