Musicians rally round after Reading drummer’s van and equipment destroyed

The local music community has come together to support Reading-based drummer and sound engineer Rob McGregor after his van — containing all of his musical equipment — was stolen and later found torched near Hook.

Rob, who has played with bands including Bottle Kids, MoonAge, Nailed, and Ron and The Retros, lost more than £14,000 worth of instruments, drums, sound gear, and technical equipment in the theft.

“My van with all my gear in was stolen on Thursday evening (4th December) from outside my girlfriend’s flat in Riseley,” Rob explained. “It happened while we’d popped out for dinner between 7pm and 9pm. The police were informed immediately, and the van was discovered the next day — but not connected to me at first. Late Friday night, someone I didn’t know messaged to say they’d seen a burnt-out van near Hook. I got a friend to check, and sadly, it was mine. The engine and gearbox had been removed, and the rest torched in what appears to be an attempt to hide evidence.”

Rob described the loss as “thirty years of effort destroyed in a matter of minutes.” But within hours, musicians across Reading and beyond had come together to help. A GoFundMe campaign launched by friends raised more than £5,000 in the first 24 hours to help Rob replace his gear.

“The generosity is overwhelming,” he said. “I’ve gone from being about to give up altogether to being ready for my next gig as soon as I can get a replacement kit.”

Messages of support have poured in from fellow musicians:

“Pretty much everyone I know in and around Reading is connected to the local music scene in some way,” said Zac Yeo. “This is a violation of our community — and Rob is the loveliest, kindest, most generous soul and a damn fine drummer.”

“It absolutely sucks that he’s just had all his gear and van stolen in one hit and then burned,” added Harry Jones. “Please help him replace some of it if you can.”

James Schofield described it as “beggars belief,” adding: “Rob did a stellar job at my annual JS Music School show last Saturday. The parasites nicked thousands of pounds of kit, then drove it around and burned it. There really are a lot of utter scumbags out there.”

The GoFundMe campaign continues to grow as donations pour in from across the region.

You can support Rob via his fundraising page here:
👉 https://gofund.me/6b0772138