There may soon be no love lost between bands and the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia. At least eight bands have had their equipment ripped off while on tour in the city since March.
“Don’t walk on the street at night in Detroit, and don’t park your van in Philadelphia,” said Alan Redmond, drummer for La Rocca. La Roca was the latest group to have its van and equipment stolen in the city.
Because of the larger number of thefts, many bands think that there is an organized crime wave that seeks out bands because of the value of their gear.
“They think there is this conspiracy and they’re being targeted,” said Sgt. Joe Cella of the Major Crimes Unit. “They’re not.”
He said the bands seem to be parking their vehicles in the wrong place at the wrong time. The areas where they have had their vans and equipment taken happen to be the same places where lots of other vehicles are stolen - the vast majority of which don’t contain any musical equipment, Cella said.
“What we have is groups that spring up periodically that target the hotels, the airport area, where you would have transient clientele,” he said.
“It’s just really unfortunate,” said Vazquez, the one-named bassist for the Boston-based band Damone. “You’re stealing from real people - people who don’t really have any money.”Damone had its van and gear stolen in October and was in the city last week to pick up its van, which was recovered absent any of its contents.
“It’s bad for Philly,” said music fan Andrew Jastremsk. “Philly’s got bad PR coming from every direction. This is just one more thing.”
Among the other bands that have played Philadelphia and left without their instruments:
- Kyle Riabko (May)
- Easily Amused (May)
- Luce (May)
- Ambulette (April)
- Rosie Thomas (April)
- Film School (March)
Vazquez said Damone’s van and more than $40,000 worth of gear.
Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/25/2006 | Play in Philly, lose your guitar
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