Betraying the Martyrs in Van Crash; Remainder of North American Tour Cancelled

France’s Betraying the Martyrs have been forced to cancel the remainder of their in-progress North American tour following “a serious auto incident,” according to a press release. Thankfully, the band and all of their crew members are safe.

According to the press release…

“The incident happened around 4 a.m. when the trailer portion of the band’s Mercedes Sprinter van caught fire. All band and crew members were able to safely to exit the vehicle with no major injuries. Tragically, all of the band’s equipment was lost in the blaze.”

The band’s manager, Chris Adler (yes, that Chris Adler) has posted this horrifying video of the fire:

The band also shared the below photos of the aftermath:

A GoFundMe page has been launched to help the band replace the items lost in the fire. You can donate here.

Says singer Aaron Matts of the accident:

“We’re all shaken by what has happened this morning. We’re well but very heartbroken that all we have worked hard to accumulate over the years, both in musical equipment and personal belongings, has been lost in a matter of minutes. I’m grateful that we have our health, each other and were able to walk away with the clothes on our backs. We are extremely sorry to have missed another opportunity to play for those that were looking forward to see us. We’ll bounce back and we’ll see you soon. Thank you.”

Adds guitarist Baptiste Vigier:

“This is the most tragic event that has ever happened in our band’s career, and in my entire life. Earlier this morning, I was awakened by our driver screaming and urging us all to get out of the vehicle. Although I’m incredibly thankful to still be alive and tell this story, I lost all my gear and personal belongings. We feel incredibly powerless and in shock.”

The band also took a moment to single out Daniel Johnson, their driver, for praise:

“There is absolutely no way we could thank enough, our driver and new best friend Daniel Johnson. This man literally ran into the flames in an attempt to salvage our belongings and to ensure our safety and well-being. Daniel acted out of pure courage and professionalism in order for the band and crew to be safe and at a lower risk of injury. Whatever we have left after this, we owe it to you Daniel. A part of potential funds raised will be going to Daniel to compensate for his courage and for his belongings lost.”

Here’s a full list of everything the band lost in the fire:

• Splitter
• In Ears Monitors System x 4
• Most of their merch
• 1 Furman power conditioner
• 4 keyboards
• Shock mount racks units
• 1 Helix
• 1 AxeFX
• 6 guitar cases
• All personal belongings and suitcases
• A full Midas Mixing Desk and its case
• A full drum kit
• The whole brand new trailer

The band’s tour mates, Within Destruction and Sentinels, will continue the trek with BTM. Remaining dates are below.

Within Destruction/Sentinels
7/14 – Seattle, WA @ Club Sur Rocks
7/16 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
7/17 – Denver, CO @ The Roxy Theatre
7/18 – Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room
7/19 – Des Moine, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
7/20 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Whiskey Junction
7/21 – Cudahy, WI @ X-Ray Arcade
7/22 – Joliet, IL @ The Forge
7/23 – Hamtramck, MI @ The Sanctuary
7/24 – Toronto, ON @ Rockpile West
7/25 – Ottawa, ON @ Mavericks
7/26 – Quebec, QC @ L’Anti Bar & Spectacles
7/27 – Hartford, CT @ Webster Theater Underground
7/28 – Brooklyn, NY @ The Kingsland