Wizzard legend Roy Wood cancels gig after tour van stolen
Rock legend Roy Wood has been forced to cancel a Christmas gig after thieves made off with the band's equipment.
It's believed that £100,000 worth of band equipment and the band's van was stolen in the Leeds area.
The group then had to cancel their gig at Hull City Hall only hours before they were due to take to the stage.
It's believed the equipment was stolen in the evening of December 12, the night before the show, or in the early hours of December 13.
The venue, Hull City Hall, said on Twitter: "Unfortunately, owing to a crime that was committed last night in which Roy Wood and his band had their instruments, sound system and vehicle stolen, tonight's show at Hull City Hall has been cancelled.
"Roy sends his sincere apologies. Customers will be contacted about refunds."
West Yorkshire Police were unable to provide a comment.
The 72-year-old is billed to play a Christmas concert at Sheffield Memorial and City Hall on December 20 but it is unclear whether this gig will still go ahead, with a number of websites still selling tickets for the event.
The 'I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day' star from Birmingham, gained notoriety as the co-founder of The Move, Electric Light Orchestra and Wizzard.
Born in Kitts Green in Birmingham, he was well known for all three of his major bands, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 alongside the ELO line-up of Jeff Lynne, Bev Bevan and Richard Tandy.
Most recently the rock hero returned to his home city for his annual Christmas party.
On December 2 he teamed up with special guests Alfie Boe and Mark King to bring his event 'Rockmas' to Birmingham Symphony Hall.
