Peelander‑Z told KVUE their van disappeared from an apartment parking lot on East 45th Street on Feb. 26.
AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin band preparing for the 2026 South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) is asking the community for help after their tour van was stolen.
Peelander‑Z, a longtime SXSW favorite known for its colorful costumes and high‑energy Japanese‑American punk performances, told KVUE their van disappeared from an apartment parking lot on East 45th Street on Feb. 26.
According to the band, the vehicle has been with them for years and holds both practical value and deep personal memories from life on the road.
“But we are lucky because I didn’t put anything inside,” said Kengo Hioki, a member of Peelander-Z. “I put just our memory. But I didn’t put our music gear. I didn’t put my painting, so I’m empty inside.”
Despite the setback, Peelander‑Z said the show will go on, they still plan to perform at this year’s festival. They hope they will be able to locate their vehicle before then.
Anyone with information about the missing van is urged to contact the Austin Police Department.