In October 2013, SCOPE members were just as shocked as anyone when news broke about the band Delorean’s kidnapping in Mexico City. Not only did it result in the cancelation of several tour-performances, but also its show in Iowa City.
The four musicians will focus on their plans, including a venture to Iowa City. Delorean will perform at the Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., at 9 p.m. Friday. Admission is $12.
SCOPE Assistant General Manager Kaitlyn Drake said she was excited about the rescheduled performance, noting that while one can’t plan everything, one can reschedule.
“Of course we were disappointed upon hearing the news, but we’re so glad that all the members of the band are safe,” she said. “We respect the time they took off in the fall and are very grateful that they were willing to reschedule. It’s going to be a great show, maybe even more so now for the fans because of the build up and anticipation.”
Vocalist and bassist Ekhi Lopetegi has put the cancelation of several performances behind him and said the power of fans, live performance, and the music have been good distractions during this traumatic experience.
“What happened was bad, terrible, horrifying — all that. We didn’t want to talk about it much; we just wanted to forget it or olvidar,” Lopetegi said. “We got home and worked in the studio pretty hard. We hit the road as soon as we could. I think that’s the best way to not leave space for bad things in your life. That’s all you can do — move forward.”
Executive Director of the Englert Andre Perry remembered the cancellation as an unfortunate event because of an “insane” situation. However, he said, he is excited about the upcoming performance.
“There’s such a positive ending to this story,” he said. “It’s going to be better weather this weekend, and the concert is a positive thing to look forward to. It’s an exciting time of year in Iowa City.”
Lopetegi said the band is lucky to be able to make a career out of the members’ passion and work alongside friends on a day-to-day basis.
“It’s one of the most beautiful things that can happen to you,” he said. “You’re doing something that comes naturally from you, and there’s a reward from that. It’s pretty amazing, and we forget that not everyone can do it.”