The Lucid Dream have expressed their gratitude after being overwhelmed by fan response after their van was broken into and all their equipment stolen following a gig in Paris. The theft meant that the band was forced to cancel their remaining European dates in Brussels and Amsterdam.

The Carlisle psychedelic rockers, whose third album Compulsion Songs was met with universal praise last year, were totally cleaned out after playing the French capital last Thursday (March 2). The distraught band broke the news on their Facebook page, and even considered calling it a day saying: “We are in bits and what you see in this picture from last night may be the last you see of us. We've lost equipment we've had since 14 years old. For us it is irreplaceable.” 

However, The Lucid Dream’s fans quickly rallied to the band’s cause as they suggested the setting up of a Crowdfunding campaign to replace the stolen equipment. In less than a week, fans have raised just over £7000 of a £10000 target.

Writing on their Facebook page, The Lucid Dream say: “This week has been the toughest in the nine years of The Lucid Dream. Reality sure kicked in when we returned home. Reality that the equipment upon which you learned to play as teenagers would most likely never return. Reality that some people could be as evil to turn upside-down the lives of four hard-working lads, who live and breathe music.

“We often commented how surreal it was that we went from rehearsing in houses with some of this this set-up in 1998 to touring Europe several times over, and to crowds that we never could have dreamt of.

“Then, today we looked at the donation page. How much we have raised, how many people are on board and how supportive people can be. It gives a reality check, and how amazing people can be. It is emotional to see the support.

“We've today been looking at potential new guitars/amps/drums etc, and how we could form new memories with the new setup, and kick on. It's going to take time to get back moving, but we will get there. We aren't the types to give in.

“We can't thank you enough. To reach over 60% of our target in 4 days, what can you say to that?! Wish we could thank you all personally and I am sure we will eventually! :-)”

Anyone wishing to donate should head over to the The Lucid Dream’s Crowdfunding page here.