Appeal to find Pecker Dunne’s missing banjo

A search is underway for a very special piece of Irish musical history – a banjo that once belonged to legendary Irish musician Pecker Dunne and has been missing for almost 40 years.

Pecker’s son, Stephen Dunne, is appealing for information about the distinctive instrument, which was reportedly specially made for his father and gifted to him by U2 following a recording project involving the band and Pecker.

The banjo was engraved with the words “specially made for Pecker Dunne.” Although the recording project never came to fruition, Pecker is believed to have received copies of the recordings.

The instrument was stolen from the family’s caravan in Ardfert, Co. Kerry, in the late 1980s, along with a number of other items, including one of Pecker’s guitars.

Stephen recently rediscovered photographs of his father playing the unusual banjo and decided to try to track it down. He believes it could still be in someone’s home, collection or even on display in a pub.

He says the banjo is very distinctive and that he has never seen another like it. The original engraving may no longer be visible if the instrument has been altered or had a new skin fitted.

Stephen admits finding it after almost four decades is a long shot, but is hoping the power of social media and the public might help bring his father’s treasured banjo home.

Anyone who may have information is being asked to contact Stephen through his social media accounts.