AUDIENCE members came to the rescue when American rock band Dr Hook had their guitars stolen just before going on stage.
A police investigation is under way after Dr Hook arrived at Hull City Hall to find two guitars were missing.
It happened on Friday afternoon after the band had held a sound check at the venue.
Simon Green, assistant head of sports, leisure and heritage at Hull City Council, said: "Two guitars were stolen just before the Dr Hook performance on Friday evening.
"We have reported the matter to the police and the matter is under investigation. We apologise to visitors for the delayed start to the show."
The band's manager went on to the stage just before the gig was due to start to say the guitars had been stolen.
He asked audience members to contact friends and relatives to borrow guitars.
After 40 minutes, two guitars had arrived at the venue and the band was able to perform.
Dr Hook fan Megan Griffiths, 58, of north Hull, was among those at the gig.
"It was a bit disappointing, as I have waited years for Dr Hook to come to Hull," she said.
"The venue's manager came on stage before they were due to come on to say their guitars had been stolen and asking the audience if they could beg and borrow two guitars.
"People were ringing up relatives to see if they could bring guitars to the venue.
"In the end they were 35 to 40 minutes late on stage, but the guitars weren't tuned and the sound wasn't as good as it would have been with their own guitars.
"We cannot blame the group. I just don't know how the guitars were taken.
"There was a pretty good atmosphere, but a few people did leave when the manager came out and said about the guitars."
The band performed tracks from their new album Timeless, alongside hits such as Carry Me Carrie, Roland The Roadie and Gertrude The Groupie.
Di Clune, who was also at the gig, posted on Facebook: "What an awesome show, even though between them rehearsing and the show going on someone stole two guitars, thus almost causing the concert to be cancelled.
"Fortunately, they asked the audience if any family member could assist and loan a guitar or two and the show went on. Although 45 minutes late, it was a cracking show full of old songs and energy.
"A pleasure to have attended just disgusted that they shall remember Hull for all the wrong things."
Formed around Union City, New Jersey, and originally named Dr Hook and the Medicine Show, the band enjoyed considerable commercial success in the 1970s, with hit singles including Sylvia's Mother, The Cover Of Rolling Stone, A Little Bit More and When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman.
In addition to their own material, Dr Hook and the Medicine Show performed songs written by the poet Shel Silverstein.
The founding members of the band consisted of George Cummings, Ray Sawyer and Billy Francis, who had previously worked together in a band called The Chocolate Papers.
Anyone with any information about the theft should call Humberside Police on 101.
