American indie rock outfit Phosphorescent have been left devastated after their tour bus was stolen.
Not every musician is a millionaire. Contrary to popular belief, for more people attempting to make a living out of their art it is a long hard slog. Which is why what has happened to Phosphorescent is potentially devastating.
Touring across the United States, the band's tour bus was stolen outside a show in Brooklyn. Inside the van was a host of equipment and merchandise with the damages totalling more than $40,000.
Promoting their new album 'Here's To Taking It Easy', the band's touring commitments have been plunged into uncertainty. Amongst the equipment were items of personal value, such as Matthew Houck’s 1955 Gibson ES-125 - a rare guitar he always uses for live performances.
A cult group working on a tiny budget, Phosphorescent' label have appealed to fans to help locate the vehicle. In addition to this, fans can donate money to the group to help the tour continue.
The message is as follows:
“We are devastated to report that Phosphorescent’s van was stolen last night following their fantastic show on Pier 54 in New York City. You can read the following message below detailing the incident. Please help out if you can. Good vibes are needed right now.
“Last night [8th July], after an amazing show at Pier 54 in New York City, Phosphorescent’s rental van -along with all of their equipment – was stolen from outside a residence in Greenpoint, Brooklyn."
"Last night’s show was the first night of their scheduled six-weeks US Tour. Among the stolen items was Matthew Houck’s custom, irreplaceable 1955 Gibson ES-125 guitar, vintage amplifiers, and a vintage pedal steel with losses totaling around $40,000. If anyone has ANY information or leads on what might have happened, or if you see any of this gear in pawn shops, on Craigslist, etc, please call the NY Police Department, Vector Management, or anyone you think might be able to help recover this gear."
"The van rental company is insured – they are covered for their van and are therefore not greatly concerned with recovering it. Phosphorescent DOES care though, greatly, about recovering any of this gear possible, and about right now figuring out how to rally up and make this US Tour happen. Anything anyone can do to help would be simply amazing. We have set up a Paypal account for anyone wishing to donate funds to help replace gear – anything helps. We will be sending updates about the upcoming tour dates ASAP. Thanks in advance for any goodwill and assistance and thank you for your support over the years."
Paypal donations can be made HERE.