Roadmaster - Sweet Music

Roadmaster, the great Indianapolis band from the 1970's, plays a tune from thier live reunion performance at the Vogue in 1993.

[@adidasten]

My dad is the guitar player. Agree with previous posts, one of the best bands to come out of Indianapolis. Steve, you are sorely missed...

[@susanasher9668]

Toby is your Dad?

[@jlr022159]

@@susanasher9668 I think she meant Rick... who sadly passed away in 2018

[@robh2235]

@@jlr022159 Yea, miss Rick, he was a great guy, but I don't know who she meant, you think she would know her dad!

[@elizabethgard7392]

Tell your dad thank you for helping to create awesome music

[@adamchafetz2986]

That's cool. He's s great player!

[@KRex1961]

If you're watching this video, and you're old enough to remember. Do you, or can you remember the great WNAP raft race, or even remember when Q95 went live?

[@jcopher2730]

OMG! Yes!

[@gunnnzz6230]

Is the Patio still there?

[@jcopher2730]

It was 20 years ago. I'm sure it's still there as well as the Vogue, and the Alley Cat where everyone would congregate after the Vogue and Patio would close for the night.

[@scottirvine7298]

HAHA I was an Alley Catter. Had a girlfriend who worked there and we lived in Broad Ripple Apts.

[@scottirvine7298]

Remember both well. It should have been called the WNAP drunken raft collision festival. Won a pair of Foreigner tickets the first year Q went live

[@scott193]

Absolutely 🌹💕💙 these guys they just never received the recognition that they deserved 💕💕💕💕💕

[@brookemarissa54]

Sweet Music,Is one of the best albums of all time no matter how you slice it. I felt it was the most overlooked record of history lets face it, Roadmaster was a bands band a musicians band, better than almost all of their contemporaries worldwide I listen to Sweet Music almost daily, I was there in 79 what a show, Mothers Finest as well...

[@stephani1972]

Brooke Plummer such a great write up Brooke!

[@jlr022159]

It was indeed a fantastic album.

[@paulspatterson4788]

R.I.P Rick. Thank you for all the music you gave us

[@proserv1]

These guys are the reason I became a soundman Mac you are greatly missed my brother!

[@ellerrhodes]

This is absolutely without a doubt a great band and probably the best to come out of Indy!

[@KRex1961]

the 4 great Hoosier acts I remember as a teen here in Indianapolis in the 70's, were Roadmaster, John Cougar, The Faith band and Henry Lee Summer, seen them all at the Vogue in Broad Ripple at one time or another........

[@indydrumm3r]

Don't forget Why On Earth!

[@TheMjm55]

And the great prog band from Fort Wayne, Ethos, who recorded two albums for Capital!

[@gunnnzz6230]

Pure Funk, Limousine

[@Kalel19711]

Remember Watts it to ya?

[@ManiacRider3113]

Still listening to this 30 years later. Great band. Seen lots of shows at The Vogue including Roadmaster.

[@sierraoelslager691]

Saw them in Muncie approx 1979. One of the GREATEST memories of my teens! Thank you!❤️

[@rockroll7649]

The Water Bowl. :)

[@tires4u2]

This band was the BEST THING EVER and STILL IS. The music still sounds the same and i miss the trips between breaks in the alley of the vouge

[@CrimsonThorns]

amazing performance....this first release from Roadmaster should've been as huge as Boston's debut release. This cd is a treasured gem.

[@exilemike]

This was the best damn band ever to come out of Indy.I have all their albums, and have seen them way more times than I can count.I was at this show and my ex and I are seen in the video in the crowd shots.Michael Reed came into the bar I work at about a month ago,he still is just as cool as ever, and to my amazement, he remembered me from all those years ago.I miss these guys, and I miss Mac,he's got heaven rockin' I'm sure.

[@scottsanders2641]

Gotta agree but the Faith Band and the Why Store were pretty good too…and the Rods and Cones

[@ukiahsguitarsolos3436]

Rick Benick was one of my biggest influences. RIP!

