Yesterday in Hickory, North Carolina, Elephant Revival awoke just in time to flee their smoldering tour bus as it went up in flames. The reasons for the blaze have been determined to be electrical in nature. The entire band and their crew managed to escape with only minor smoke inhalation symptoms and a fresh appreciation for life. Elephant Revival released the following statement on their social media accounts to let their fans know what had happened and that they were safe:

Greetings friends…. We are writing to let you all know that we are safe and sound this morning. An electrical fire ignited in the back of the bunk room. Luckily, we were already parked at the venue in North Carolina. It all happened very quickly, while some of us were sleeping and some of us were waking. A chorus of voices yelled smoke, as the initial flames encroached upon Daniel’s feet in the back lower bunk. Within two minutes, black smoke billowed through the windows as the interior of the bus went up in flames.

We are so appreciative for this life, our family and friends, and each other. Thank you to the Red Cross, the fire department and the good people of Hickory. We’ve lost much in terms of material possessions and instruments of the trade, yet we remain grateful.

Guitarist Daniel Rodriguez described his harrowing awakening later in the day.

Well, this morning I woke up inside a bunk engulfed in flames. A visual and sensation that will not be quickly forgotten. It was an electrical fire that started at an outlet at the foot of my bunk. Had I not heard Bonnie yelling “smoke, smoke, smoke” I might not be writing this right now! If Bonnie hadn’t heard Dango yelling “smoke” who knows how things would’ve turned out. Fortunately it was only possessions that turned to char and ash. Sadly we lost our beautiful handmade instruments among other cherished belongings… And yet, we are so very lucky to have escaped in the nick of time. I truly love my band mates and co workers, and am joyed that I can still see them smiling. The show must go on… We start at 9.
With love and a smokey musk,
Dan

Ps. I’m not much of someone that enjoys adding to the sensationalism of newsworthy material, but dang, this was a smoking story… A real hot topic… Gratitude to my friends who saved my ass! Love ya’s

Ps#2 Thank you to the Hickory Fire Dept…. The Red Cross… And all the fine folks from Hickory who helped!

Fiddler Bridget Law took a similar view, though she did share a sad picture of her beloved fiddles burnt remains:

Happy to be alive and well alongside my friends. But man, these were some amazing instruments… RIP fids

A fan based Go Fund Me has been started to help the band replace some of the more personal, hand crafted instruments lost in the blaze. You can donate to them HERE.