Benny Collins Honored

The life of Benny Collins, the very definition of an RFL (Roadie For Life), will be honored at the Fox Theater in his hometown of Oakland, Calif., April 1.

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Collins got his start out of San Francisco in the early ’70s, working for Bill Graham. By the end of the decade, he was the drum tech for Journey as the band began its rise to megastardom.

He went on to production management for acts like Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, David Bowie, U2, Madonna, and Fox Theater.

“Benny can take anything you throw at him, no matter how big,” industry vet Pat Morrow told PLSN in 2014 when Collins won the Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award. “Nothing gets to him. There’s no pretense, no bullshit – just a rockin’ sockin’ warrior on a quest fighting to do the best job possible.”

“A Celebration of a Life Well Lived” for Benjamin Leon “Benny” Collins will be held at the theater located at 1807 Telegraph Ave., 5-10 p.m.

Organizers, who would like to thank Another Planet for hosting the event, have asked those who knew Collins to send photos, videos or a tribute video to [email protected].

Those who wish to RSVP can do so at www.Eventbrite.com.

Collins died after a battle with pneumonia Jan. 27.