Peter Buck's REM guitar stolen

REM's Peter Buck has had his signature guitar stolen, NME reports.

The black Rickenbacker 360, which Buck has used since the band's Chronic Town album in 1982, was taken from the stage after REM's concert in Helsinki last night.

The group is prepared to offer a substantial reward to anyone who can return the guitar.

"This instrument means a great deal to Peter and to REM," a spokesperson said. "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."