287 replies to this topic

[MurmursAdministrator]

Sadly, Peter's signature Rickenbacker guitar was stolen from the stage immediately following tonight's performance in Helsinki, Finland. This is Peter's infamous signature Rick, which has been the staple of Peter's arsenal both live and in the studio since the band released Chronictown in 1982. Needless to say, this instrument means a great deal to Peter and to R.E.M. 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.

Email information to fanclub@remtour.com or phone (001) 706 353-6689...

[In the Corner]

:eek:  I just saw that on remhq!!!  How horrible!  I wonder if it'll be held for ransom?

[mgeldere]

bloody hell - that's the guitar he's had for 26 years....

if any "REM fan" seriously considers this to be the trophy to put on the wall above the fireplace please reconsider what you've done here. Send it back by post, leave it in a box outside your local newspaper's office but please return it.

SOMEONE MUST HAVE SEEN SOMETHING - I have been at many REM shows and ALWAYS - after the show - people hang around near the stage. It's not exactly something you slip in your pocket - not sure how many people were in Helsinki but a few thousand people, roadies and security simply cannot miss someone sneaking onto the stage, stealing a guitar and smuggling outside? Rangi, security, CCTV footage of the venue?

Unbelievable - clearly this has little commercial value - Peter has repeatedly said it's a fairly cheap guitar so the guitar itself has probably little value. The only - and huge - value is the emotional value of it being Peter's guitar for so many years. Given it will be difficult to sell it sounds as if it's been snatched by a so-called REM fan who wants it as a collector's item.

I think Peter's best hope is that this person is likely to use the guitar to show off to friends and someone will give a tip to REMHQ. May be the promised reward will do the trick. I guess as much publicity as possible (including mentioning the reward) will potentially help.

Going really well - 6 months ago or so someone snatched Robyn Hitchcock's main guitar whilst on tour with the Venus 3 (incl Peter) and now Peter's guitar.
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Edited by mgeldere, 09 September 2008 - 02:57 PM.

[lizzybknits]

i can't believe it... i saw this on the remroaddog twitter feed, and couldn't believe it. someone had to have seen something...:confused:

[kohoutekdriver8]

:mad:

[Leilani]

Where's the glory in having a stolen guitar.  It's not like a piece of jewelery that has any material value, or a harmonica or guitar pick that was given/thrown out as a souvenir.  I hope the person who took it feels sick to their stomach and returns it without asking for the reward.  It's not a funny prank and only a low-life would take this opportunistic measure - it's just wrong.

[Sibko]

terrible news :(

[Spacey-cadet]

How the hell could this happen?  What is security for?  Poor Peter - like losing an old friend......I know it's a material item....but it's the attachment after so many years.  I wear my mother's wedding ring and I'd be devastated if I lost it.

[lyric girl]

I am SO upset! Unfortunately, this kind of stuff does happen at shows and happens a lot. I don't think that Peter has another from that era. It can likely be replaced, but mid tour...well...

Well, I hope whoever took it has a mighty big KARMA SLAP!

Sigh:(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(

[lyric girl]

Spacey-cadet said:

How the hell could this happen?  What is security for?  Poor Peter - like losing an old friend......I know it's a material item....but it's the attachment after so many years.  I wear my mother's wedding ring and I'd be devastated if I lost it.

A friend of my husband had his vintage Gibson Les Paul (close to the same era as Peter's Rick) stolen. Whoever took it, managed to get a second empty case into the show and simply put the guitar in it and walked out (somehow).

This really bites!

[blueshades87]

We should probably keep a lookout on sites like ebay just in case they're stupid enough to try and sell it.  Or facebook/myspace if they try to take "look what we've got" photos.

If I get to the guy responsible...

[Avalon]

Certainly the person that stole Peter's guitar will eventually face their own karma. With so many people around after a show, cameras, etc. I really hope the thief will be identified. How absolutely shameful and disgusting. This thief is not a fan.

[Southern Gothic NC]

This is terrible news. I hope the person(s) involved will find it in their heart to come forward and return it. I can't imagine how this could have happened. It's not like they had it packed up in the back of their van like back in the day. This is not the first time a musician's instrument was stolen but you'd think with security and all things like this wouldn't happen, especially in the position that R.E.M. is in. I wonder was the thief going for Peter's guitar or just any instrument he/she could get their hands on first? This is a sad day in R.E.M.'s history. It ruins the whole touring vibe and everything. Something is just not right! I hope Peter gets his guitar back. It's very special to him and magical, melodic music to our ears.

Edited by Southern Gothic NC, 09 September 2008 - 03:20 PM.

[munchkinzed]

Just outrageous. Peter must be gutted. I just don't understand how anyone can do that???? :(  Really hope it turns up...

[Jemstein123]

:O How unbelivably pissed we all are (my fellow REM fans) am just talking to now..- am so shocked and..disgusted in the individual/s who stole peters guitar and i hope to hell it is found.. :(  shocking! poor peter.:(
jeez..ugh some people...
What a day...

Edited by Jemstein123, 09 September 2008 - 03:26 PM.

[lyric girl]

I imagine if this person attempts to sell it, they're going to have to peel the trucker girl sticker off. It's been there for a long time and they may not be able to get rid of all the residue. Hopefully, that will tip somebody off if this person tries to sell it.

[tenbyblue]

Can't believe someone would do this.
Really gutted for him.

[Avalon]

I just posted a notice in Ebay's (USA) Music and Musicians forum. Lynda is posting in a few guitar forums she know of. Let's spread the word! Maybe some of you can post in your country's Ebay forums too.

[Sweet Fanny Addams]

Damn. I am so sorry to hear this. Whoever is responsible is a piece of shit.  I hope the guitar is found and returned safely to Peter. He must be devastated. Is it the one with the hologram lady on it?
BASTARDS.
ETA-- sorry just saw post saying it is the one with the lovely lady. How awful, he's had that guitar for so long it's probably  like losing a body part. :(

Edited by Sweet Fanny Addams, 09 September 2008 - 03:32 PM.

[lyric girl]

Sweet Fanny Addams said:

Damn. I am so sorry to hear this. Whoever is responsible is a piece of shit.  I hope the guitar is found and returned safely to Peter. He must be devastated. Is it the one with the hologram lady on it?
BASTARDS.
ETA-- sorry just saw post saying it is the one with the lovely lady. How awful, he's had that guitar for so long it's probably  like losing a body part. :(

Etty,

Yes it is the one with the lovely lady (aka trucker girl) on it.:o

I am SO sad!