Local Musicians React to Missing Surfer

Daniel Bobis, the Long Beach resident who disappeared while surfing off the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra Sunday morning, is well-known in the community for many things. He is a lifelong local resident, a well-liked teacher at Long Beach High School and founder of the high school surf team.

However, the surf team isn't the only thing Bobis founded. In 1996, he, along with three other Long Beach residents, formed the metal/hardcore band Cipher.

Cipher, which is largely considered an underground band, combines elements of hardcore, punk and metal, and has been a staple in the Long Island metal scene since its inception.

"Yes, it's true our friend, brother, and bandmate Danny has gone missing in Sumatra," Cipher said in a statement released yesterday via Facebook. "We ask that you all put him in your prayers if you pray or keep him in your thoughts if that works for you."

One day after his disappearance, other bands and fans around the country have flocked to Cipher's Facebook page with endless messages of support for the missing drummer.

"Our hearts go out to our good friends in Cipher," Long Island band FXZERO said on Facebook. "Dan Bobis is a great dude and an extremely talented musician and we wish nothing but the best for their situation. [Long Island Hardcore] needs you Dan, please come home."

Bobis is one of two founding members still in the band. Cipher is signed to Uprising records and has been playing shows across the country since their founding. However, the band is best-known right here on Long Island, where local musicians have continued to show support for one of their brothers.

Gary Michel, lead singer for the Long Island-based band From the Pawn, said he has known Bobis for almost 10 years now and played a show with him just a few months ago.

"Anyone who knows Danny knows that he is the most humble, generous and sincere person, whose influence and inspiration exceeds far beyond this music scene," Michel told Patch. "... Sometimes bad things happen to good people, and this is the worst thing that could happen to the best person."

Michel added, "From the Pawn, as well as the rest of his family, friends, fans, students, community and whoever else he's touched, have him deep in our hearts and can only hope for the absolute best."

Bands are also pushing for fans and friends to donate to a fund which has been set up to aid in the search for Bobis.

The Queens-based band Doomsday Mourning sent out the following message to its Facebook fans yesterday afternoon after learning of the news: "... Funds will be allocated to any resources that will support the search including helicopter rental, local manpower, travel expenses, etc. All donations will be given directly to the family. Time is of the essence. Thank you for your support in these crucial hours. To donate, send funds to dannybobisfund@gmail.com."

Friends of the family are asking for help in urging the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta to send a helicopter to search for Bobis. The Embassy can be reached by calling (62)(21) 3435-9000 or visiting their website.