The voice of “Iron” Mike Bensson has been silenced.
Completely inappropriate, but unfailingly friendly, “Iron” Mike Bensson (Miller), 60, left this world opposite the way he inhabited it, quietly and peacefully, despite a long fight with cancer. A menace on the road, as well as the airwaves, anyone who ever observed the popular radio DJ behind the wheel declined to ride with Bensson as he sped through Western New York and Southern Ontario, crossing the border daily for his radio show with 97.7 HTZ-FM.
Bensson was a companion to listeners throughout the area, who were eager to leave the drudgery of the work day behind, and “Iron” Mike’s show was a daily reprieve from the grind. Referred to by Bruce Gilbert, Program Director for 97.7, as a typical loud mouth know-it-all American, his radio show highlighted Bensson’s complete disregard for what was appropriate. The line? He couldn’t see it if it was shown to him and even if he happened upon it; he’d fly recklessly by, just like speed limit signs along the highway.
Most of the jokes and one-liners are off-color and crude, too improper for print - except for here! Suffice it to say, the self-proclaimed wordsmith took name calling to a whole new level with phrases like monkey slapper, turd burglar and stink finger making regular appearances.
His faithful listeners kept coming back for more. Many commented on Facebook and Twitter that they grew up listening to him, and followed his career, as it moved up and down the dial from 1440 WJJL to 107.7 The Bear to 103.3 The Fox to 97.7 HTZ. He loved to make people laugh and it gave him great joy to keep thousands of people company – if he couldn’t make it to happy hour, or meet in the garage for 4:20, then he wanted to be the voice in the background, making people laugh out loud.
But “Iron” Mike wasn’t just in it for the jokes; he loved the music. He was a champion for acts like The Tea Party, The Headstones and Big Sugar. You were just as likely to hear Stevie Ray Vaughn as you would Stevie Wonder or Little Steven Van Zandt coming from his speakers. His personal music room was a shrine to Sinatra, Lennon, Dylan and Hendrix and overflowing with swag from dozens of concerts. If you heard him say, “I have a new band you have to hear” you knew you were in for something special. His mixed-tapes and CDs will be cherished by those lucky enough to have them.
“Iron” Mike wasn’t just on the radio, but he also spent years spinning records, for the Moving Music Machine, at bars, parties and weddings. The “Forehead of Funk” would even agree to play “Freebird” at the end of the night for your really intoxicated uncle. Coupling those gigs with his numerous appearances at concerts and charity events, “Iron” Mike’s voice touched thousands more.
In addition to being a music aficionado, “Iron” Mike was a devoted husband and father, who parented like he lived, unconventionally. He didn’t discipline for foul language, underage drinking or bad grades, but show disrespect to Mom or appear ungrateful, and there would be hell to pay. One of his daughters arrived home from school one day in tears over a boy. Bensson, not sure what to do, turned to the only antidote he knew: music. Blaring Frank Zappa’s “Broken Hearts are for A**holes,” Bensson counseled that boys aren’t worth crying over and tossed in some irreverent “poop-chute” comments.
Bensson’s dedication to his job earned him the “Iron” moniker. He constantly reminded others that success comes through preparation and devoting yourself to your passion. For him, that passion frequently revealed itself in fart sounds programmed on a tape that he used coming back from Metallica songs.
Privately, he devoted himself to the love of one woman, “Aluminum” Amy, who he leaves behind after 30 years together. He was overjoyed to have found love a second time around; someone to share life with, and they spent their time at the beach, in the garden and dancing to the soundtrack of their lives. Together, they taught their children and entire family about true love.
“Iron” Mike will truly be missed by his family, friends, and thousands of listeners.
AMF “Iron” Mike, your voice has been silenced but the music will go on.
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