Guitarist has the blues after theft of his beloved Strat

THE frontman of a city band had his guitar stolen after the crowd at one of their gigs begged for more.

Edinburgh group Black Diamond Express finished their performance at the Spiegeltent on George Square by telling fans to meet them at a nearby underpass for an impromptu acoustic show.

However, when Toby Mottershead – who founded the blues band five years ago – returned to get his beloved £1500 Fender Stratocaster Deluxe from the popular tent venue last week, it had been taken.

He is now appealing for musicians across the Lothians to look out for the instrument in case the thieves attempt to pass it on.

Police in Edinburgh also confirmed they are investigating and have appealed for information.

The 34-year-old told the Evening News: “We had to finish at midnight because of noise regulations.

“The crowd were baying for more so we said over the microphone we’d go down to the underpass by Bristo Square with an acoustic guitar and a double bass. We did that and it was brilliant.

“I also work setting up the Spiegeltent as a bit of extra work so I know everyone who works there and they’re all trusted, so I thought it would be okay to leave the guitar. But when I went to collect it on Tuesday it wasn’t there.”

The theft is both a financial and a sentimental blow for the musician.

Toby said: “I don’t think a musician would take it – every guitarist knows how special an instrument is to the person who owns it.

“I think whoever did it is looking to move it on, so I’m hopeful someone will spot it.

“I’m hardly destitute because of this, but I’m a musician, and I don’t have £1500 sitting about to buy a new one.”

Already dozens of city musicians have appealed through their Facebook and Twitter pages for the guitar’s return, and that is a tactic which has proven useful in the past.

Toby’s guitar can easily be identified by its unique serial number of 028242212.

A police spokesman said: “Police are investigating the theft of a guitar from within a storage shed in the Spiegeltent area. Anyone with any information should contact us on 0131 311 3131.”

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