An award-winning Chicago reggae band is dealing with a major setback after their music equipment and instruments were stolen in broad daylight in the city’s Beverly neighborhood.
The lead singer of Gizzae told NBC Chicago the theft is setting them back tremendously. The group has 26 shows lined up for the summer, including one at the Illinois State Fair. He said the thieves got away with more than $10,000 worth of equipment.
“It really hurts to come out one morning and see our trailer with all my equipment just gone,” he said. “I couldn’t believe.”
Brian Rock is doing his best to keep jamming after being targeted by thieves. It happened nearly three weeks ago near the intersection of West 107th Place and South Hale Avenue.
“They got my PA speakers, my mass, my guitar, my mixing boards, my microphones, my wires, my mic stands,” he said. “Everything that a band needs to perform, all gone.”
Rock said the 6×10 trailer was parked right in front of his home. A neighbor told him she saw two men scope out his trailer before taking off with it.
“Probably took them five minutes she says—she didn’t really think anything of it,” he said. “She thought they were with the band.”
Fans know the lead singer as “Rocket.” He joined Gizzae more than 30 years ago as the lead singer and bass player. He started his career in the 1970’s and has previously worked alongside The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen.
“I love what I do, that’s all I do,” he said. “I’ve been doing this since I was a kid—I know nothing else.”
His band performs reggae and Caribbean-style dance music all over the state and across the country. His son is also a member of the band.
“We bring joy, we come playing good happy music to people, so a true musician worries about the music first before the money,” he said.
The 66-year-old said he’s been renting out equipment to keep the show running. Police said the thieves hitched the trailer to two gray SUVs. Meanwhile, support for the band has been pouring in on GoFundMe, with Rocket expressing gratitude.
“You have to look to the positive,” he said. “Life must go on we’re strong and we’re going to keep on trucking.”
Rock said a police report was filed as an investigation remains ongoing.
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