Pat McManus playing his fiddle which is one of the instruments that were stolen Picture: Ronan McGrade
DERRYLIN-BORN rocker, Pat McManus is down but not out as he continues his European tour despite his band having been robbed of many of their most treasured instruments. Pat and his bandmates from The Pat McManus Band, Paul Faloon and Marty McDermott were targeted by theives last Wednesday night after playing a gig in England. Their van was broken into in Bradford, West Yorkshire and over 30 items, ranging from guitars, violins to leads and cables, worth tens of thousands of pounds were stolen. The items taken included a custom made white skeleton violin belongiong to Pat and Marty’s red bass guitar.
Pat said those responsible were “very specific” about what they took and clearly had “a certain amount of guitar and equipment knowledge”.
“The thieves obviously knew what they wanted and the van was not broken into randomly. We believe this to be so, as particular leads and cables were taken that would work with the items stolen. Others that were no good for those items were left behind.
“As any musician knows this equipment is built up over a lifetime and the sentimental value is often more than the cost. In the last year my home and now my business have been targeted. We have lost a lot but still there is not much you can do other than give up or carry on,” added Pat.
Fellow musicians and fans have rallied round to ensure the lads can continue their current tour of Germany and the Netherlands. They will then move on to France, the UK and Ireland and are due to play a gig in Charlies Bar in Enniskillen on April 22nd.
Despite being left counting the cost, the band say they have been overwhelmed by the thousands of messages of support left on their Facebook pages over recent days.
“The music community have been absolutely fantastic, offering to lend us gear and help out. We would like to thank everyone for their amazing offers of help. We appreciate this not just for us but for all working bands out there. It’s wonderful to be part of such a caring community of people. The tour is going on with minimal equipment maybe but hopefully real rock n roll. We’re down but never out so thank you from us three,” Pat said.
The musicians are urging people to keeping their eyes open for their stolen items being sold anywhere. Their fans and friends have not disappointed, sharing posts on social media in a bid to reunite the band with their possessions.
“There are many miles to go yet and a lot of gigs to do so please keep sharing for the sake of all working and touring musicians,” Pat added.
West Yorkshire Police say investigations are continuing into the incident.
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Posted: 6:00 pm March 16, 2016
