Among many others.....SKIN YARD: Ben McMillan, Jack Endino, Daniel House, PAT PEDERSEN,Barrett Martin, Matt Cameron,Jason Finn, Scott McCullum
GRUNTRUCK: 1989-93, 1996-2002: Ben McMillan, Tom Niemeyer, Norman Scott, Tim Paul
1993-96 : Ben McMillan, Tom Niemeyer, Josh Sinder, Alex Sibbald
MONA DIESEL: Ben Mcmillan, Tim Paul, Scott McCullum, Tom Niemeyer, Steve Santoki, Carlos Salazar
Influences
Marc Bolan, Lou Reed, King Crimson, Public Enemy, Beatles, Hendrix, Nico, Parliament, Pink Floyd, Bowie
Sounds Like
CRAZY LOVE
Gruntruck, performing Tribe, 1992-07-25 at the Mural Ampitheater, Seattle
Folks~
This is the first real printed word I have done in years. I'm motivated because of our Divine Maker who, I thought I had exhausted surely on Dec. 3rd 2007, when for another life dance, I was once again called out on the floor to shake it up for all those I have loved & cost , to the place we will all volchange-turn, for eternity-
On Dec. 3rd my kidneys quit operating & again, I was given hours to live. Only those who take the time to know me out/in ICU, know the contract will be unsigned till my maker wants me.
I spend most my time writing music & doing art but, I bet you wouldn't know about the music. I've outlived the keggers & ego bonfires. I would rather be [in] a good chair, comfy & plastic velvet-covered for hygiene & looks, but some sort of ground is more than fine.
I'm keeping this short because I don't want to exhaust you. Please though, write me on my space & if I go because, well, I'm wanted... I'll be fine. I go to my friends and those I've never met. Janis, Miles, Jeff buckley, Angelo, Valentino, Nico, John, George, and Mr. Fred Astaire.
Peace & Fight On.
Love you and yours,
~Me, Ben
myspace layout
"I spend most my time writing music & doing art but, I bet you wouldn't know about the music".!
you melted the faces of my 20 something co-workers the other day. it was my turn for music at work and i picked "INSIDE THE EYE" a musical journey they wont soon forget. i bought my 12 year old son a ipod for xmas and loaded it with all the SKIN YARD and GRUNTRUCK i had. 2 weeks ago bought him his first electric guitar. 2 days ago heard him trying to play TRIBE. MADE ME PROUD! BEN, MANY KNEW AND MANY WILL KNOW THE MUSIC! YOU LIVE ON!....FOREVER!
Tonight is going to be a wonderful and difficult event. Ben is my first cousin and we lived together for over 13 years. This photo is from 1984 when we shared a studio on First and Yesler in Pioneer Square at the bottom of the original skid row. Most people know Ben from the music he created. What some of you may not know is that he made his living as an artist and painter. Tonight i will be showing slides of some of his amazing artwork. Also, check out this link:
http://gallery.mac.com/camintosh#100028
This is footage from 1989 after we and a few others took over an abandon hotel in Belltown and started S.C.U.D. (Subterranean Cooperative for Urban Dreamers), an artist coop. This new band was called Doghead, but before their first album or show they changed the name to Gruntruck. The rest is history. See you there. -cam
Layne Staley Fund is deeply saddened by the loss of singer & guitarist Ben McMillan of Gruntruck and Skin Yard. Please attend the benefit concert for Ben tonight at King Cobra (916 E Pike next to the Comet Tavern). LSF is donating to the raffle. There will be Silent Auctions as well and all proceeds go to Ben's family.
Please support our grunge brothers!!
See you there. Suzanne LSF
Below is the official press release:
Saturday March 8, King Cobra hosts a farewell to one of local music's longtime artistic jesters, Ben McMillan. Throughout the night Ben's favorite music from Skin Yard and Gruntruck will play. Video footage of past tours and rock mayhem will be shown along with photos of Ben at his best. Live music starts at 9:00pm with Slippage and Kandi Koded (both featuring former Skin Yard and Gruntruck members) and good friends and past tour buddies Coffin Break. A $10.00 suggested donation will help pay for Ben's place within his family's hallowed ground.
An AMAZING artist, vocalist... your music will live on FOREVER XO You're in our thoughts and prayers. Your sincerity, heart and soul u had for your music is much appreciated, adored by us all! THANK YOU BEN! WE LUV YOU!
From Colombia we thank you for your music, youre one of the greatest singers Grunge had, I love both of your bands, guess Ill have to wait 'till I die to see you perform live ¡¡¡Descansa en paz Ben!!!
.....i love you......ive lost a hero but gained a friend in heaven. ill miss seeing you walk your dog and really miss saying hi.....every show i ever saw you play will always be the highlights of my life.........such power,such an honest artist....peace be with you and yours
I AM MOVED TO TEARS AT LIVES YOU TOUCHED BEN INCL MY OWN. WE MET IN NEW YORK IN THE LATE 80'S AND I TOLD HIM WE'D MEET AGAIN AND WHEN I CAME TO SEATTLE IN 92 HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE I RAN INTO AND THE LOOK ON HIS FACE!!![LOL]"HIS SMILE WAS AND IS GOLDEN.HIS MUSIC AND ARTWORK LIVE ONTHANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. "SEE YA ON THA OTHER SIDE BROTHER"
Ben You've been a Fucking Great Influence on My developement when it comes to music - I'll Miss You Like Hell:( Hope You're having a Great time with all the Amazing Musicians that are in Heaven. Cheers from Poland mate!!! Fans of Skin Yard and Gruntruck will not let You die!!!
Dear Ben, I know how you've gone through those pearly gates of Heaven, coz when you were here, you were a Godsend,& to even my own past. I remember how your heart was made out of pure Gold. Peace2U:D Much Grateful'GG
