Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's Gear Stolen

By MTV News Staff

July 23, 1999 / 7:55 AM

Jon Spencer and company have good reason to sing the blues after their equipment was stolen following the first gig on its current tour.

According to the band's tour manager, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's van was broken into at approximately 1:30 a.m. (PT) Wednesday night in Vancouver while it was parked on the loading dock at the Sheraton Suites Le Soleil Hotel.

Among the items lost in the robbery is Spencer's vintage Theremin, an incredibly difficult-to-replace piece of equipment.

This incident is the latest in a rash of thefts which have been plaguing touring bands over the last several months. Sonic Youth had all of its customized, modified gear stolen before a gig in California earlier this month, causing the group to bow out of its remaining live dates and possibly posing irreparable damage to the future of its signature sound (see [article id="1434334"]"Sonic Youth In Search Of Stolen Gear"[/article]). The equipment has yet to be located.

The

blow to the JSBX hasn't threatened its road plans so seriously, however. The band intends to continue touring in spite of the theft, according to a spokesperson for the group's label, Matador Records.

If you have any leads or information that could assist in the location of the JSBX's gear, you may contact the band's tour manager, Dick Meredith, at 213-503-0269 or by e-mail at dicky_boy@msn.com.

Here's a list of what the JSBX is missing:

4 space rack case containing:
ART Dual MP (mic preamp), serial #254-02193
DBX 1066 (compressor), serial #CJ97FB-10054
Empirical Labs EL-8 (compressor), serial #1744
Furman PL-8 (power outlet/conditioner), serial #N8875, engraved with name and address

Calzone briefcase containing: