The latest victim in a flurry of thefts plaguing rock musicians over the past few months is Live guitarist Chad Taylor.

Taylor's 1960 Fender Jazz Master guitar was stolen sometime between the band's gig at the Bayfront Auditorium in Pensacola, Florida on Wednesday, and before yesterday's concert at the New Orleans House Of Blues. The surf-green guitar, which bears the name "Ruby Lou" in red letters, was allegedly taken from the band's gear vehicle. The guitar is pictured at the band's official Web site, www.friendsoflive.com.

Earlier this year, both Sonic Youth and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion suffered the theft of their equipment while on tour (see "Sonic Youth In Search Of Stolen Gear" and "Jon Spencer Blues Explosion's Gear Stolen").

In a statement, Taylor said, "Ruby Lou has been my main tool of expression for the past five years. All of the passion and love for music that I have has been channeled through that guitar. Please help me find it."

The guitar's serial number was 42513, and it was held in a rectangular shaped brown road case. Taylor is offering a $1000 reward for the guitar, no questions asked.

If you have any information about the guitar, the band is asking that you contact Doris at Friends Of Live at (610) 866-6689 or FOLinfo@aol.com.

For lots of good news on Live, don't forget to check out the MTV Online feature: "Live: Going The Distance".