Rob Benjamin Music
Share my adventures in the music business and life, as well as celebrity encounters and occasional oddities. Through my time as music fan, collector, fanzine publisher and songwriter, I have met superstars such as James Brown, Reba McEntire, Gene Simmons, Bruce Springsteen, Bill Withers and Diane Warren, who all had a huge impact. This channel is a celebration of those impactful experiences and the influence they've had on my life. Join me on this journey as we explore all aspects of the music world.
Rob Benjamin Music
The second photo was a few years ago outside the Mint in LA with Prince's former girlfriend and band-mate, Andy Allo, a very talented and cool musician. She was very close to Prince just before his passing and was reportedly on the plane when he had to land in Moline, Illinois. You may know her more recently from 'Upload'. I went to see several of her gigs around LA and she was always amazing. #prince #andyallo
6 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 24
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Rob Benjamin Music
Hey, check it out - my guys NEW EDITION @neweditionofficial @neweditionlive are currently holding down third place in the overall Fan Vote for the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame! I know some folks might not agree because, you know, they're not exactly 'rock', but let me tell you, as a lifelong fan, these guys embody pure rock n' roll in their lives, business, and connection with their fans.
I've been with this group since 'Candy Girl', and even though there were times when I wasn't as devoted, I never stopped being a fan. I only caught them live once, out in Cali right after Whitney passed, but I made sure to be there for their Hollywood Walk of Fame induction in Los Angeles. Let me tell you, I've never seen a more devoted and loyal fanbase, except maybe for KISS and The Jacksons - these guys are on another level. I don't think the average person realizes just how deeply influential these guys are and how much they mean to their fans.
New Edition has spawned some great spinoffs like BBD, Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, and of course Ralph doing his thing. As a group and as solo artists, they've sold millions and found success outside of the group. I mean, come on - how can you not groove to 'Hit Me Off' or crack a smile when 'Cool It Now' comes on? And 'Mr. Telephone Man' is a classic that's crossed generations!
I really hope these guys make it into the Hall of Fame. Yeah, I might be a bit biased because I love them so much, but honestly, I couldn't care less about what others think about them being a black act - they rock in my book!
The true NE lifers understand the 'rock 'n' roll' behind the scenes that these guys have had to endure. From a member of their road crew killing someone on tour to dealing with addiction and getting ripped off, their story is all about rock 'n' roll.
These guys not only crossed over into the pop world and paved the way for other groups like New Kids on the Block, but they also set the stage for NSYNC and Backstreet Boys to make it big in the industry. New Edition is more than just another group - they've survived decades and are still filling arenas currently on their 'New Edition Way' Tour with Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton.
Stay tuned as I explore more around this timeless group, who have been a true positive in my life, and served as an inspiration to generations over the years.
#newedition #ne4life #rocknroll #icons #bbd #bobbybrown #johnnygill #ralphtresevant
1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 6
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Rob Benjamin Music
Hey everyone I am in the middle of moving and haven't had time to work on content, I appreciate your patience. Lots going on as always with @KISS - such as Gene and Paul's new mini-trivia video promoting features on the KISS website, Vinnie being Vinnie and lots of new merchandise being pumped out. Stay tuned!
1 week ago | [YT] | 194
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Rob Benjamin Music
When @KISS released Alive IV I was all about it, even without Ace I loved seeing them with a Symphony. It was an awkward era for the group, but still they remained great, as always. This is an original newspaper clipping from my personal collection - hard to digest that this is already 23 years old. #kiss #kisstory #rockymountainnews #2003 #kissarmy #genesimmons
1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 127
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Rob Benjamin Music
This is a cool ad from January 1987 for an Alice Cooper show featuring Vinnie Vincent Invasion opening. Can you imagine seeing this show for only $12.50 - then again that was probably about $40 in today's money. Did any of you see this tour?
This was a cool ad for the time...I can't take credit for this, I found it online a few months back and thought it was worth sharing. I love Alice Cooper (I met him once when I was having dinner with Desmond Child - but that's another story). I imagine this was not a long run as you don't hear too much about Vinnie and Alice touring together really. What do you think, what cool shows have you seen like this? Comment below, let's go!
#alicecooper #vinnievincentinvasion #kiss #kisstory
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 74
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Rob Benjamin Music
Have you seen the @StanleySimmonsMusic video for 'Body Down'? It is pretty rad and I am personally ready for the full length album -- and tour! #kiss #kisstory #nicksimmons #evanstanley #paulstanley #genesimmons #nextera
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 99
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Rob Benjamin Music
Are you going to see the new @MichaelJackson biopic in theaters?
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 6
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Rob Benjamin Music
Happy Birthday to the late, great Mark St. John who was born on February 7th - (a birthday also shared with a friend of mine that also loves @KISS ironically). Mark’s presence is still missed by fans and we wish he could have stayed with us longer.
He surely could have made a modest living in the KISS convention world if he had lived. His contributions to KISS were minimal, yet very meaningful. “Animalize” remains a great hard rock record.
#kiss #markstjohn #kissarmy
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 272
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Rob Benjamin Music
Hey, just a heads up, comments are temporarily disabled because there's been some abuse. They'll be back up soon, though. Feel free to have your say and share your thoughts, but if you're downright disrespectful to the artists I love and support, then I'll promptly block your ability to comment on my channel.
If an artist decides to re-issue something and it's not your cup of tea, you always have the option of not buying it. I feel like nowadays, there are some really closed-minded, mean-spirited folks who don't bother to do their research before they start mouthing off.
It's just frustrating (and pathetic) to see grown adults leaving nasty comments at 2-3 AM, craving attention so much that they resort to being mean. I also find it funny given the person leaving the comments appears to be in his 40's (with grey skunk beard) and is talking about 'old' bands, people are peculiar indeed. #kettleblack #genesimmons #kissarmy #loconoches
Stay tuned.
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 93
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Rob Benjamin Music
Exciting @KISS and @kulicknet Record Store Day Vinyl Releases are coming! A re-issue of the infamous KISS promo album from the classic 70's era that many collectors already own, and a Bruce Kulick 'Transformer' re-issue with a special new 'Crazy Nights' like cover - very cool to see KISS represented on RSD. #kiss #brucekulick #kisstory #kissarmy
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 67
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