Family, friends, fans, and fellow bands are rallying around Melbourne metalcore band Thornhill after it had nearly $100,000 worth of gear and belongings stolen from its rehearsal space.
The four-piece took to social media on Tuesday, January 24 to inform the public it had been targeted by thieves who has stolen "most of everything Thornhill and our members own" sometime in the last few days.
"This is a devastating blow to the band after the last year we have had trying to get back on track mentally, gearing up for a big year of touring," the band wrote.
"However, with this incident nearing $100,000 worth of belongings stolen we have barely anything left, with drums, cymbals, guitar equipment, IEM racks, merch, cases, banners and personals being amongst the things stolen from the premises."
The band wrote that a major fire where its rehearsal space is meant all power had been cut to the entire block, and as a result no video evidence of the theft was captured, although some CCTV elsewhere onsite may provide a sliver of help.
"We have insurance however with CCTV footage and only a police report to go by we can only assume that we won’t recover any of our costs back," the post stated.
With such a costly blow to deal with, the band's touring plans - and more broadly, its future - is in limbo.
The band is meant to be heading to New Zealand for the first time in two weeks' time to play two headline shows, before jumping on UK metalcore heavyweights Architects' Australian tour the following week, alongside Counterparts.
"We are working closely with our agents in regards with our upcoming New Zealand and Australian tours to see if we can make things work, and, we are trying our best to put these shows on for you," the band wrote.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help replace the stolen gear.
"If you can spare anything it would mean the world to us as we are trying to find a way to get back on our feet and keep this band alive," the post stated.
In the 24 hours since the fundraiser was posted to social media, more than $48,000 has been donated by family, friends, fans, and fellow bands from around the world.
Donors have left heartwarming messages of support, many saying how Thornhill's music has helped them.
"I wish I could donate more for you. Your music means so much to me and many others out there," one donor wrote.
"Thornhill was there for me during some of my darkest moments, and its hard to pick ourselves up when we’re all alone. Keep your heads up homies, you are cherished and you are loved," another posted.
"I love this band to death and am wishing you guys the very best. For all the rough times you’ve helped me through, I hope this little bit helps," someone else wrote.
To donate to the GoFundMe, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-thornhill-rebuild-gear-and-rehersal-space.
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