R.E.M. has announced that Peter Buck's signature Rickenbacker guitar was stolen from the stage immediately following the band's performance last night at Finnair Stadium in Helsinki, Finland.
The instrument is Buck's iconic signature Rick, which has been the staple of the guitarist's arsenal both live and in the studio since the band released its first EP Chronictown in 1982. The guitar means a great deal to Buck and to R.E.M.
It is R.E.M.'s sincere hope that whomever is responsible for the loss, or whomever has information leading to the guitar's recovery will come forward. The band is offering a generous reward, no questions asked. Anyone with information is being asked to email tips to fanclub@remtour.com or call (001) 706-353-6689. For further details, please visit www.remhq.com.
R.E.M. is currently in the middle of a European tour in support of its latest album Accelerate.
For more information, please contact Warner Bros. Records Publicity:
Brian Bumbery brian.bumbery@wbr.com 818-953-3203
Renee Harrison renee.Harrison@wbr.com 818-953-3311
Photos available for this release:
photo credit: MTV News
To view photos, go to www.enr-corp.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 165106