The band shared in an Instagram post that the van was found with a broken lock, a missing seat and a messy interior.
AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin band’s stolen tour van has been found just in time for South by Southwest (SXSW).
In a March 7 Instagram post, Peelander-Z said the van, which was reported stolen Feb. 26, had been recovered. The band, known for its colorful costumes and high-energy Japanese American punk performances, previously told KVUE the van disappeared from an apartment parking lot on East 45th Street.
Band member Kengo Hioki said they were upset the van had been stolen, but lucky because they didn’t keep any of their equipment inside.
“But we are lucky because I didn’t put anything inside,” Hioki said. “I put just our memory. But I didn’t put our music gear. I didn’t put my painting, so I’m empty inside.”
The group said the van was found with a broken lock, a missing seat and a messy interior.
Peelander-Z, a longtime SXSW favorite, is scheduled to perform at Valhalla just after midnight on Thursday, March 12. The band will also play Friday, March 13, at Hole in the Wall at 5 p.m., and Sunday, March 15, at Zilker Brewing for Peelander-Fest, with their set starting at 5 p.m.