Legendary drummer Viv Prince of the Pretty Things lays down the blueprint for success

Brian Matthew’s introduction of the Pretty Things on the BBC’s Light Programme in October 1964 was dripping with contempt as he described them as a group of lads with fashionable shoulder-length hairstyles who played commercialized British rhythm and blues. The band, often overshadowed by their threatening image to bourgeois values, included Viv Prince as their drummer, whose recent passing at 84 was announced by Jack White on Instagram.

Known for his wild and abandoned drumming style, Prince’s influence extended to musicians like Keith Moon. Despite his brief tenure with the Pretty Things, he left an indelible mark on the band. Stories of the group’s misadventures in New Zealand in 1965, including breaking a chair, engaging in altercations with officials, and laying carpet onstage during performances, highlighted Prince’s wild persona.

The drummer’s eccentric behavior continued with tales of drinking “mock meths” and bizarre incidents at airports involving dead crayfish running around. His antics earned him a reputation that rivaled even the fictional band Spinal Tap. Before his time with the Pretty Things, Prince played with various groups as British rock ‘n’ roll was emerging, showcasing his evolution within the music scene.

Prince’s contribution to the Pretty Things’ early albums, “The Pretty Things” and “Get the Picture?”, solidified the band’s reputation as one of the hardest-hitting British R&B acts. Their live performances, however, truly captured the essence of their wild and untamed spirit. A video from 1965 shows the band in their element, with Prince’s frenetic energy stealing the show as he drummed on his bandmates and the stage itself.

Although Prince’s post-Pretty Things music career was less noteworthy, his impact on the band and the larger rock ‘n’ roll scene was undeniable. His unbridled, unconventional approach to drumming set the tone for future generations of musicians. Viv Prince may have been a wild man both on and offstage, but his legacy as a pioneering drummer and rock ‘n’ roll wildman endures.