'Grateful to be alive': The Calling singer Alex Band speaks after abduction and beating in Michigan
'Wherever You Will Go' singer said he was 'near death' during minivan ordeal
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Your support makes all the difference.The lead singer in the American rock band The Calling has said he's "grateful to be alive", as further details emerged of his abduction ordeal.
Alex Band - best known for 2001 hit "Wherever You Will Go" - was abducted, beaten and "left for dead" on Sunday, and apparently only spared death after telling his captors he was about to become a father.
He was left with a fractured lower spine, needed 15 stitches, three broken teeth, and had bruises around his torso.
"I am grateful to be alive and I know that I am destined for bringing my music back to my fans."
Band had performed with the LA-based group on Saturday night at Lapeer Days festival in Lapeer, Michigan, 50 miles north of Detroit.
A statement from the band, seen by US Weekly, said: "After a heavily attended Lapeer Days Festival, the singer was abducted after the show during a trip to the mini-mart." The incident reportedly happened around 4am.
"Alex was grabbed (by) his shirt and hit from behind and lost his footing," the statement went on.
The singer was beaten with a police baton and had a gun put to his face while an attacker demanded his "Hollywood money."
"After Band fought back," the release continued, "he was cornered in the van with the gun to his face, and Band told the assailants, 'Don't kill me as I am about to be a dad.'
"After more beating, the assailants responded with 'We don't kill fathers' and then left him for dead at a local railroad track in Lapeer."
Yesterday, Band acknowledged having past substance abuse problems, but denied what he said were rumours that the abduction report was either drug-related or faked.
He said: "I take my rehabilitation very seriously. I was near death due to this unbelievable situation, and the rumours are categorically false."
Band added: "I never thought my unborn child would be my saviour."
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