After a week of tragedies, hearing good news can be … well, good for the heart.
A couple of weeks ago, The Scenestar reported the news that every musician dreads: having your recording studio broken into and all your equipment stolen.
That’s what happened to the Dears’ guitarist Patrick Krief, and the worst part was that one of the stolen guitars had great emotional value to him: “The thing they took that I really want back most is my White Fender Stratocaster. I cried for hours about losing it. It has extreme sentimental value, and I don’t know how I’ll go on with out it. 16 people (friends and family) pitched in to buy me that guitar (of which I had been dreaming about my whole life) on my 18th birthday.”
People learned about the unfortunate incident through various Internet articles, and there was an amazing outpour of support from Krief’s friends and fans. People volunteered their own equipment, to check pawn shops, to beat up the thieves and offered lots of hugs and reassurances.
This past weekend, Krief posted a blog that could only be told in his own words: So, we had a great rehearsal tonight, and George insisted we go to Pistol (local bar) to celebrate Valerie’s (Dears’ keyboardist) Birthday. We arrive at the bar and head to the back section. I spot my Dad, mother and sisters at a table.. So I’m thinking “what the fuck are they doing here?” Obviously glad to see them, but confused by the context. My dad yells out in French “Martin invited us out” I look across to another table and spot 3 of my cousins who I know Martin had never met. At this point I’m sincerely confused. This is all in a span of about 10 seconds. I’m quickly surrounded, and Val and George hand me a card … Then they hand me an envelope full of cash (enough to buy an SG). My mind is totally blown away at this point, and I’m feeling like I don’t even deserve this!
Then … the bar tender pulls out a hard case, inside it….. a brand new white Stratocaster!!!!! Identical to my old one! I open the case,,, and stare at it for at least 2 minutes in disbelief.. Val snaps me out of it with the order, “pick it up!!! play it!!”
Moments later, Murray shows up and hands me a check. With extreme intensity he exclaims “ don’t thank me, don’t do anything, take this fucking check, and get insurance tomorrow or I’ll fucking rob you!! Not many people get a second chance, don’t fuck it up!” Amazing!
For the full blog post, click here.
Yes, The Scenestar crew had to take out a box of Kleenex when we read this wonderful story.
In the meantime, Krief will be presenting his solo material at a string of gigs in Canada this week. And you can check out his latest album, Take It or Leave, on www.myspace.com/patrickkrief.
Or better yet, since we are in a better mood, if you are the first person to name the band that Patrick Krief was playing in when he joined the Dears, you will score a free copy of his latest work. Send your answer and address to thescenestarwebzine@gmail.com
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