The Benjamin Gate

Infobox musical artist
Name = The Benjamin Gate
Background = group_or_band
Years_active = 1998-2003
Origin = South Africa
Genre = Christian rock
Label = Forefront Records (2001-2003)
Past_members = Costa Balamatsias Adrienne Liesching Brett Palmer Marc "Mac" Pautz Chris Poisat Nick Volsteedt

The Benjamin Gate was a South African Christian band formed in 1998 following the motor vehicle accident and subsequent death of a mutual friend and fellow musician, Benjamin Herbert. Their name, which was also the name of one the entrances into the original city of Jerusalem, was chosen as a tribute to him.

History

The band, along with their manager and co-songwriter Marc "Thux" Theodosiou, left Port Elizabeth and came to the United States in 2001 after David Bach at Forefront Records heard their demo that they had sent to Nashville for mastering.

The Benjamin Gate released two local independent albums while in South Africa, "Spinning Head" and "comeputyourheadupinmyheart". Many of the songs of "comeputyourheadupinmyheart" were retooled and rereleased on their first major-label record, "Untitled". The Benjamin Gate released two critically-acclaimed albums on Forefront Records ("Untitled" and "Contact"), were nominated for four Dove Awards, produced two #1 and one #2 singles, and toured the United States and Europe.

The group parted ways in 2003 due to Adrienne's engagement to Christian artist, Jeremy Camp. It was noted that Adrienne felt that with her new family starting, that she could not handle the duties required of her both as a rockstar and as a wife. Since then Adrienne has married musician Jeremy Camp, and they have two daughters, Isabella Rose Camp (September 25, 2004) and Arianne Mae Camp (April 5, 2006). Mac and his wife and children have relocated to southern England to be closer to his mother-in-law. Costa Balamatsias remained in Nashville playing with various artists until early 2006 when he relocated back to South Africa. Nick Volsteedt went to Los Angeles to pursue a modeling career. Marc Theodosiou initially worked for the Newsboys after The Benjamin Gate ended and is currently the marketing director at Selectric Records.

Band members

* Costa Balamatsias - bass
* Adrienne Liesching - vocals
* Brett Palmer - drums (later replaced by Nick Volsteedt)
* Marc "Mac" Pautz - guitar
* Chris Poisat - guitar
* Nick Volsteedt - drums

Trivia

* Their merchandise was easily recognized by their gasmask logo.
* The band was endorsed by Oakley, Inc.
* They were included on the supertour Festival Con Dios three times.
* Nick Volsteedt was a former Mr. South Africa title holder.

Discography

* "Spinning Head" EP (1999)
* "comeputyourheadupinmyheart" (1999)
* "" (2001)
* "demographics" (2002)
* "Contact" (2002)

External links

* [http://www.thebenjamingate.net/ TheBenjaminGate.net]
* [http://www.myspace.com/thebenjamingate Myspace]