Pete Grogan's Yamaha Custom Z saxophone stolen in Highgate

Published: 21 October, 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

A JAZZ star who had his “priceless” saxophone stolen from his car while he was giving a music lesson has pleaded with thieves to give it back.

Pete Grogan, a member of the Mercury-nominated jazz group Led Bib, said he was “devastated” by the loss of his custom-made Yamaha saxophone in Highgate two weeks ago.

The instrument, which is worth around £3,000, was swiped on Saturday October 2, from the boot of his car parked in Highgate Road by the Bull and Last pub, while he was taking a jazz band class at William Ellis School.

He has put London’s specialist instrument shops on red alert hoping to catch the thief trying to cash in on a quick-fire sale.

He said: “I’ve had it about three years, and use it pretty much every day. I know it’s going to sound a bit ‘silly muso-ish’, but I love that instrument. I’m completely heartbroken. 

“For a musician there is a real relationship between you and your instrument. What’s so annoying is that I take it everywhere and never leave it in my car. I don’t know why I did!

“It also had a separate mouthpiece which is irreplaceable. It’s from the 1950s and I have had it since college. If anyone witnessed it or sees the instrument, I would urge them to get in touch.”

The saxophone is a black lacquered Yamaha Custom Z and has an engraving of the brand name.

A Camden Police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm we are investigating. Forensics have looked at the car to take fingerprints.”