The Calling singer Alex Band abducted and beaten after festival show in Michigan
'Wherever You Will Go' singer said he was 'near death' during ordeal in a minivan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The lead singer from American rock band The Calling was abducted and beaten yesterday, and apparently only spared death after telling his captors he was about to become a father.
Alex Band performed with the LA-based group on Saturday night at Lapeer Days festival in Lapeer, Michigan, 50 miles north of Detroit.
In the early hours of the next morning, he was attacked from behind outside a store and forced into a minivan by two men, who beat and robbed him.
The singer - best known for 2001 hit "Wherever You Will Go" - was beaten with a baton and had a gun put to his face while an attacker demanded his "Hollywood money," the band said in a statement.
According to that statement, he told his assailants he was soon to be a father, to which one responded "We don't kill fathers," before dropping him off at a railroad crossing.
Band acknowledged having past substance abuse problems, but denied what he said were rumours that the abduction report was either drug-related or faked.
He said: "I take my rehabilitation very seriously. I was near death due to this unbelievable situation, and the rumours are categorically false."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments