The Calling Singer Says He Was Assaulted, Abducted, Robbed

The incident occurred between 3 and 4 a.m. Sunday following The Calling’s performance at the festival Saturday evening.

TMZ broke the story, reporting that its sources say Band was walking from his hotel to a nearby mini mart when a van pulled up alongside the singer.

In a statement from Sgt. Craig Gormley of the Lapeer City Police Department (via People) Band “reported being forced into a blue-colored minivan-style vehicle between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. by two male subjects.”

Gormley’s statement adds, “The victim reported being assaulted, robbed and dropped off on another street [before he] was transported to the local hospital emergency department by another band member.”

Band’s manager called 911 and told the operator, “I don’t know who kidnapped him … He’s bleeding all over the place and I found him on the side of the road,” according to the 911 call obtained by TMZ.

The manager said that he went to go look for Band after he was missing for a couple of hours.

Band was treated and released from the hospital, according to the police statement.

A press release from the group’s PR rep says that after its hiatus, The Calling now features the frontman backed by a new band. Big Machine Media’s announcement notes that Band “was at the height of music stardom in the early 2000’s pop world but took a severe, almost death drop on a roller coaster of a ride by almost dying from drug abuse combined with the struggle of personal relationships.”

Band said, “This second chance has given me great fodder for our new music.”

The Calling is putting out an album of acoustic renditions of its top hits, called The Calling: 8 Track, along with an album of new songs set for release in early 2014.

Update: Big Machine Media sent out another announcement today. This time, the PR company is addressing Band’s attack, saying it was not a hoax and that drugs and alcohol were not involved.

“Alex was grabbed by his shirt and hit from behind and lost his footing. He was beaten with a police baton with a gun pointed to his face demanding Band’s ‘Hollywood money.’ After Band fought back he was cornered in the van with gun to his face and Band told the assailants, ‘Don’t kill me as I am about to be a dad.’ After more beating the assailants responded with ‘We don’t kill fathers’ and then left him for dead at a local railroad track in Lapeer.  

“Band was left with a fractured lower spine, 15 stitches to lower chin, 3 broken teeth and is bruised on his side and stomach from the baton beating.”

The singer said, “I never thought my unborn child would be my savior. I am grateful to be alive and I know that I am destined for bringing my music back to my fans.”