WILMINGTON — Wilmington based reggae band “Signal Fire” has been touring the Northeastern United States the past few weeks supporting Jamaican musician Jesse Royal. On the final leg of its journey back to the Port City, the band’s van, “El Flama Blanco,” blew a head gasket, leaving the group stranded just outside Washington D.C.
“El Flama Blanco” had been the band’s mode of transportation over the past four years, taking them to over 400 shows, and covering well over 2,000 miles on this tour alone.
“We were about 2,600 miles deep on tour from Vermont and all around the Northeast, and we were almost to D.C. when the head gasket blew in the engine,” bass player Cullen Seward said. “So, she is essentially done.” (Editor’s note: Seward works for Local Voice Wilmington, the parent company of Port City Daily.)
Seward says they’ll need to replace the van with something different, that’s at least able to haul their trailer. They plan to sell the van for scrap metal and have set up a GoFundMe page to support the effort.
The bands page lists an obituary, that states:
“After years of loyal service, ‘El Flama Blanco’ died in Washington, DC on the way back from Vermont. She was out helping Signal Fire tour the Northeast.
“She enjoyed long naps, upbeat jam sessions, introspective conversation, and most of all the loving attention from her boys. Flama is survived by her four brothers Ken, Sean, Carl, and Cullen. Any donations to her memory will be put towards a new van for the band. Thanks, and continue to support live music.”
Signal Fire is preparing to release its sophomore album, “Liftup,” later this summer, and have over 30 upcoming concerts remaining this summer. For more information, visit it website at signalfireband.com, and or visit them on Facebook for the latest updates.
If you would like to donate to the band’s effort to purchase a new vehicle, visit the Signal Fire GoFundMe page.
Get in touch with Reporter Cory Mannion: follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or send an email at cory@localvoicemedia.com.
