Backstage with Stevie Benton of Drowning Pool: Coming Full Circle
By Tamar Fleishman
Summer 2008
The metal band Drowning Pool unwittingly started a controversy at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Its song, “Bodies,” had become a popular anthem at sporting events, but the chorus – “Let the bodies hit the floor” – was widely misunderstood in the wake of the attacks, and the song was banned by several radio stations.
Events came full circle five years later when the group was invited by the USO to perform in
Recently, the band members had to find the strength of soldiers themselves: In the space of a month, much of their equipment was stolen not just once but twice. Four of the group’s prized bass guitars were ripped off on the second spree. During this time, bass player Stevie Benton was stricken with Bell’s palsy during a show and ordered off the road for several weeks.
Even when the odds seem against them, these
Tell us about your latest projects.
We’re touring, working up a buzz. We released an album, “
Who are your musical influences?
When I grew up in the ‘80s, metal was big – Motley Crue, early Metallica, Anthrax. Since then, I’ve been expanding my horizons, listening to the Beatles.
How did you get involved with playing for the troops?
It’s something we felt we had to do for the military. We had been playing in
Do you have any family members who have served in the military?
I can trace family members who have served going back to the Civil War. My dad was in
What lessons did you learn from them?
The main thing I learned is to have a sense of country and patriotism. Whether or not you support the government, you have to support the people. Root for your home team!
Tell us about the special logistics involved when you play for the troops overseas.
One cool thing: We fly C-130s everywhere! They have a different kind of takeoff and landing in hostile areas. It completely cured me of any civilian flight anxiety! You are asked to travel as light as you can – one bag. We have to scale back equipment and crew people. Traveling to
You’ve had a band member pass away – lead singer Dave Williams, in 2002, from a form of heart disease. What advice do you have for people who’ve lost a co-worker or friend?
It’s certainly difficult. I wish no one had to go through what we did. It was really, really hard. I locked myself in a room for six or eight months. But that’s not good; don’t shut yourself out. You’ve got to continue to live.
Have you always been able to support yourself as a musician?
No, not always. We started the band in 1995. In 2000, we were able to make a living. Before, it was the job all day and the band all night, with just a couple hours’ sleep. I had an accounting job with Southland Corp.; they own all the 7-11 stores. Mike and C.J. were electricians.
What did you do with your first big paycheck?
We went and bought all new gear. We also got our band’s name tattooed on our arms!
Do you have investments?
I do. I have a money market account.
Do you manage your own money?
I have a business manager. He does the band as well as me individually. We went through a few people before him, but then we got to him through a personal reference. He’s a Southern guy, like the rest of us.
What special expenses do you have as a rock musician?
For one thing, we have to pay employer taxes for our crew. There’s the tour bus, traveling… gas is expensive. [The members] are the last people to get paid. It goes first to the labor, manager, lawyer and accountant.
What’s a splurge to you?
I take my girlfriend to Bob’s Steak and Chop House. That’s, like, $200 for a couple of steaks and a bottle of wine. I bought an English bulldog. I bought a dirt bike once.
What do you consider a waste of money?
My girlfriend begs me to wear a watch, but I never do. It’s just not me. These days, you’ve got cell phones with the time on them. A couple of years ago, someone tried to give me one as a Christmas present. I’d rather have a gift certificate to Wal-Mart!
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Tamar Alexia Fleishman is an attorney and writer in