Event Safety Insights Issue Three | Spring 2017 | Page 39

In Memorium...
Benny Collins
(1948-2017)
Benny Collins, legendary production manager, Parnelli Life-
time Achievement Award winner, and an original founding contributor to
the Event Safety Alliance died following a battle with pneumonia at Marin
General Hospital in California Jan. 27. He was 68.
Collins worked with some of the most notable names in the music industry,
including Michael Jackson, U2, Journey, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones,
Janet Jackson, Madonna, Wham! and Lionel Richie. A native of Oakland,
Collins started his career in the live music industry in the early ’70s as a
roadie for Graham Central Station before going on to work with Bill Gra-
ham. In 1979, he was hired to be Journey’s drum tech and made his way up
the ranks to their stage manager and production manager.
“Benny is one of the most honest, most ethical people I know – it’s that
simple,” production Manager and ESA Director Charlie Hernandez told the
magazine FOH Online when Collins won the Parnelli award. “He’s always
able to tell the truth, whether it’s to a cab driver or the King of Pop.”
Collins is survived by his wife of 40 years, Audrey; daughters Saundra and
Sharon; and his grandchildren.
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