[@ledzeppelin5647]

Thank you u-tube for keeping this awesome band alive

[@gocatgo74123]

Seen this band many times in Terre Haute when I was a young kid. They were awesome!!! Miss those days!!! Still have their albums!!! God bless them all.

[@juliwagner8451]

Me too🙂👍

[@juliwagner8451]

Amazing band I miss the old sweet sweet music!!!!!!!!!

[@gregrisk-m2t]

loved this band back in the day

[@atlmom2]

I saw them in concert at my high school in the 70's.

[@cricket61161]

Love this classic song from some hometown heroes...RIP Mac ...

[@BarnabyBarry]

One of the greatest underrated rock bands of the 70’s!

[@adamwarlock3530]

Not really.

[@team24n48]

I remember seeing Roadmaster in a highschool gym, they always kicked ass here in Indy

[@SidewaysBandLive]

This. Is. High School. And it's awesome... #IndianaRock

[@stephani1972]

Epic Indianapolis band yes, radio played our whole youth yes, this song & band are never forgotten. What a GREAT video & performance we have here!!!

[@pennylane248]

it was my story too. I moved to LA to be a star and saw Carl there. LOL it's just a memory but a good one.

[@scottbloom182]

Very overlooked band , fo sho

[@whytegroovin]

awesome hard rocking pomp rock as it was meant to be !!! this live reunion sounds even better than the original studio version , nothing less than brilliant !!! love them

[@bigdaveonbass]

I grew up on Indy's northside and used to see these guys all the time, in concert and out on the street. I never got to see them in a club, as I was in my teens in the 70's, it was always in concert opening for a big touring band, like Foreigner or Journey. Same with Faith Band. I have all of Faith's albums and most of Roadmaster's. Mac was a cool dude, as was John Cascella of Faith Band. Man, those were the good old days. God bless and rest Mac and Johnny C.

[@1963rongold]

I'm so glad I grew up in this great music era and got to witness this awesome band live several times.

[@peterjova]

Saw them in 77 at Indiana University in Bloomington, but really appreciate them more now. Truly Epic version of this song I never heard this long. They were really professional and too good to just be a bar band.

[@sfeigh]

Saw Roadmaster at Market Square Arena for the WNAP Christmas show. Roadmaster, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Bob Seger and the Silver Bulelt Band and Rush.

[@stephani1972]

Scott F. That is epic! Nonstop great concerts back then. Can you imagine that line up today?? At market square no less!?! All the good fades away sadly.

[@windnchgo]

I bought the album "Sweet Music" back in the day because, unlike many other citizens of Indianapolis, I supported our local artists. And this album richly deserved a much wider audience. Those of you who may take offense I want to remind you of the Indianapolis band Manchild. One of the band members was a guy by the name of Kenneth Edmonds - later known as "Babyface"! If you don't know who that is look him up on Wikipedia and be prepared to be astonished. Legend has it the band eventually broke up and the future "Babyface" moved to L.A. to greater heights even he could not have foreseen. My point is many an artist has slipped through Indianapolis because the city, back then, didn't support their local artists.

[@jimpickett6813]

Saw them in 1981 when they passed through Champagne Illinois. I was in the Air Force and they played a bar called The Showcase. Awesome show!!!!!

[@kencatlett7365]

I am a life long fan.... Remember a few shows Roadmaster did in Louisville KY back in the day.

[@darylboswellsr8076]

I seen roadmaster in 1978 in indianaplois convention center with cheap trick love there music they will live on forever with me thats the music I loved when I was only 13 years old and still love roedmaster today

[@dc5439]

I saw them for the first time in Urbana IL playing at the Red Lion bar(it was kinda like the Patio) with REO Speedwagon, I think it was around 1977-78? Both bands were in the early stages of their notoriety (O:

[@cycleryder]

The last time I saw them play was I think the Xmas concert at Market Square they were one of the warm up bands. They rocked the house and I heard later the headliners were a bit pissed. I loaned this album to a guy and never got it back....miss these days

[@Kalprog]

I remember the reunion show when I was a student at IU in Bloomington. Also the great bar bands like Rods and Cones, Innuendo, Ma Kelly at Jakes and the Bluebird. Great memories for sure, Roadmaster was incredible live.

