The musical rise of talented Port Macquarie guitarist Chris Rose has hit an unexpected hurdle after about $6000 in equipment, including his brand new guitar, was stolen.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The local singer songwriter was performing in Coffs Harbour on Saturday, May 18 when his car window was smashed and equipment stolen.
His plans for another show in Wollongong the next day were cancelled and replaced by another act.
The magnetic muso has previously been a opening support act for Aussie pop band Sheppard on their 'Watching the Sky National Tour' in 2018 and a support act on tour with The Black Sorrows and Thirsty Merc.
However the theft has put his life on hold, according to Rose.
"I'm a pretty tough person but I'll be brutally honest, it was a really tough moment for me," he said.
"When I realised this had happened, and that all my beloved live performing equipment had been taken, my stomach churned."
Rose said he had performed until late on the Saturday night, packed his equipment into his Corolla behind the venue and gone to sleep.
"When I saw the car window smashed in the morning my heart dropped," he said.
"I thought 'this can't be real'. Everything was gone."
The thieves allegedly made off with a powered Yamaha mixer, Yamaha emx7 box powered mixer, Cube amp street EX busking amp, steel toolbox, bag of speaker leads, small stage light, mic leads, guitar leads, snark tuner, capos and two microphones.
Also stolen was Rose's brand new Cole Clark Guitar in a hard case, which he had bought two months before for $2400.
In a last ditch effort to continue performing, Rose has called for public support through a GoFundMe page, raising $1330 in three days.
"I'm calling out for any support that I can get to help me replace some of this equipment, so I can get back on stage performing for you all once again," he said.
"I don't expect to reach the full replacement value of the equipment that was taken.
"I don't expect anyone to donate their life savings, but any support that I can get from friends and family would be truly much appreciated."
Relying on borrowed equipment and a guitar purchased for $1500, Rose now heads to his next performances in Crescent Head Country Club and Port Macquarie's Finnian's Tavern this weekend.
"My goal is now to get a mixer as quickly as I can because there are heaps of gigs booked," he said.
"To get my own gear will be the mission. If I don't reach the GoFundMe goal it could take a few months."
What else is making news, sport?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.