Lee Thompson with his Selmer Mark VI in happier days.
Source: blog.madness.co.uk

As the saxophone player for UK’s Madness, Lee Thompson is used to being in the public eye. However, when the band performed on Sunday night’s edition of the X Factor, little did he think that only a few hours later he would be appealing to the public for the safe return of his horn.

On Sunday night, just one day before the release of their 10th studio album, Madness performed on the UK talent show. After their performance, the Selmer Mark VI mysteriously vanished from the X Factor studios.

In a statement on the website, Madness writes:

Lee Thompson’s Saxophone went missing from the X Factor studios on Sunday night after the band performed on the Xtra Factor. Lee is distraught at the loss, he has had the instrument for many years, it is irreplaceable.

Should anyone have any information on the Selmer Silver Mark VI Saxophone’s whereabouts (Serial Number: M108370) please contact info@madness.co.uk

Information that leads to the safe return of the instrument will result in a Madness related reward.

Is anyone surprised by this? I guess we shouldn’t be, but in a way I am. As the victim of an attempted Mark VI tenor theft myself—our drummer stopped the theft—I know these things happen, but a saxophone. Really?

I still find it hard to get my head around why anyone would steal a saxophone. Guitars I can see, but something that’s not easy for a beginner to immediately generate a sound from. Really?

I wonder if the thief knew what they were stealing? Did they know they were stealing a Mark VI? Were they perhaps a saxophone player?

Given we musicians have such a bond with our instruments, I find it difficult to believe that a true musician would steal another’s ax. No, whoever stole this Mark VI was definitely not a true musician. Sure, they might be musical, and they might even play an instrument, but they sure as hell aren’t a true musician.

Or perhaps the thief was just a fan, or someone looking to make a quick buck from something the could hock in a pawn shop. Regardless, stealing a musician’s ax is nearly as low on the theft ladder as a thief can go.

So if you are tenor shopping, and come across Selmer Mark VI, #M108370, let Lee Thompson know at the band’s email address provided above. Sure, do it for the reward. But also do it because it’s just the right thing to do.

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Written in part with material from:

Madness launch appeal for saxophone lost after ‘X Factor’ performance, October, 13, 2012, NME.com