Lincolnshire band write song for thief who stole £8k of equipment

A Lincolnshire band were left distraught after around £8,000 worth of gear was stolen from their music room, but instead of drowning their sorrows they wrote a song aimed at the thief.

Stephen Tanner and the Runaways are an original music band with a country twang based in Spalding, with Stephen Tanner (guitar and singer), Dan Parker (drummer) and Rob Goemans (bass). Their practice room, located in an industrial unit in Spalding, was broken into and emptied on June 15.

Thousands of pounds worth of sentimental gear was stolen, including Stephen’s first ever guitar and a drum kit that drummer Dan had bought with inheritance from his grandma, as well as a PA system, two amps, lots of microphones and cables and other equipment.

In response to the thief Stephen wrote a song entitled “Where the F*** is my Guitar?”, which has been viewed around 180 times on YouTube. ‘ In the song the band claim the thief needs “some guidance and some tender loving care”.

The band’s debut album ‘Sound of the Unlocking’ is due to be released in September 2019. They said: “We’re hoping that one day, they will hear this song and we will have the final say on the matter.”

The band’s music room was broken into and damaged. Photo: Stephen Tanner

Stephen told Lincolnshire Reporter that police took a few items away to be tested for fingerprints including a tire iron that was left on the floor.

He said: “We have replaced some bits and were able to borrow from other people and bands, including people we didn’t know who got in touch wit us after our Facebook post. The theft has left us significantly out of pocket.

Stephen Tanner and the Runaways.

“I was annoyed and angry at the situation as it was a really emotionally time for us. It wasn’t just that £8,000 of gear was stolen there were a lot of sentimental items and I wanted to turn it into something positive for us, so I wrote a song to sum up how I felt in a way people could engage with.

“The music world remains stronger and is lovely to be a part of during what has been a tough time for us.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: “There have been no arrests in connection with a burglary which happened between June 11 and June 15 at a premises on Spalding Common, Spalding.

“Offenders have broken into the rear of the premises and made an untidy search. An extensive amount of musical equipment has been stolen.”