Simi-born punk band robbed while on tour
Members trying to regroup after losing 'everything'
By Sandy Bayer-Brandi Special to the Acorn

Strung Out

Strung Out, a popular local punk rock band that formed in Simi Valley in 1992, is without its instruments after the group's equipment trailer was stolen while on a recent East Coast tour stop.

According to Jake Kiley, rhythm and lead guitarist for Strung Out, the band had just checked into their room at a Days Inn in Philadelphia at around 8 a.m., Oct. 4 when band members noticed someone driving out of the parking lot with their 15-passenger van- equipment trailer attached.

"We didn't know if it was one of our guys taking it down the street or what," Kiley said. "The last thing you want to think is someone is stealing it, but they were."

Though the van and the trailer were recovered by Philadelphia police days later, the trailer, containing all of the band's instruments, merchandise and high-tech sound gadgetry, was empty.

Kiley said that although the band lost thousands of dollars worth of personal property, most of the items in the trailer were replaceable, and Strung Out was able to finish its tour by borrowing the instruments of a fellow band.

"If it had to happen to a band that day I'm happy it happened to us, because we have the sponsors and support to rebuild and get back on our feet," Kiley said. "If this had happened to an up-and-coming band, just getting started, I could see it completely wiping them out."

Matters were made worse by the fact that the band's insurance would not cover them for the stolen equipment, only the van- which was returned anyway.

Kiley said the group's had an outpouring of support from family, friends and especially fans since the theft occurred.

"People are sad, but a lot of them are stoked to help us. We had guys trying to offer us Pay Pal accounts," said Kiley, a graduate of Royal High School. "But we're not accepting any donations.

Strung Out began in Simi Valley in 1992 and instantly achieved recognition for their ability to creatively fuse punk, metal and progressive rock. Technical and aggressive, yet melodic and emotional, they have emerged as one of the Southern California music scene's most recognizable punk sounds.

Having just recently released their 10th CD, "Blackhawks over Los Angeles," Strung Out will be performing tomorrow night at The Avalon, 1735 Vine St., Hollywood. The following night they will be doing a show in Corona.

Visit www.strungout.com or www.myspace.com/strungout for more information. - Acorn editor Kyle Jorrey contributed to this story