The Calling’s Alex Band says alleged assault was no hoax

Alex Band, leader of local rock band the Calling, described in detail what he says was an abduction and assault after a performance in Lapeer, Mich., on Sunday.

Band said the alleged early morning attack left him with a fractured lower spine, 15 stitches to his chin, three broken teeth and bruises on his stomach after being hit with what he said was a police baton. He said he was left for dead at a local railroad track in Lapeer, a city about 60 miles north of Detroit. The bandmate who delivered him to the hospital is unnamed, nor were details provided on how Band was found.

Band has spoken with CNN and ABC’s “Good Morning America” about the alleged incident, which was first reported by gossip site TMZ. Band has said that he was “beaten with a police baton with a gun pointed to his face” and that his assailants demanded he surrender his “Hollywood money.”

“I am grateful to be alive and I know that I am destined for bringing my music back to my fans,” Band said via a statement posted on the group’s official Facebook page. The band performed at the Lapeer Days Festival on Saturday evening. Other acts included Nine Days and the Sweet Charlie Band.

The Calling had a hit in 2001 with “Wherever You Will Go,” a power ballad-like rock ‘n’ roll number. The band last released an album in 2004 and had just announced a comeback this weekend.

Speaking to CNN, Band responded to accusations that the whole incident was a hoax to create publicity or related to alleged drug use. “This just happened to me. I didn’t kidnap myself, or beat ... myself,” he said on CNN. “So the whole hoax thing is honestly kind of disgusting to even think about, or hear.”

He further elaborated on the hoax accusations in his official statement. “I take my rehabilitation very seriously I was near death due to this unbelievable situation and the rumors are categorically false and not a hoax as reported.”

The Lapeer Police Department issued a statement reporting that the incident took place between 3 and 4 a.m. Sunday. Police said they were called to McLaren-Lapeer Region Hospital at 4:30 a.m. in response to a reported abduction/robbery that had occurred earlier in the morning.

“The victim, a member of the band the Calling, reported being forced into a blue colored minivan style vehicle,” according to the police report.

The incident remains under investigation, said a Lapeer police clerk when reached by phone Tuesday afternoon. Police are seeking two male suspects, but no other details on the alleged assailants were provided.

A statement on the group’s official Facebook page reads as follows: “After Band fought back he was cornered in the van with gun to his face and Band told the assailants, ‘Don’t kill me as I am about to be a dad.’ ” Band said he continued to be attacked. Eventually, Band claims that one of those assaulting him said, “We don’t kill fathers.”

A band spokesman has not respond to requests for comment or more information.

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