R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck is the latest rocker victimized by instrument theft as his signature black Rickenbacker 360 was lifted after the band's performance at the Finnair Stadium in Helsinki on Tuesday night. Following a disturbing trend, artists like Iggy Pop and Anthrax have also been victimized in recent weeks.

"This instrument means a great deal to Peter and to R.E.M.," a band spokesperson says. "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."

"This is Peter's infamous signature Rick, which has been a staple of Peter's arsenal both live and in the studio since the band released ' Chronic Town ' in 1982," a post explains on REMHQ.com. Fans are urged to email fanclub@remtour.com or call (001) 707 3536689 with any information on the whereabouts of the instrument.

Buck was a key figure in the resurgence of the Rickenbacker brand in the early in the 1980s. It was originally made popular by the Beatles and the Byrds, and, subsequently, by the likes of Tom Petty, the Jam's Paul Weller and the Smiths' Johnny Marr.