A LONDON BAND has lost a significant amount of touring equipment after their van was broken into while they were visiting Dublin.
Rock group Legss have appealed to the public to look out for their stolen items on resale sites and in second hand shops.
The band played the Grand Social in Dublin on Sunday night. After the gig, they put their equipment in their van in the Gardiner Street Lower area of Dublin 1, before going for a few drinks.
When they returned to the van the next morning, they found the back window had been smashed and several items were taken.
Some of the guitars taken Legss
Legss
Guitars, guitar pedals and cymbals were among the items stolen.
Max Oliver, one of the bandmates, told Newstalk’s Lunchtime Live that they reported the incident to gardaí, who met them at the port where they were getting the ferry back to England.
He said that while the cost of replacing the items is a concern, some of them have “irreplaceable sentimental value”.
“Some of these guitars were our first instruments we’ve learned to play on. Our bass player Jake even made his own guitar,” said Oliver.
A guitar lent to the band by a friend was also taken.
The full list of stolen items:
List of stolen items:
- Fender Telecaster Butterscotch, Mexican
- Fender Vintera 60s Stratocaster Modified Burgundy Mist Metallic PF
- Fender Squier Stratocaster Pink
- Fender Classic ‘60s Mustang Bass Ash Wood
- Pedaltrain w/ Digital Delay, Overdrive, TU-3 and MXR Blue Box
- Protection Racket 22” Cymbal Case
- 21” Bosphorus Traditional Thin Ride
- 18” Paiste 2002 Black Label Thin Crash
- 14” Zildjan Avedis High Hat
- 8” Paiste Splash
“It’s a real tragedy. There was a there was a lot of grieving on the 13 hour trip back to London after we found out,” said Oliver.
He said that they don’t always pay for overnight secure parking, as the small independent band is on a tight budget.
“Unfortunately you do hear it’s very common for touring bands (to be robbed). Bands are always going to carry valuable equipment, so they make themselves a target.
“We know lots of friends within the music industry that this has happened to, but you never really think it’s going to be you.”
However, Oliver said they have had an “outpouring of love” from friends, family, strangers and fans, which “lessens the blow”.
He also said they had “an amazing trip” and felt very welcome in Ireland, having also played a gig in Belfast, despite the unfortunate ending.
A garda spokesperson said investigations are ongoing.
