It is believed that a professional team observed the crew loading, and between the hours of 3.00 a.m. and 6 a.m. they broke into the equipment truck, disabling the alarm and expertly freeing up the automatic locking system. They stole around 15,000 Euros worth of equipment, mainly guitars: Bobs treasured Läkland bass, a couple of Duesenberg guitars, a much loved Takamine from the 70’s, two of Muddy’s treasured Les Pauls and more.
The loss has already been reported on 3000 or so web addresses and Myspace sites and to various instrument dealers in Germany and Poland. Magazines have also been alerted. New equipment had to be hired for the show in Nürnberg last night, and the tour will continue, unlike during the 70’s when an entire American tour was cancelled after the band’s equipment truck containing guitars, backline and PA system was driven off into the night by thieves in St. Louis.
Well, the mood was a bit sober the next day when the thing was discovered upon our arrival in Nürnberg. There was very little disturbance to the truck’s contents which gave the thieves extra time.
More later ....
~ A.P.
