(CelebrityAccess) — Rock band Betraying The Martyrs has been forced to pull the plug on the rest of their current tour after the band’s tour van was seriously damaged in a fire.
According to a statement from the band’s publicist, the incident happened at around 4 a.m. when the trailer portion of the band’s Mercedes Sprinter van caught fire.
Fortunately, all of the band and their crew were able to escape unharmed, but the same cannot be said for their road gear, which was destroyed in the blaze.
“We’re all shaken by what has happened this morning. We’re well but very heartbroken that all we have worked hard to accumulate over the years, both in musical equipment and personal belongings, has been lost in a matter of minutes. I’m grateful that we have our health, each other and were able to walk away with the clothes on our backs,” BTM frontman Aaron Matts said.
“This is the most tragic event that has ever happened in our band’s career, and in my entire life. Earlier this morning, I was awakened by our driver screaming and urging us all to get out of the vehicle. Although I’m incredibly thankful to still be alive and tell this story, I lost all my gear and personal belongings. We feel incredibly powerless and in shock,” added Guitarist Baptiste Vigier.
The band also took a moment to call out their driver, who reportedly made a valiant effort to recover some of the band’s gear from the fire at personal risk.
“There is absolutely no way we could thank enough, our driver and new best friend Daniel Johnson. This man literally ran into the flames in an attempt to salvage our belongings and to ensure our safety and well-being. Daniel acted out of pure courage and professionalism in order for the band and crew to be safe and at a lower risk of injury. Whatever we have left after this, we owe it to you Daniel. A part of potential funds raised will be going to Daniel to compensate for his courage and for his belongings lost,” the members of the group added in a joint statement.
As a consequence of the fire, the Betraying The Martyrs have been forced to pull out of all their upcoming shows with Within Destruction and Sentinels including last night’s performance in Orangevale, CA.
Material lost in the fire included their performance equipment, as well as most of their merch.
The band has established a GoFundMe to help defray the cost of replacing their equipment.
“ANY donation will be incredibly helpful to all of us and will go directly towards rebuilding our band, to help us get back home and ultimately to keep doing what we love, which is creating music and sharing it with our fans,” the band says. “If you’ve ever had the chance to catch BTM live, if you know the band or simply follow what we do, if you’ve shared the stage with us, if you’ve ever listened to or streamed our music, we’re asking for your help.”
Gear lost in the fire includes:
– Splitter
– In Ears Monitors System x 4
– 1 Furman power conditioner
– 4 keyboards
– Shock mount racks units
– 1 Helix
– 1 AxeFX
– 6 guitar cases
– All personal belongings and suitcases
– A full Midas Mixing Desk and its case
– A full drum kit
– The whole brand new trailer
