The theft of a $6000 drum kit from a car in Wendouree has left a Ballarat drummer without an instrument to play at a big gig in Melbourne this weekend.
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The distinctive kit, fitted with LED lights and faded colours, was stolen from Dennis Stevenson’s locked car in his driveway about 5am on Friday.
Mr Stevenson and his heavy metal progressive band Hedron were booked to play as support act for an album launch in Melbourne but he’s unsure whether he’ll now be able to perform.
“We’ve got a gig next weekend in Melbourne but I now don’t have an instrument and will have to rely on donations and charity of other bands to use their gear, which is not something that is usually done in the music industry – you don’t usually share gear with other bands.
“I’m especially like that and I don’t let anyone touch my gear, but it’s a shame because we’ve got a gig.”
Mr Stevenson actually heard the thieves early on Friday but he dismissed the noise as his neighbour moving their rubbish bins.
Mr Stevenson has been collecting his $6000 drum kit for the past five years and while it is insured, many of the components are discontinued and considered collectors items.
Several young drumming students will also miss their regular lessons, and Mr Stevenson has used his drum kit extensively doing charity gigs including National Youth Week performances.
He suspects the drums have been taken out of Ballarat as the highly distinctive kit would be easily recognised.
”It’s not just a hobby, it’s my livelihood and without my drums I can’t do my job.”
Anyone with information about the drums should call Crimestoppers on 188 333 000.