The Word Alive frontman Tyler “Telle” Smith has addressed the negative feedback aimed towards him and his bandmates on how they handled the recent theft of some of their belongings while on tour in Michigan. Earlier this week the band were able to track down some of their items that were freshly stolen thanks to an AirTag being stashed within.
A series of posts shared by Smith yesterday (November 29th) detailed how the incident played out. Smith revealed that the band and crew decided to drive to the residence their stolen items were at according to the tracking device and eventually wound up hanging out with the alleged perpetrators of the theft, offering them weed, whiskey and $20 as a “peace offering” in gratitude for the return of their items.
While some decried how dangerous such a situation could play out and the band’s apparent lack of involving the police in the situation, others took issue with the band essentially paying off the alleged thieves. Speaking today on the matter, Smith revealed that the band did try to involve the police, but they didn’t show up. He commented:
To anybody confused:
Yes we called cops, no they didn’t care nor did they come
We had to leave out of state to continue tour
We knew approaching them non-aggressively was smarter, we tried to make the most of a bad situation in hopes of getting our belongings and staying safe
— T E L L E (@tellesmith) November 30, 2021
They aren’t our friends, they thought we were by the end and wanted a photo. Knew this would be one of the most ridiculous stories ever but shit
Glad we handled our own shit and everyone got out safely, that’s all I care about
A lot of internet tough guys in this thread lol
— T E L L E (@tellesmith) November 30, 2021
Literally didn’t give a shit and never even sent a patrol car even though we told them the exact address and that we were headed there
Like easiest thing ever… nothing.
So we handled as peaceful as we could, I’m trying to go home for Christmas you know.
Hope you’re good ??
— T E L L E (@tellesmith) December 1, 2021
I’m pretty sure thieves are always thinking of robbing if given the chance but yes certainly us choosing peaceful resolution in the face of a bad situation is better than escalating it
Fighting fire with fire rarely solves anything
— T E L L E (@tellesmith) November 30, 2021
Lot of clickbait and nobody reach out for more of the story, didn’t know it would blow up like it did I get it
I’m glad we have that weird ass sketchy moment frozen in time with a photo and all our stuff ????
— T E L L E (@tellesmith) November 30, 2021
The band continue to tour with Starset with the following dates booked:
12/01 McKees Rock, PA – Roxian
12/03 Buffalo, NY – Rapids Theater
12/04 New York, NY – Irving Plaza
12/05 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
12/07 Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
12/08 Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
12/10 St Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
12/11 Madison, WI – The Sylvee
12/12 Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis
12/14 Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s
12/15 Chicago, IL – House Of Blues
12/17 Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
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