A group of teenage musicians that teach kids how to stand up to bullying woke up to a very unfortunate surprise before a show in Dallas.
The tour group Teen Nation Tour was staying in a hotel in Addison on Sunday ahead of shows at Daniel Webster Elementary and TW Browne Middle School in Dallas.
Around 3:20 a.m. Monday, police were called to the hotel after the band's trailer was stolen from the parking lot. Later Monday, Dallas police found the trailer near Marsh Lane and Northwest Highway -- without the tour's lights, cables, a smoke machine, speakers, and other equipment.
The total value of the trailer and its contents has been placed at $30,000, according to Addison police.
“We’re going to have fun, we’re going to spread the word, it’s going to be awesome,” said 14-year-old Tristan Blaine.
Teen Nation Tour was scheduled to perform at Daniel Webster Elementary School in Dallas, and decided that the show must go on. Fortunately, some audio equipment was brought into hotel rooms, so they were able to play a scaled-down show for the kids.
“We’re strong. Nothing is going to bring us down. We’re going to keep pushing on, no matter what,” said Blaine. “The show must go on.”
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The teenagers visit schools around the country, singing pop songs and spreading an anti-bullying message through personal stories and advice. The fact that they had to play today without their regular equipment only strengthened their resolve.
“We still have to perform. Even though all of the sound equipment was stolen, we still have to perform. This is what we’re here to do. We’re here to perform for these kids, and teach them about bullying,” said Johnathon Mann, a member of the Teen Nation Tour with the rock group RebelMann.
