Earlier this month on September 7th, at the Milwaukee Ale House, some friends put together a benefit to help us replace some of the things we lost in the theft that took place on July 5th in Montreal.

I was asked by a few very thoughtful and generous individuals if I wanted a benefit. I turned most down, because I felt that even though myself, Gerry and Chris (Rivelli, who was on tour with me when the theft occurred) had lost equipment, we all had our health. Having something stolen from you really sucks, and is not a very pleasant situation to be in when you are so far from home, but I know that there are so many people out there who have far more problems who deserve a benefit. I would like to thank you though, for being selfless and thinking of us. Thank you!

I did agree to one benefit in Milwaukee, not just because of the proximity and the chance to make some money (none of our gear was covered by insurance!), but more because of the people involved!

Victor Span, who is one of my favorite drummers to play with and I have known for about 14 years, really took me by surprise when he suggested a benefit in Milwaukee. Not because I didn't think he could pull it off, but because Vic and I have had our ups and downs over the years, and it really made me feel good to know that he held no animosity, and that he knew that I have never held any toward him. I love Vic like a brother, sometimes we got under each others skin, but for the most part we had a ball playing together, and still do! I am very proud of Vic for putting together his own band "Perry Weber & The DeVilles", Victor is a great drummer and a hard worker, and I wish nothing but great things for him and his band!

Vic put the whole show together. He got the Milwaukee Ale House to provide the venue and sound. He asked some of Milwaukee's finest blues musicians to take part in the benefit: Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin Alter Boys ( Mr. Raven himself even MC'd the evenings festivities), The Jim Liban Combo w/ Jim Schutte & Kurt Koenig, Billy Flynn w/ Bob Stroger & Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, and Pery Weber & The DeVilles, and my band, Nick Moss & The Flip Tops.

I can't thank all these great players enough for taking the time to do this for me and the guys. I was really touched, but mostly I was really happy to be able to hang out with all of these guys that I consider friends, and enjoy a great night of music.

Thank you Victor, Perry, Benny, Jim Liban, Jim Schutte, Kurt, Billy, Bob, Willie, Rick, P.T. and all the people who came out to join us for the fun!!