Kevin Bronson on May 16th, 2018

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Who has it in for Preoccupations?

The Canadian post-punk quartet (formerly known as Viet Cong) were robbed in San Francisco on Tuesday morning, losing their van, trailer and all their gear. And it was the second time in a week it had happened: Their gear was stolen last week in Vancouver as well. After that theft, Preoccupations had repurchased enough gear to go on with their tour.

Preoccupations are playing sold-out shows at the Echo on Thursday and Friday nights. In March, the quartet released their new album, “New Material.”

“Yesterday was a really tough one, basically everything we own and have worked towards was taken from us,” said the band, who are currently on tour with L.A.’s Moaning, in a statement issued by their label and publicist. “Right as we were hitting our stride, making best friends in the world with Moaning and together really crushing these shows. It was the second time in a week we were robbed, violated and sent into a frenzy of [last-minute] running around trying to replace our gear with whatever we could find/afford before the show.

“As it sunk in yesterday, the time line and logistics, as well as financially it seemed literally impossible for us to continue this run. However, as devastating as it was it didn’t take long for the support of our amazing friends and fans to kick in. That itself was also overwhelming but really just made it clear that this is just a set back. [Matt] Flegel has the P Bass. He was spooning it in the hotel room and now keeps it handcuffed to his right wrist. We have come to L.A. in an attempt to blow the roof off the Echo with the help of friends and Moaning and sharing gear. The rest of the tour is still feeling very up in the air, we are taking each day in stride but want to publicly announce a Go Fund Me has been set up in response to so many amazing people offering donations. We love you already and will forever and are beyond thankful.”

See the Go Fund Me page here.