Memphis May Fire’s production truck was involved in a major crash that destroyed most of their gear and left the driver needing to be cut out of the vehicle.
Memphis May Fire are pushing ahead with their US tour despite a serious setback that hit just after their November 29 show in Detroit. While traveling to Chicago for the next date of the run with Rain City Drive, Nevertel and If Not For Me, the band’s production truck was involved in a major accident that destroyed much of their touring setup and left the driver trapped inside the vehicle.
According to the band, the truck hit a patch of ice, lost control and flipped on the highway. First responders had to cut the driver out of the vehicle, and while the incident was severe, he survived with what the band described as being “safe and relatively unharmed.” With the driver’s condition confirmed, attention shifted to assessing the damage to the band’s gear, much of which was heavily damaged or completely lost.
Despite the equipment loss, Memphis May Fire still made their November 30 Chicago show happen, performing with a pared-down stage setup and planning to continue the rest of the tour in the same reduced format until they can replace what was destroyed.
Memphis May Fire singer Matty Mullins addressed the situation in a long message posted to social media, explaining the situation to fans:
“Yesterday started with a phone call we never want to get. The truck carrying all of our equipment hit a patch of ice, lost control, and flipped on the highway. The driver had to be cut out of the vehicle by first responders, but we’re incredibly grateful to be able to say he is safe and relatively unharmed. His safety was our number one priority.
Some of our gear made it out of the wreckage, but most of our production did not. Video, lighting, and a lot of other pieces were completely destroyed. Our crew showed up in the most unbelievable way. They rallied together, salvaged what they could, and somehow got our essential gear to Chicago so last nights show could still happen. We can’t express how thankful we are for them.”
The Memphis May Fire frontman added that the band was unsure when they’d be able to replace the full production on this tour, but were “looking at every possible option.”
“What we do know is that the shows will go on. This band, this crew, and this community won’t quit. To our fans: thank you for being the heart and soul of this tour. Your energy, your voices, your passion, THAT is what makes every night unforgettable. Whether we’re standing in front of a full production or none at all, we’re going to give you everything we’ve got. We love you all.”
The tour continues as scheduled, with Memphis May Fire performing in a stripped-back format while they work through the aftermath of the crash.
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