Okay, head-fake.
You know all that noise I was selling you on the other pages about playing solo
and walking this wonderful new path with stripped-down acoustic music, blah
blah blah?
Whatever!
I’m right back in another band.
(And yes, still enjoying a million solo acoustic
gigs at the same time).
I’m so excited to announce my new group, in Phoenix this time, with great
players, great songs, and great attitude!
Hearing is believing.
No silly gimmicks. Just solid rock music. Hope you like it Old School:
High Energy — Low Hassle.
Let us bring our skill, enthusiasm, and professionalism to your important event.
But wait, there’s more!
Easy Booking.
Just talk to any of us, and we’ll give you same-day answers. Simple as that.
Huge Repertoire.
We’ve all been playing forever, and we know a billion songs. We never play the same setlist twice. If it’s rock, we’ve probably done it.
Seasoned Pros.
For your event, we don’t see problems — we see solutions. We are Can-Do all the way! Let The Lightning shoulder the music angle so you can handle the other five thousand things you’re pulling together. When you win, we win.
Super-Short Breaks.
You hire us? We keep it coming! We’re always ready to play.
Positive Energy.
We do this because we love it. We’re ready to share that plus-plus spirit with your guests.
Ben Bolt and The Lightning. Phoenix’s best straight-up rock band.
To get the party started, contact us today at benboltmusic@gmail.com.
Left to right, Mark Weidhaas, Tom Stutz, Eric Jones, Ben Bolt
Hey, who are these guys?
Mark Weidhaas
Bass Guitar, Vocals
Mark’s first job at the age of fifteen was violin repair apprentice for Zapf’s Music in Philadelphia. He plays classical violin, bluegrass fiddle, clarinet, zither, and bass guitar. His dream was to join a band with local musicians and share the same passion for music with his friends. Mark is in several bands, and plays gigs across North Scottsdale and surrounding areas. Away from music, Mark flies jets at airshows, plays pickleball, and enjoys whiskey and fast cars, not necessarily in that order.
Tom Stutz
Drums, Vocals
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Tom Stutz has been a driving force behind the drums since the 1970s. With deep roots in the Philly and New Jersey rock scenes, he played extensively in both original and cover bands throughout the 70s and 80s before bringing his talent to the Phoenix valley in the 90s. Tom’s style blends the precision of jazz with the power of rock, reflecting the influence of legendary masters Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd, and Steve Smith. Tom anchors the rhythm section of Ben Bolt and The Lightning with flair and metronomic timekeeping.
Eric Jones
Lead Guitarist, Vocals
Eric Jones has been rocking stages with his dynamic guitar work and vocals since age sixteen. Growing up an army brat, he soaked up diverse cultures across the U.S., shaping his versatile sound. Initially drawn to rock and heavy metal as a rebellion against his dad’s country records, Eric now subtly blends those roots into his music. In Ben Bolt and The Lightning, he complements lead with backing vocals and the occasional lead vocal, delivering classic rock with a modern edge.
Ben Bolt
Lead Vocals, Guitar
Ben started singing and playing rock music in bands as a teenager, and, over the years, always wound up in some configuration or other, starting back when the equipment was waaaaay too heavy to carry, lead singing in Stick Shift, Iron Cupcake, The Cheekies, Social Debris, Clever Drinking, Hung Jury, The Relics (Detroit), Bourbon Project, and a bunch of others whose names he’s trying to forget. Just when he thinks he’s out, they pull him back in! Lot of gigs; lot of places; lot of people; lot of songs; lot of blurry memories; lot of laughter; and so much fun. No energy matches band energy!