September 10, 2008 11:03

REM's signature guitar stolen

Reward on offer for the recovery of Peter Buck's Rickenbacker

REM guitarist Peter Buck's signature guitar has been stolen from the stage after a gig at the Finnair Stadium in Helsinki, Finland, last night (September 9).

The band are appealing for information on the whereabouts of the black Rickenbacker 360 guitar, which Buck has used consistently since the band's debut 1982 EP 'Chronic Town'.

A spokesperson for the group explained that there's a "generous" reward waiting for anyone who can recover the instrument.

"This instrument means a great deal to Peter and to REM. It is our sincere hope that whoever is responsible for the loss, or whoever has information which can help recover the guitar, will come forward to receive a generous reward, no questions asked," they said.

Anyone with any information is urged to email fanclub@remtour.com or phone (001) 706 3536689.

The incident is the latest in a long line of rock-related thefts in recent months, after Iron Maiden had a guitar stolen in Athens and a truck full of 'priceless' Iggy And The Stooges gear went missing in Montreal in August.