Reader bails out musician whose banjo was stolen

A BUDDING musician who had his prize banjo stolen just days before a string of Festival gigs will no longer have to disappoint his fans after a kind reader bailed him out.

Mike Bennett's custom-made 1500 four-string instrument was stolen as he turned his back to see a friend off on the Cowgate in the early hours of last Sunday morning.

The 22-year-old faced having to cancel dozens of gigs until design engineer Ron Millar offered to lend Mike his 60-year-old banjo after reading about his plight in the Evening News.

Ron, 59, was taught to play as a teen by his friend Davey Johnstone, a city-born guitarist who has toured with Elton John for three decades, but gave up playing himself many years ago.

However, he said he was more than happy to loan his 1000 banjo to Mike for the Festival and beyond, until he has found a replacement.

Ron said: "I started learning when I was 14 or 15, and I used to play at folk clubs in Edinburgh for about five years, but I haven't played much since then.

"I was at school with Davey Johnstone, who now works for Elton John. He taught me how to play and I lent the banjo to him at one point.

"It's about 60 years old and it's good-quality.

"I remember my time as a musician and I don't know what I would have done if I had lost my banjo.

"I thought I should lend it to the young chap until he's back on his feet, and I'm sure he'll do well at the Festival."

Mike, a former Heriot-Watt student, gave up his job as a computer programmer to follow his dream of being a musician and now performs at venues across the city nearly every night.

He plays his first gig tomorrow night at the Old Town's The Royal Oak, and said he was delighted to play with an instrument that has supported greats like John Lennon and Elton John.

He said: "I was so gutted when my banjo was stolen, so I couldn't believe it when Ron said I could have his. He told me a lot about the banjo and it's been in some very famous company.

"He showed me photos of his friend Davey, who he lent it to, holding the banjo next to John Lennon and Elton John, so it's steeped in musical history.

"It's an amazing instrument and it means that I'll be able to keep every gig I've been booked for and pay my rent.

"It'll take a bit of getting used to, as it's slightly different and a bit heavier, but hopefully, having been around music legends for years, some of it will rub off on me when I perform."