Pinback Drummer Recovers Bass Stolen From Stage in Chase

Pinback had an interesting concert Saturday night in San Diego when singer/bassist Zach Smith had his second bass guitar swiped from sidestage while he was in the middle of performing.

San Diego City Beat reports the band was playing at the Sunset Temple when about 30 minutes into their set Smith noticed that the instrument wasn't in the backstage area off to his right side where he put it.

"Hey, did somebody steal my second bass over there?" Smith said. Pinback -- Smith, drummer Chris Prescott and guitarist/singer Rob Crow -- left the stage to investigate what happened to the very rare and expensive Alembic bass.Prescott, who was outside the venue trying to find the instrument, saw a man stuffing a bass into a garbage can before taking off running down the street. After a few failed attempts at stopping the guy, Prescott caught the culprit a few blocks away. The thief was arrested and then taken into custody.

"Crime doesn't pay!" Prescott told the San Diego publication after the instrument was back in Smith's possession.

While the chase and subsequent arrest took place, Crow decided the show must go on and played solo tunes to keep the audience engaged. After a 40-minute break, the group returned a bit after midnight to carry on with the show, this time with Smith's bass back in hand.

In a 2010 interview with Popmatters Smith revealed his first Alembic bass "was stolen and I was devastated." He didn't have that sad outcome this time thanks to his drummer.

"I guess I do like drummers," Smith said onstage. "Thanks, Chris."

John Schardt, who was working the band's merchandise table, said the thief sneaked to the backstage area unnoticed despite security at the venue.

The group are currently touring but are releasing a new studio album entitled Information Retrieved next month. The band's last proper studio effort was 2007's Autumn of the Seraphs.