Gene:

Music is so subjective --- but the way history treats them is not. JIMI always was and always will be very sepcial to me --- for many reasons completely unrelated to music. Then, once the music and spirit is added --- he was the first who lit that torch --- so to speak.

During 1978-1984 and even onward to 1986 --- I spent a great deal of time at VAN HALEN SHOWS. I would bet that number is well over 100 shows by the time everything was added --- plus I got bonus points for being at the after parties.

I also ran a subscription based ticket scalping business during that time --- and I ran the ticket lines in Buffalo for almost every show. I went to see all those shows for free.

The DLR EAT EM AND SMILE show was a party --- with hometown bass man BILLY SHEEHAN in the band!

There are a lot of memories of those times --- I got to meet many famous people --- it was a fucking blast, man!

Peace and Prayers,

Kent Daniel Bentkowski Buffalo, New York USA