Intuitive Music

17 years ago today, on the 14th February 1989, keyboardist Vincent Crane comited suicide at age 44.

Vincent Crane studied theory and composition at Trinity College of Music, graduating in 1964. In 1967 he joined The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, one of the most influencial bands of the British early Psychedelic and Progressive Rock scene. Vincent’s work with the band is especially credited for the iinovative and rich atmospheric textures. During the US Tour Vincent started sufferim from psychiatric problems in the form of manic escapades which were followed by long periods of depression in hospital. By 1969 he formed Atomic Rooster with drummer Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake and Palmer) after a recovery. During the following years the band released seven albums, including two Top 10 Hits, American and European Tours. Sadly, paranoia and satanic angst recurred in Vincent’s songs like “Death Walks Behind You”, “Time Take My Life”, “Dance of Death” or Devil’s Answer”.

During the 60’s Vincent had worked with writer Paul Green and directed music for two of his radio plays. He aslo worked in The Red Buddha Theatre, the Rocky Horror Show, and numerous cabaret and club bands. Between 1984 and 1986 Vincent became a member of the Hit band Dexy’s Midnight Runners and toured with them in Europe, making an important contribution to their last album “Don’t Stand Me Down. However, the constant pressures during the band’s recording session in Switzerland over the summer of 1984 provoked another chain of manic escapades followed by depression which enforced hospitalisation. he finally comitted sucide by having an overdose of painkillers on St. Valentine’s day.