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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

1985 backdrop banner stolen from punk band D.O.A. after Spokane gig

A banner belonging to Canadian punk band D.O.A., which has accompanied their shows since 1985, was stolen from the back of a van after a gig in Spokane last weekend. (Facebook)
From staff reports

Gear, merchandise and a 20-foot banner were stolen from a van belonging to long-time Canadian punk band D.O.A. after a show Saturday in Spokane.

The banner has served as the band’s backdrop since 1985.

“It’s a part of D.O.A. history,” D.O.A. said in a post on its Facebook page.

Gear and merchandise – “along with (drummer Paddy Duddy)’s legendary Dunnett snare drum,” according to the post – were also stolen. But the band said losing the banner was the major blow.

“Spokane folks and punk’s (sic) everywhere,” the band wrote. “You can’t miss it, it’s 20 feet wide. Reward is being offered, no questions asked.”

D.O.A. is itself a living piece of punk rock history. Started in 1978 in Vancouver, British Columbia, the band is credited as being among the early founders of “hardcore” punk, along with bands like Black Flag and Middle Class.