Beaten And Abused, Keytar Bear Playing Louder

BOSTON, MA — Just a few days after being attacked and racially abused in the streets in which he plays his music, Keytar Bear is getting the support he needs to play a little louder.

A GoFundMe for a new speaker for Keytar Bear, the suspiciously human-sized fuzzball who has played his keytar in Boston for years, has already far surpassed its goal. The GoFundMe was at nearly $4,000 as of Monday afternoon. The goal was $500.

"For all of the entertainment Keytar Bear provides this city, I want to donate a newer, more powerful stage monitor to his cause," said the creator of the GoFundMe. (Subscribe to Boston Patch or like us on Facebook for more local news and updates)

Wondering what a keytar is? Exactly what it sounds like: a lightweight keyboard that you can strap around your shoulder like a guitar and play.

Three New Hampshire juveniles were arrested over the weekend after allegedly ripping off Keytar Bear's mask, racially abusing the man inside, and beating him. They were arraigned Monday in the Suffolk County Juvenile Court. The assault is being reviewed for potential hate crimes charges, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

All three teens were released on $1,500 cash bail and ordered to stay away from the victim, witnesses, and Faneuil Hall. When being arrested, one allegedly told police, "I am a juvenile, we did nothing wrong."

The Keytar Bear performer sustained a facial laceration and swelling to the right eye. He was treated at the scene but declined a transport to the hospital.

A recent Facebook post from We Love Keytar Bear indicates it's going to take more than that to keep Keytar Bear quiet.

Image via GoFundMe