Looks like Roy and Junior are getting into trouble again!
From: whirlwind coalition
Okay, for what is now like the 12th time this year, another band got their gear and/or entire van stolen from them in Philadelphia last evening. This time it was a band from Ireland -- La Rocca (on Dangerbird Records).
Much like other the other previous thefts from touring bands, their van was hotwired and then stolen from a parking lot. Their van and all of their gear was taken from them overnight.
Generally this seems to be happening to bands staying in or around Columbus Blvd. (a.k.a Delaware Ave) and South Philly, specifically, the Holiday Inn at 9th and Packer and the Comfort Inn at 100 N. Columbus Blvd. BANDS SHOULD NOT STAY AT EITHER OF THESE HOTELS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES!
Bands looking for a place to stay should look for a Center City hotel with a secure parking lot or garage (although one band had their van parked in a lot and the thieves drove through a fence with it, but that was that Columbus
Blvd. area we told you to stay away from). Other ideas include staying across the bridge in New Jersey (a 15-minute drive for most) or by the airport (again, only in a hotel that offers secure parking). You could even have someone stay in the van overnight to be on the safe side.
There seems to be little if any media coverage (or even just general awareness!) of this ongoing issue. We would like to try to prevent as many future thefts as possible, so if you know of a band that might be passing through Philly,
please warn them to avoid those hotels and areas!
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