Stevie Benton
Encyclopedia
Stevie Benton is an American
bass guitar
ist performing in the heavy metal
band Drowning Pool
. He also provides backing vocals
for the group. Benton has been in Drowning Pool since its formation (although a previous version of the band did exist prior to Benton's addition).
's December 2006 issue, the magazine confronted Benton with information regarding his music being used as a torture and interrogation method at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
. In response Benton said, "People assume we should be offended that somebody in the military thinks our song is annoying enough that, played over and over, it can psychologically break someone down ... I take it as an honor to think that perhaps our song could be used to quell another 9/11
attack or something like that."
Later on Benton continued by saying, "If they detain these people and the worst thing that happens is they have to sit through a few hours of loud music - some kids in America pay for that ... It doesn't seem all that bad to me." While other artists were outraged at their music being used to degrade and torture people, Benton thought it not "all that bad."
, a neurological disorder that causes paralysis of the facial muscles and sensitivity to light and sound. According to Drowning Pool's website "Benton began to feel ill during [the previous] night’s performance at Stone’s Throw in Eau Claire
, WI
, and after the show was rushed to the Luther Midelfort Hospital..." He issued a statement apologizing to the fans and declared that he and his band mates "could not wait to come back and rock out with you all again soon." As a result the remaining shows on the This is for the Soldiers Tour were canceled.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
ist performing in the heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band Drowning Pool
Drowning Pool
Drowning Pool is a four-piece alternative metal band from Dallas, Texas.-Early days :Drowning Pool rose to fame while playing along with Ozzy Osbourne during an Ozzfest tour. Their 2001 debut album, Sinner was certified platinum within six weeks...
. He also provides backing vocals
Backing vocalist
A backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
for the group. Benton has been in Drowning Pool since its formation (although a previous version of the band did exist prior to Benton's addition).
Comments on torture
In SpinSpin (magazine)
Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
's December 2006 issue, the magazine confronted Benton with information regarding his music being used as a torture and interrogation method at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
. In response Benton said, "People assume we should be offended that somebody in the military thinks our song is annoying enough that, played over and over, it can psychologically break someone down ... I take it as an honor to think that perhaps our song could be used to quell another 9/11
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
attack or something like that."
Later on Benton continued by saying, "If they detain these people and the worst thing that happens is they have to sit through a few hours of loud music - some kids in America pay for that ... It doesn't seem all that bad to me." While other artists were outraged at their music being used to degrade and torture people, Benton thought it not "all that bad."
Personal life
On December 7, 2007, Benton was reported to have been diagnosed with Bell's palsyBell's palsy
Bell's palsy is a form of facial paralysis resulting from a dysfunction of the cranial nerve VII that results in the inability to control facial muscles on the affected side. Several conditions can cause facial paralysis, e.g., brain tumor, stroke, and Lyme disease. However, if no specific cause...
, a neurological disorder that causes paralysis of the facial muscles and sensitivity to light and sound. According to Drowning Pool's website "Benton began to feel ill during [the previous] night’s performance at Stone’s Throw in Eau Claire
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Eau Claire is a city located in the west-central part of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 65,883 as of the 2010 census, making it the largest municipality in the northwestern portion of the state, and the 9th largest in the state overall. It is the county seat of Eau Claire County,...
, WI
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, and after the show was rushed to the Luther Midelfort Hospital..." He issued a statement apologizing to the fans and declared that he and his band mates "could not wait to come back and rock out with you all again soon." As a result the remaining shows on the This is for the Soldiers Tour were canceled.