Spanish dance band Delorean have announced the dates for their delayed North American tour after a “virtual kidnapping” that took place earlier this month while in Mexico City.

“Virtual kidnapping” has recently emerged as an effective means of extortion in Mexico where the very real threat of abduction can be manipulated. Simulated kidnappings have become a practice where ransom demands are made over the phone by people claiming to hold a relative or loved one hostage. In some cases the supposed victim is persuaded to turn off their cellphone for an extended period of time, making it difficult for now frantic family members to confirm the validity of the threat.

While staying in Mexico City, the members of Delorean were called by people posing as hotel security who then convinced them to move to another hotel for security reasons. Once there, the band was held against their will for a total of 30 hours, during which time the band’s family members were called by an unidentified person demanding ransom. The specifics of the kidnapping and eventual rescue are vague, given that they will not comment beyond their brief statement, but the members of Delorean are now safe.

On Monday morning October 7th we received a phone call at our hotel room in Mexico City from a person posing as a hotel security officer. We were informed that there was a security threat at the hotel.

What followed for the next 30 hours was an experience where the threat of death was real due to the psychological manipulation inflicted on us by our kidnappers. Thanks to the fantastic work of the National Police in Spain, Ertzantza , Interpol and the Federal Police in Mexico, we were successfully rescued yesterday morning.

While it would be convenient to blame Mexico, that would not be sound. This could have occurred anywhere in the world. Our hope is that this situation will bring attention to the abuse that we were subjected to by our kidnappers, so that other travelers do not fall victim in the future.

This has been extremely difficult for us and our families. At this time we have no further comment and we ask that you respect our privacy so that we can return to normality in our lives.

Dates have now been set for their North American tour which has been delayed as a result of the ordeal.

DELOREAN NORTH AMERICAN TOUR 2014
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Jan 24: Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall Of Williamsburg
Jan 25: Washington, DC – Black Cat
Jan 26: Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
Jan 28: Atlanta, GA – Masquerade – Purgatory
Jan 29: Birmingham, AL – Bottle Tree
Jan 30: New Orleans, LA – One Eyed Jacks
Jan 31: Austin, TX – Mohawk
Feb 01: Dallas, TX – Club Dada
Feb 03: El Paso, TX – Lobrow Palace
Feb 05: Phoenix, AZ – Crescent
Feb 06: San Diego, CA – Casbah
Feb 07: Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theater
Feb 09: Santa Ana, CA – Constellation Room
Feb 10: San Francisco, CA – Independent
Feb 11: Seattle, WA – Barboza
Feb 14: Minneapolis, MN – 7th St Entry
Feb 15: Iowa City, IA – The Mill
Feb 18: Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
Feb 20: Toronto, ON – Hoxton
Feb 23: Boston, MA – Sinclair
more dates tba