[@n9vmo]

These guys were my first concert and I got to see this one which was their last. One heck of a show that brought back a lot of memories.

[@ledzeppelin5647]

Love the Vogue, saw Seger there, love this band

[@juliwagner8451]

So amazing, beautiful and I miss the excellent band!!!

[@HeRacesTheSun]

I hired house painters once. During a break one of the painters told me he admired my guitars & recording studio. Told me he used to be in the band Roadmaster and made music for people and now painted houses to make them look beautiful for people. Nice humble guy, it was Rick Bennick. I respected the paint roller in his hand but sure wanted to put my guitar there and fire it up. He said he was done with that phase of his life and enjoyed his new career. Best paint job I ever had, thanks Rick!

[@douglasherr9107]

Awesome 🤟

[@lp5920]

@@douglasherr9107 I think Bennick had a career with Henry Lee, that's where I recall him the most!

[@AngusJ4]

I saw them in 1979, Indianapolis, Market Square Arena, I think the 8th Annual Christmas concert. Wow! Blew me away! Opened for Joe Perry Project and Aerosmith. It was when Joe Perry had broken up with Aerosmith. Joe Perry went on before Aerosmith of course but when Aerosmith went on Joe Perry played with them and brought the fricken roof down! I was 17 years old. 40 people were arrested and Aerosmith bailed them all out. It was in a rock memorabilia album I saw later. Definitely something I will never forget!

[@BretLawson]

I was at that concert, and also 17

[@AngusJ4]

Am I remembering correctly?

[@bokulaka]

A.J. Smith. Hey brother, that show was Roadmaster, Mother's Finest, Aerosmith. I'm my opinion, Roadmaster should have been the headliner of the show. They were always amazing!

[@Feinmess]

My dad was a record salesman and he gave me a copy of their first few albums. Always thought this band was going to make it big. Still listen to their albums on occasion.

[@daveburnworth6934]

I had the Live+5 CD many years ago but somehow lost it. I finally found one for sale which was pretty pricey but I just had to have it again. So glad I did. ❤

[@thundermoon123]

Mac died about 10 years ago and is buried in Kokomo Indiana. Rest In Peace Brother!!!!!!

[@heyitsemmaheylol]

"Sweet Music" is my own personal anthem for Indianapolis.

[@BBnG2]

RIP, Mac. I have this video on VHS, and of course the partnering Live +5 CD. Toby is such a cool dude, too.

[@berlinerusa]

Just ran across my Road Master album... no way to play it... MAN, I haven't heard this band in so long. What a great rock group! Thanks for posting the vid!

[@padamein]

wow what a great band, my bands here from indy and we play lotta 70s 80s 90s and 2000s rock, weve been thinking bout covering this tune, But out of respect for Roadmaster we are gonna ask them in person to if we can.

[@kls1724]

I saw them in Kokomo at Havens auditorium in about 79 or 80. I was about 15 at the time and I was completely blown away. They rocked the place! Thanks for posting.

[@thundermoon123]

Great song! Steve McNally lead singer,Died several years ago and is buried in Kokomo Indiana. R.I.P. Brother!

[@Psychmonster]

They were the " house band" for a week or two at Mother's in Chicago off Rush St... caught them at least 4 times..❤️

[@juliwagner8451]

Freaking awesome band!!!!!!!

[@MrTazslaya]

people are asking if they are still playing together as Roadmaster. No they are not. After my great uncle's death, my other uncle in the band, Bobby-John, stopped. R.I.P Uncle Mac, I never got to meet you and never knew you, but you were an awesome singer. Hope you are enjoyin heaven!

