Run run run, fun fun fun, time to write this weeks column. Another last minute, beat the deadline, jammed pack column full of energy, excitement, updates and all the stuff sitting on my desk that I can fit in.

 

Red Wings have started training camp, Lions fans are happy, U of M fans are not, and Michigan State is hitching there hopes on the former Farmington Hills Harrison Quarterback Drew Stanton. Many sports analysts are projecting a so-so season for the Spartans, anywhere from fifth to eighth place finish in the Big Ten. But with Stanton leading a powerful offense, there is plenty of reason for hope.

 

Rolling Stones recently played Comerica Park downtown Detroit. I heard lots of pre-concert promo for the show. Saw billboards, magazine ads, radio commercials. I heard close to 40,000 people attend the show and the band Maroon 5 was the opening act. But I have not really heard much buzz about the event itself. Was it a good show? Did people fell they got their monies worth? I wish we would get more post concert revues on big events that come through town.

 

My 50th Birthday Party and concert at the 50th anniversary of the Plymouth Fall Festival went great. I can't count the number of times people came up to me, wished me happy birthday and said they read the column all the time. 

 

I got to talk with lots of people I grew up with. Lots of musicians I have known over the years. People like Joe Labeau from the Mass Transit band, Fred Lorenz now with the Yankeville band, Billy Star from TC's band, the Bluescasters, Joe Lagracie from Jamie Coe's band, the King Sweat band, Chris Campbell from Bob Seger's band, Steve King and the Dittlies, Spider from Rocks Gang and the Reflections, Alexander Zonjic, Steve from Model Citizen band, and JP Morgan and Wild Bill Hamel two original members of Benny and the Jets band. 

 

 I carried an old photo of the band to show people how we looked in 1970 when we first played the Fall Festival. I was 15 years old and if you looked really close you could see the beginnings of the famous Ben E beard. Like the Rolling Stones have said, "I know it is only rock and roll." But here we are 35 years and close to 10,000 gigs later, making a living at it and still having a good time.

 

 The funny thing about making a living playing in a band for so long is, we have become so well known, often people thank they could never hire a famous band like Benny and the Jets.

Which is defiantly not true. We are always looking for small clubs, events, even house parties. And yes, we are a well known classic rock band, but can still be hired for $250. Hmm come to think of it now is a good time to be booking them holiday parties!

To reach Ben E. Jet call (313) 730-1627 via e mail benejets@aol.com and see the web sites www.bennyandthejets.com and www.reverendguitars.com.