Viv Prince (Vivian Martin Prince), born on August 9, 1941, in Loughborough, is an English drummer whose wild personality and unorthodox drumming style made him a defining figure of 1960s rock music. Best known for his time with the Pretty Things, Prince’s career was marked by both musical brilliance and eccentric behaviour that often stole the spotlight. His antics influenced legendary drummers like Keith Moon and brought a unique energy to the stage, leaving a lasting impression on the rock and roll scene.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Viv Prince was born into a musical family, with his father, Harry Prince, playing in a local jazz band. Initially drawn to the guitar, Viv eventually transitioned to the drums, a move that would define his career. After finishing school, Prince briefly worked as a tax officer while honing his drumming skills with local jazz bands, including his father’s group.
In 1961, he began his professional music career with Lennie Baldwin’s Dauphin Street Six, touring Denmark and recording in 1962. His first big break came when he joined Carter-Lewis and the Southerners in 1963, recording three singles alongside future rock legend Jimmy Page. Around this time, Prince made headlines as the first British rock musician to face a drug-related court charge, adding notoriety to his growing reputation.
Joining the Pretty Things
In 1964, Prince joined the Pretty Things, completing their first iconic lineup. His energetic and extroverted drumming style added a distinctive edge to the band, showcased on their first two albums: The Pretty Things and Get the Picture?, both released in 1965.
However, it wasn’t just his drumming that caught attention. Prince’s wild behaviour, fuelled by alcohol and amphetamines, became central to the band’s chaotic image. He was infamous for leaving his drum stool mid-performance, roaming the stage, and causing havoc. His eccentricity was so influential that Keith Moon, the legendary drummer of The Who, reportedly studied Prince’s style and adopted some of his antics.
Notoriety and Decline
Viv Prince’s antics reached a peak during the Pretty Things’ 1965 tour of New Zealand. From parading in a leopard-skin pillbox hat to carrying a dead crayfish on a string, his behaviour sparked controversy and bad press. Following an altercation with the crew, Prince was removed from a flight home and forced to make his way back to England independently.
As his behaviour became increasingly erratic, Prince missed recording sessions and was often replaced by other drummers like Bobby Graham and Mitch Mitchell. In November 1965, the Pretty Things dismissed him due to his growing unreliability.
Later Career and Legacy
After leaving the Pretty Things, Prince continued to make his mark on the music scene. He played with various bands, including the Bunch of Fives and the Denny Laine String Band. He also briefly deputised for bands like The Who, the Honeycombs, and Hawkwind. For a time, he ran the Knuckles club in Soho, which he claimed served as Jimi Hendrix’s first rehearsal space in England.
Prince contributed to notable recordings, including albums by Chris Barber, Twink, and McGough & McGear. He also released singles as a solo artist and with bands like Vamp and Kate.
Beyond music, Prince’s life remained colourful. He was reportedly involved in the Monster Raving Looney Party’s election campaigns and was even expelled from the Hell’s Angels for bad behaviour. He survived several personal challenges, including a house fire, and remained an enigmatic figure in the music world.
In the 1980s, Prince returned to Loughborough, playing with a local soul band called Sugar Shack. As of 2005, he was living near Faro, Portugal. His legacy was immortalised in the Pretty Things’ 1999 song “Vivian Prince,” featured on their album … Rage Before Beauty.
Viv Prince’s Discography
Here’s a look at some of Viv Prince’s most notable musical contributions:
- 1965: The Pretty Things – The Pretty Things
- 1965: Get the Picture? – The Pretty Things
- 1966: “Light of the Charge Brigade” / “Minuet for Ringo” – Viv Prince
- 1966: “Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop” / “Jump Back” – Chicago Line
- 1966: “I Go Home Baby” / “At the Station” – The Bunch of Fives
- 1968: “Floatin’” / “Thinkin’ Too Much” – Vamp
- 1969: “Green Pea” / “Wake Up and Tell Me” – Vamp
- 1969: “Shout It” / “Sweet Little Thing” – Kate
Viv Prince’s contributions to 1960s rock extended far beyond his drumming. His wild antics, groundbreaking style, and larger-than-life personality influenced not only the Pretty Things but also a generation of musicians, including Keith Moon.
While his career was tumultuous, his impact on music and culture remains undeniable. Viv Prince was a true original—a drummer whose eccentricity and energy left an indelible mark on rock history.
