Say it ain't so, Joe! After a show in Spokane, Washington, on June 16, D.O.A. discovered that its van had been broken into. The thief (or thieves) made off with $4,000 worth of gear and merchandise. The biggest loss, though, was a 20-foot-wide banner bearing the band's name, which D.O.A. has used as a backdrop at its concerts for over 30 years.

Dusty O'Brien, a member of the Spokane band Wasted Breath, which had opened for D.O.A. on the night in question, replied to the Vancouver punks' Facebook post about the theft, saying "We are doing our best to get the word out. We have our record label, promoters, friends, & other local bands keeping an eye out. Collectively we will work towards finding as many of your belongings as possible." 

D.O.A. has described its banner as "irreplaceable" and has promised a reward for its return, with no questions asked. Readers with information regarding the banner's theft or its current whereabouts can contact the band through its label, Sudden Death Records, at info@suddendeath.com. 

Meanwhile. D.O.A. continues its 40th-anniversary tour, which includes a July 6 stop at Vancouver's own Rickshaw Theatre. The group's most recent music video, "You Need An Ass Kickin' Right Now" (a sentiment that we here at the Straight would like to send out to the parties responsible for breaking into D.O.A.'s van), includes numerous shots of the legendary banner: