High On Fire/Sleep’s Matt Pike just had his pedals stolen by airline employees

(Image credit: Josh Brasted/Getty Images)

Stoner-rock legend Matt Pike has had a rough week: after flying home from tour, the High On Fire/Sleep mastermind’s pedalboard went missing - only to be returned completely empty.

According to Ghost Cult Mag, Pike’s zip-tied Pelican roadcase was broken into between Miami and Atlanta by Delta employees - the airline has since denied his claim for insurance.

Pike’s partner Alyssa Maucere detailed the missing gear on Twitter - it’s particularly notable given the boutique stompboxes that populate the ’board, including Daredevil Pedals’ Atomic Clock and Black Arts Toneworks’ Black Sheep, while there’s also a GodCity Riffchild prototype, presumably from Pike’s pal Kurt Ballou.

The pedals will most likely be marked with tape, as well as tour wear and tear, with some addressed to Matt Pike. Fellow guitarists, keep an eye out in the Miami/Atlanta area.

@Delta Grammy Award-Winning Matt Pike of #Sleep and #Highonfire had his pedals stolen from a pilfered Pelican case on your watch! Delivered empty on his doorstep! You have a thief working behind the scenes! AND you denied our claim! SPREAD THE WORD! pic.twitter.com/R6nqStHdMMJune 27, 2019

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.