Australian rock legends Airbourne have sadly fallen victim to Melbourne’s rising crime wave, as the band’s valuable equipment was stolen in a targeted robbery. The crime gang was captured on CCTV footage breaking into the band’s lock-up at a secure storage unit warehouse in Melbourne. Airbourne, hailing originally from Warrnambool in Victoria, are often compared to rock icons AC/DC and have been rocking stages around the world for years, gaining more popularity overseas than in their home country.
The band, currently on tour in the UK, was shocked to see footage of their equipment being brazenly stolen back in Melbourne. Lead singer and guitarist Joel O’Keefe shared the heartbreaking news on social media, revealing that his father’s cherished mandolin was among the stolen items, along with expensive amplifiers. O’Keefe expressed his deep sadness over the theft, especially since his father passed away in 2014, making the stolen instruments even more sentimental to him.
Airbourne has released photos and serial numbers of the stolen items, hoping that someone will come forward with information or return the stolen gear. The band has offered a ‘handsome reward’ for any leads on the mandolin and other stolen items, including guitars like a Gretsch 1963 Duo Jet Black and a Gibson 1976 Black Beauty Les Paul. Fans have flooded the band’s Facebook page with messages of support, outraged by the theft and showing solidarity with the band during this difficult time.
The theft of Airbourne’s equipment not only hits the band financially but also emotionally, as the stolen guitars hold personal history and sentimental value. Despite their popularity overseas, many Australians may not be familiar with Airbourne, but their music has been featured in TV shows and movies globally. Fans appreciate the band for their catchy tunes and O’Keefe’s wild stage presence, including daring stunts like playing a guitar solo from the top of a stage roof without a safety harness. Airbourne even performed in Melbourne on the night of the Bourke Street Massacre in 2017, providing solace to a grieving city.
Amidst Victoria’s rising crime rates, the theft of Airbourne’s equipment adds to the growing concerns about security and safety in the state. With notorious criminals like Tony Mokbel being released from jail and crime rates reaching record highs, the community is on edge. Property crimes and deception offenses have seen a significant increase, prompting authorities to urge anyone with information on the theft to come forward. Whether through the band’s Facebook page or Crime Stoppers, providing leads on the stolen gear could help bring some justice to Airbourne and prevent further incidents in the future.