[@lesliejones8108]

Hi Trent! My Mom, Nadine, told me you were a drummer but I had no idea! Thank you for your post concerning Roadmaster. I also had no idea you even knew about the band. Please tell your Dad I said Hello and maybe we can all reconnect in the Spring!

[@madelineb.5831]

I'm related to Steve McNally... The lead singer in this... He's my dads cousin. He died of cancer, if you didn't know. I wish I got a chance to meet him. Btw I'm being completely serious

[@spoiler47356]

Sad to hear of the passing of Rick Benick today. We will always have your "Sweet Music."

[@sharonmegee]

Steve McNally played at Steven Eric Young and Sharon Ann Carrico wedding July 5, 1975 In Kokomo, Indiana

[@donho49]

Ricky B. You rock with great tone and feel!!! Always loved watching you play and still do! This solo had a big influence on my playing.

[@juliwagner8451]

Awesome experience with this band

[@ringocanplay]

Great tune, great band. I wish they were on iTunes because this whole album is great...as well as their other album Fortress. Thanks for posting!

[@leskobrandon691]

Great band, great memories during great times. Saw them play at the Meridian drive-in with the Faith Band in the 70s. Actually saw them a number of times. That was the first though. They were a great regional act, but just couldn't quite crack the national scene. The record industry was a lot different then, and so much depended on who you knew or who was willing to take a chance on you, and really promote you. I think they signed with mercury, if memory serves me, but they didn't have a big promotional machine behind them. And while they had songs that we love and are hits in our hearts, they didn't write to the top 40, or have a big name cover a song like the Faith Band's and Dancin Shoes.

[@davenash9415]

Roadmaster forever

[@supercommando440]

Saw these guys in Chicago on the Rush Hemisphere's tour, with Foghat. Comisky Park, Chicago Jam 2, I think it was 1979. I still love cranking up Hey World and Sweet Music. 2 awesome albums.

[@windnchgo]

BTW. The bass player is Toby Myers - later to be with the John Mellencamp Band!

[@MrCelebarato]

Also the drummer Bobby Johns played with Exile

[@sharonmegee]

Thank you brother ♡♡

[@stevencooper3334]

Yes I remember these guys clearly. They played at my high school Franklin Central High School 1980 graduate. I believe I remember that correctly. Wnap was the shit then. Does anybody remember the mighty atom smasher. I've always said if Bob and Tom was around when these guys started, they would have been major Stars

[@screamingtoupee]

Great memories! Roadmaster was a powerhouse. Thanks for posting.

[@stevestewart3905]

Chicago Jam -1979 I saw them.

[@sabace]

great great band , R .I. P 'MAC' !

[@williammeek765]

Thanx so much , OMG the memories are priceless..

[@bradleybranham1013]

This is when they added another one of Indys’s top guitarists Tony Burton

[@Sparky7036]

Along with Henry Lee Summer & John Cougar Mellencamp, Indy was rockin' back then!

[@dc5439]

Can't forget the Faith band, there was a couple more great local bands but my mind is blank like always LOL

[@jimf1955]

Bodacious Band

[@huskyzz]

Great News!!!!!!! The Roadmaster Reunion Show has been digitally remastered and is available on DVD. Send Toby Myers a message on Facebook and he'll hook you up!

[@Yankindc]

I recall a guy on my dorm floor at IU. He had a concert poster from the Circle Theater in Indianapolis hanging from his wall. It read: Sunshine Promotions presents: Roadmaster (in huge letters), special guest Cheap Trick (medium letters), also appearing: AC/DC (tiny letters). I wonder how many people skipped the opening acts to get high before the headliner.

[@juliwagner8451]

Red Lion 🦁 jamming to the max!!!!!!!!!!

[@IndyRoadie]

Roadmaster Reissues out now on RockCandy Records UK!

