The first time I heard this man playing keys was at Fibbers, 2010. It was St. Patrick's Day, and amongst the beer drinking, Jäger shooting and dunk tank cheering, the music on stage was beckoning my attention. It was the Bibis Ellison Band slaying covers ranging from Stevie Wonder to Lady Gaga to Fleetwood Mac. After that night, I'd go see the band play regularly around town. I remember the first song I ever heard Ben sing was "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," a duet sung by him and Bibis. I loved his voice; it was one of my favorite songs the band played at the time.

Later on, I'd see him playing with Pale Rider at The Whiskey, or with Jesse Stockton down at Loggerheads. We weren't close and I typically just saw him out at the various shows, though every time I did see him, he'd greet me with a huge smile and personable "Hey! How are you?!" Even in my brief and few interactions with him, his warmth was evident, and this is only confirmed by the outpouring of love, shock, and shared memories that have surfaced on social media in the past day since the news made it's way through the town and beyond.

Last week, seemingly out of nowhere, an itching desire to listen to Onward, Soldiers, another Wilmington band, came upon me. I listened to them all weekend long. Today, I read that Ben had been playing with Onward, Soldiers as of recently. I'm not entirely sure what that means. From what I can attempt to process, I believe that despite the miles apart, the universe was reuniting us; it was reigniting my love and appreciation for his art, reminding me that the music is forever and that during times like this, music is the only language that comes close to making sense.

Mr. Privott, you were a beautiful soul, a talented musician and one hell of a loved man throughout our beloved beach town. The Wilmington music community lost an irreplaceable spirit this week.

Thank you for all the good times and good tunes. Tonight we hold close the music you graciously shared with us.

xxChris