This happened about 10 years ago. Me and a friend, went to a resturaunt called Solleys located in the San Fernando Valley. We were sitting there waiting to be served, when my friend, also a huge TP&HB fan, noticed this man sitting at another booth with a bunch of friends. He said to me...Look over there, does that man look like Benmont Tench to you? I looked and said, YEP! It sure looks like him to me! We were both thrilled but kept our cool. My friend told me to get up and walk by him, to really confirm as to whether it was really him or not....So i got up and pretended to walk to the ladies room, and on my way back i walked by and casually looked at Benmont, and as i did, he looked directly at me...and when he did, i gave him a slight smile.....and i'm pretty sure he "knew" i recognized him. I sat back down and told my friend, YEP! That's him! and i think he knew i recognized him! LOL! He was sitting with about 3 other people. I think he was with some woman. I think we left before they did...but that my folks, was my somewhat close encounter with Benmont Tench. My friend and i were saying, now why couldnt it have been TOM we saw....but no, we see Benmont instead. No offense to Benmont tho, for we still thought it was pretty cool. We never had the nerve to go up and ask him for an autograph...especially since he was eating dinner...because that would have been rude.
Never the less, it was a cool sighting!

~Carol~

Carol, that IS cool, and I think it was classy of you not to interrupt his dinner to ask for an autograph. Thanks for sharing your encounter.

Formerly Wildflower1960 - it was time for a change

I think that was pretty damn cool myself Carol!

"Well I ain't stayin' if they ain't playin'!" ~Me at the TODAY Show when it was apparent TPATH were done

wow... you played it smooth! thats an awesome memory!

You lift me up when I am down
You're an angel sent from above
Working hard on this sinful ground...

was he sipping boxed wine at the time?? (heehee)

*And the days went by like paper in the wind. Everything changed, then changed again....*

After hearing about all these close encounters, I'll take ANYTHING at this point!! Boxed wine, pumping gas, restaraunt, concert, I don't care!!!!

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~Louisiana rain
Is falling just like tears
Running down my face
Washing out the years~

just so you know..Benmont is a very nice guy- sadly last night his mother passed away from a stroke so please send your condolences-very sad day indeed.

I hope this is not true. But if it is, how sad. Poor Benmont.

~Keep the faith darlin'- Steve Ferrone~

Oh, I'm very sorry to hear about that. It's very hard to lose a parent no matter what age you are yourself.

~~~ You need rhino skin if you're gonna pretend your not hurt by this world. If you listen long enough, you can hear my skin grow tough, love is painful to the touch, must be made of stronger stuff ~~~

How very sad about Benmont's mother.

((((((( Benmont ))))))))

"Well I ain't stayin' if they ain't playin'!" ~Me at the TODAY Show when it was apparent TPATH were done

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~Now and again, I get the feeling
If I dont' win, I'm a-gonna break even~

trust me its true-she was my aunt and I will be at the funeral.very sad-will miss her.

Sending my condolences to Benmont, so very sad.

Alatina99 - please forgive me for being so skeptical.

Also, please accept my condolences. I am very sorry for your loss.

~Keep the faith darlin'- Steve Ferrone~

not a problem-haven't gotten the solid time/date but believe it will be Saturday-this just sucks-havent seen Benmont in about 2 years and to get back to see him and his family this way royally sucks-his mom was a great lady-very sweet and thoughtful.His dad has been suffering from a severe back situation that has left him virtually bedridden for a few years and she was his rock-so very sad.

So sorry, condolences, Mr. T.
Lost my own mom in January. The feelings of loss are unlike any other.

My sincere sympathy and condolences to you, Benmont, and your family. I am so sorry to hear about your mother. May God be with you and comfort you in this difficult time.

Deb

I'm so sorry to hear about Benmont's mom...my condolences to him and his family. I'm sure she was very proud of him...it's nice that she got to see him become successful.

"Inspiration is all around you.
Everywhere you look, there's inspiration..."
-TP

Alatina 99 -- I'm so sorry.

Is The Beer Cold?....Author Unknown

So SOrry Alatina

People are crazy and times are strange I'm locked in tight, I'm out of range I used to care, but things have changed.