R.E.M have launched an appeal to recover a guitar belonging to guitarist Peter Buck, which was stolen following a concert in Helsinki on Tuesday.

Buck has used the Rickenbacker since the band released their debut 1982 EP 'Chronic Town'.

In a statement on their website, R.E.M said: “Needless to say, this instrument means a great deal to Peter and to REM.”

They added that anyone who has information that could help recover the guitar will “receive a generous reward, no questions asked."

The theft comes in the middle of the band's world tour, which called in the UK last month.

As previously reported, Iron Maiden and Iggy Pop and the Stooges have both been subject to equipment thefts over recent months.

(by Jason Gregory)