The dastardly deed took place at a La Quinta Inn in Macon, Ga., hours after the band played a Friday-night gig at a local theater. Included in the heist were several pieces of the band’s vintage equipment from the ‘60s and ‘70s, some of it described by the group’s representatives as “irreplaceable.” Among the purloined gear were guitars, amps, drums, merch and production gear.

So far, there has been at least one lead in the case. According to the band’s website, a man identified as Atlanta resident Reginald Ellis tried to pawn three of the stolen items. Ellis is reportedly still at large.

“It’s definitely a blow to the band,” Drivin’ N Cryin’ manager Ken Green told the Macon Telegraph. “It’s hard to bounce back from. It’s like anything you work with and create with when it’s gone. They were used to this equipment and it was ‘broken in.’”

So far it looks as if the heist won’t affect Drivin’ N Cryin’s touring schedule. Since the theft, the band has been on the receiving end of that legendary southern hospitality as fans and friends step forward to help the group in its time of need. According to the band’s manager, even The Allman Brothers Band has offered to loan equipment to the group. The band’s next date is Sept. 17 at the Bikefest in Bainbridge, Ga.

For more information, click here for the Drivin’ N Cryin’ website and here to read the complete Macon Telegraph article.