Dave Benett
Dave doesn’t need much of an introduction. In the last 20 years, he has taught me so much: how to get the best shot at a party, how to secure the front pages the next day, to smile with pure joy when seeing that “special” image at the end of a job. With your incredible stories, you made me laugh at every single event we worked together.
As the entertainment world is hopefully coming back soon, I asked Dave a few questions on his incredible career and to describe 2020 in a few words.
Thank you so much Dave for always being the kind soul that you are.
You are everybody’s go to for any events happening in London and abroad. I am sure you have seen it all…but have you ever been star struck?
I was really in awe of Nelson Mandela, over the years we flew around the world to raise awareness for his 46664 charity and he even invited me to his home which was such an honour.
The event that you will never forget…if there can be one and why?
There are too many to count but at one of the first Hoping Charity auctions at Ronnie Scotts, Elton John bid £100k for me to sing ‘Wild Thing’ onstage with Mick Jones, halfway through Chrissie Hyde tried to jump on stage with us and we wouldn’t let her join in!
If you were in my shoes, who would be on the top of your guest list?
Bella Hadid always, Adwoa Aboah, FKA Twigs, Harry Styles as long as you were serving tequila.
What did you miss the most during this time and what did you finally have time to do?
I really missed working and all the wonderful events and the people we work with but it gave me a chance to go on holiday and not feel guilty about taking the time off.
2020 in one sentence…and 2021 in another.
2020 is a year of isolation, introspection and survival.
2021 is hope and a new start.
All images Dave Benett/Getty Images