| The Benjamin Gate | |
|---|---|
| Origin | South Africa |
| Genres | Christian rock |
| Years active | 1998–2003 |
| Labels | Forefront Records (2001-2003) |
| Associated acts | Jeremy Camp |
| Website | TheBenjaminGate.net |
| Past members | |
| Costa Balamatsias Adrienne Liesching Brett Palmer Justin Mulder 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.[1] Their name, which was also the name of one the entrances into the original city of Jerusalem, was chosen as a tribute to him.
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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 re-released on their first major-label album for Forefront Records, ["untitled"]. This album and 'Contact were critically acclaimed albums. They were nominated for four Dove Awards, produced two #1 and one #2 singles, and toured the United States and Europe. Their merchandise was easily recognized by their gasmask logo. They had an endorsement contract from Oakley, Inc. This success helped them to be included on three Festival Con Dios tours.
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). She has also released two solo albums. 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, a former Mr. South Africa title holder, went to Los Angeles to pursue a modeling career. Marc Theodosiou currently works in the music industry for First Company Management.