[@sdnchicago]

Roadmaster!

[@DerrickLivesay-s8x]

Seen them at the Vogue in Broad Ripple

[@AintLifeGarand]

@painmantle Hear, hear. I still have my ticket stub from the 1979 Aerosmith blow-away. Best Indianapolis band, ever. Period.

[@jeffreysaltzgiver4485]

Comisky Park, Chicago '78? - Rush, Foghat, The Tubes, Southside Johnny and Roadmaster. Great day!

[@marcdewey1242]

Too bad we can't turn back the clock forty plus years

[@S211213]

Have this album and saw the show in Indy 81?

[@MrCamelneck]

If you want to get the most out of "Sweet Music" you need to smoke a little "Sweet Leaf"! :)

[@michaelericksonmusic]

Love

[@adidasten]

Rick - you rock! Bone, you're pretty good too :)

[@MrCamelneck]

I remember a band called Exile! In fact, they had this one amazing album that contained this huge hit called "I Wanna Kiss You All Over". (The whole album was awesome, but I don't know if they ever did anything else.) I remember the DJ's on certain AM Top 40 stations would play the song to death, but they couldn't say the complete title of the song over the air because it was considered to be too controversial & suggestive back in the 70's. They'd introduce it as "here's Exile with "Kiss You"".

[@maeredabtsog6164]

Exile became a mainstream country band with some hits. I think they still play.

[@jlr022159]

Bobby Johns, Exile’s drummer, was also Roadmaster’s drummer

[@Raptorizor]

@padamein Dude, just do it! Trust me they won't mind. I've been in bands and its the highest form of compliment if some one wants to cover your song. I love this song and I personally would love to see such an awewsome tune "not be forgotten".

[@wesleydukesapp197]

Love the "Bolero" section.

[@imstrokerace]

Hey Benick .......Bet you still have that shirt somewhere! I could never toss one that cool away!

[@jamesian-allen8725]

tight band...good sound.

[@EricMartinSmithOfficial]

Rest easy Rick.

[@adamwarlock3530]

I was born in Hammond Indiana in 1963 and I never heard of these guys. Theyre ok. I can see why they never made it that big. The guitarist is pretty good though. Plus, he's got the Nigel Tufnel look goin on.

[@jeffgrundmann2206]

pretty sure the first time I saw Roadmaster live was at a duplex theater in Kokomo. maybe '75 or 76?

[@mikeand7sons]

Somebody create a wikipedia page for these guys!

[@seanbarnett9359]

Done--a few days ago--I hope didn't miss anything important.

[@dc5439]

Does any body know where u can buy Roadmaster CD's

[@CynthiaChrissKnochel]

Can you tell me what happened to Mac? I heard thet he had cancer, but looks fabulous in this video. I moved away from Indy in 1988, and lost track of the guys. thanks for any info!

[@charleskinney9591]

saw them at Iu feat house party in 1978

[@zaney63]

RIP Rick!!

[@padamein]

@Patndf hey are you talking about the rockin pinic back in the day at eagle creek park, if you are remember that drunk jerk who ever he was, he was cusing at old lady and at roadmaster and then about 1/2 later he tryed swimming and drowned there at the beach

[@Shawn-qb1zw]

My Ex was Dadbeef aka Mike June one of the sound guys good group of guys

[@MyTimeIsNotYourTime]

They also played Wertz's Place

[@huskyzz]

Toby can also be reached on youtube at muddycafe

[@juwills]

Harry, did you ever get your copies of the cd's? I am looking for ANY Roadmaster on CD (or mp3) I can get my hands on. My hubby is crazy 'bout these guys!

[@Papaw02]

RIP Rick, say hello to Mac for us..

[@rexfelton2312]

I thought it was going straight away into Sweet Jane whose double lead guitarists are from Detroit bands,, The Crost and anither.

[@peadad63]

Does anyone know if they still play together as Roadmaster?

[@debrahartman5453]

Ricky!!!!