Sunderland musician ‘absolutely devastated’ by guitar theft

A musician said he was “absolutely devastated” by the theft of a beloved guitar he had been given by his grandfather.

Tom A. Smith, from Sunderland, was on his way to London with his band for a radio interview and gig on Friday evening when his van was broken into at London Gateway service station.

All their belongings were taken, including a band member’s laptop and medication.

“Don’t know what to do. Could have cried actually,” Mr Smith posted on social media.

The 20-year-old singer said that the guitar was given to him by his grandfather about seven years ago.

“It’s my prized possession, the biggest thing I own,” he told the BBC.

“Actually, I only recently started bringing it to shows because I was worried it would get stolen.”

Mr Smith said the thieves were “obviously professional” as the band did not realize the van had been broken into until they reached their destination.

The interview, on Radio X, went ahead but without the planned live session.

The singer said he had reported the theft to the police, who were “helpful”, but was not hopeful of ever seeing his kit again.

“I could have cried,” he said. “I’m devastated. If anyone sees something like this for sale online please get in touch.”

The singer’s Facebook post has prompted several sympathetic comments, including one tagging music star Elton John and asking him to help.