A British indie-rock band, who was just kicking off their U.S. tour, had a rough start when armed robbers targeted their van in Vallejo, California, early Tuesday morning. The band, sharing the story via Instagram, revealed the shocking event that unfolded just minutes after they made a quick coffee stop at a Starbucks on the first day of their U.S. tour.
The situation unfolded quickly. As the band members were inside the Starbucks grabbing their coffee, an individual filmed a robbery in progress. The video showed a person rifling through the van as the filmer desperately called out for one of the band’s crew to stop what was happening. "Ring the police! Ring the police!" was heard as a masked figure continued rummaging through their gear. The location of the robbery was a gas station and Starbucks at 199 Lincoln Rd. West in Vallejo.
The band’s post on Instagram described the harrowing experience, writing, "Just been robbed at gunpoint 10 minutes into the US tour." The post detailed how they were enjoying their coffee break when an individual ran into the Starbucks, warning them that a group of people were smashing into the van. The band quickly rushed outside to stop the crime but was met with the sight of masked men looting their vehicle. As the band members yelled out for help, the robbers brandished a gun, reportedly aiming it at the band's tour manager.
In the video, viewers can clearly see one of the robbers holding a firearm while the band’s tour crew races back into the Starbucks for safety. Inside, the coffee shop’s patrons can be heard shouting for everyone to stay inside as the robbery unfolded. Amid the chaos, items like bags and a laptop were reportedly stolen from the band’s van. The robbery, which occurred around 8:45 a.m., left the band shaken and clearly in shock.
According to a BBC report, the band’s losses were significant. They not only lost personal items and equipment but also their passports and stage gear, essential for their tour. This incident could have been disastrous for the band's plans. The robbers didn’t manage to take the band’s musical instruments, though, which meant they could continue their tour.
Before this robbery, the band had been scheduled to begin their U.S. tour in San Francisco at Kilowatt on Monday night. Unfortunately, a cancelled flight from the U.K. forced them to reschedule that show to this Saturday evening at The Chapel. The delay pushed their first official show to Tuesday night at the Goldfield Trading Post in Sacramento, but things took an unexpected turn when the robbery happened during their drive to the venue.
In the midst of this chaos, the band maintained some humor, acknowledging the weirdness of the situation. "Police response was 'submit an online report,'" they said in their Instagram post. Despite losing valuable personal gear, the band made the decision to press on. “They didn’t get the instruments, so driving on to Sacramento to play tonight,” the post continued, showing their resilience in the face of adversity.
While the band took a rather lighthearted approach in their post, it’s clear that they were still processing what had happened. They remarked on the surreal nature of the situation: "In all seriousness, pretty shocking how resigned everyone seemed to be to it. ‘It happens.’" The robbery, which occurred at a local Starbucks at a gas station, was an eye-opening and disturbing start to their American tour. "9am at some petrol station Starbucks. Wild," the post concluded, encapsulating just how bizarre and unsettling the entire incident was.
The Vallejo Police Department was contacted by CBS News Bay Area regarding the incident, but as of now, there has been no response to further inquiries. The fact that the police suggested the band file an online report instead of offering immediate assistance certainly added to the frustration and confusion felt by the band members.
In spite of the robbery, the band decided to carry on with their tour. The stolen equipment and personal items could have been devastating, but the instruments remained untouched, giving the band a glimmer of hope that they could still salvage the tour. They continued to head to Sacramento for their scheduled performance that evening, a testament to their determination and commitment to their fans, despite the traumatic experience.
It’s worth noting the sense of disbelief and almost resigned attitude the band conveyed in their post. In some ways, it seemed like they were trying to laugh off the situation, but it's clear that they were still processing the shock of being robbed at gunpoint so early in their tour. The way they described the event as "wild" gives insight into how surreal it must have felt at the time.
This robbery serves as a reminder of how unpredictable life on the road can be for touring musicians. From missed flights to stolen gear, the challenges of touring are often overlooked. The band’s ability to keep pushing forward, even after losing personal belongings and equipment, shows the resilience and professionalism that many musicians display when faced with the unexpected.
For the band, this was just one of those moments that can either break you or make you stronger. While they may have lost some important items, the fact that they managed to keep their spirits up and continue their tour is an inspiration. It’s clear that this experience, while traumatic, will likely be just another story to tell when they reflect on their U.S. tour in the future.
Despite the ordeal, the band pressed on, and their fans in Sacramento were no doubt excited to see them perform that night. In the end, it’s a testament to the determination of musicians who, despite facing adversity, choose to keep the show going. After all, there’s always a silver lining to be found—even in the most unexpected and unsettling situations.
The robbery serves as a stark reminder that life on the road isn’t always glamorous. There are real risks and challenges that come with touring, especially for smaller bands who may not have the resources to fully protect their gear at all times. But for this band, it’s just another obstacle to overcome on their journey, and if their Instagram post is anything to go by, they’re not letting this hiccup stop them from rocking the stage.
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