Some people earn their nicknames through legendary feats. Others through mysterious, possibly embarrassing incidents best left unexplained. John Herring falls firmly into the latter camp. Known to most as Funky Benson (long story—don’t ask unless you’ve got time), John has spent a lifetime proving that age is just a number—specifically, in his case, a number permanently stuck at 12.
Musically, John is a man of many talents… or at least several partial ones. Primarily a drummer since the age of seven, he later expanded his arsenal to include guitar at ten, plus a bit of bass when absolutely necessary. Decades later, he remains refreshingly self-aware about the results: you’d think he’d be reasonably good at one of them by now.
Behind the kit, John draws inspiration from the powerhouse style of Chad Smith, which perhaps explains his energetic, no-nonsense approach to playing—and possibly his willingness to risk life and limb in pursuit of a great groove. His musical journey has taken him through bands with names as eclectic as Marcellus, Benelvian Fish, and The Glenn Rogers Band, along with stints in orchestras and theatre pits where precision, patience, and the ability to count properly are occasionally required.
His résumé boasts an appearance at the Royal Albert Hall, though he’s just as quick to remind you that every journey has humble beginnings—namely, the Romford United Services Club, where it all kicked off.
John’s most memorable musical moments read like a rock ‘n’ roll fever dream: being physically removed from a drum kit by Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain at the age of ten, and casually bumping into Flea on the Tube en route to a Red Hot Chili Peppers gig. Not many people can claim either—let alone both.
Unsurprisingly, his musical loyalties lie firmly with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and his favourite track to play is Dani California—a choice that confirms what you may already suspect: subtlety is not the point.
Of course, every musician has their breaking point. For John, it comes in the form of Wind Beneath My Wings. After being forced to play it repeatedly for multiple singers in a single talent show, he developed a deep, unshakeable loathing for what he politely describes as “sentimental mushy crap.” He’s made peace with it, though—mostly by avoiding it at all costs.
When he’s not behind a drum kit or wrestling with a guitar, John enjoys lifting heavy objects and running around for no particular reason—activities that, much like his drumming, involve energy, commitment, and a certain disregard for personal comfort.
In short, John Herring—Funky Benson to those in the know—is a musician, a survivor of awkward musical moments, and living proof that you don’t have to take yourself too seriously to have a seriously good time.
