Unsigned Birmingham band The Musgraves had all their instruments stolen hours before their big TV break on Graham Norton's chat show.
The group recorded their appearance for the BBC1 show on Monday, despite the theft of a van containing all their kit in Lichfield during the day.
However, the performance went ahead with the band borrowing instruments to become the first unsigned act to appear on the show.
The Graham Norton Show is broadcast on Friday (February 3) at 10.35pm, and repeated on Monday on BBC1 at 11.35pm.
Norton even donated a replacement glockenspiel and vowed to turn Twitter into a “showbiz Crimestoppers” to help track down the kit.
The presenter, who also gave the band airtime on his Radio 2 show, tweeted: “Thanks for being so brilliant on the show.
“Let’s turn Twitter into showbiz Crimestoppers. Surely we can find the drum!”
The kit, which was still missing last night, includes a guitar, violin, bass, keyboards, drums and stage clothes.
Violinist Lesley Turner said she was heartbroken by the theft.
“I have lost a part of my heart, and my soul,” she said. “I’ve played my violin since I was 13 and I thought I’d have it when I was in my 80s.
"It has been all over the world with me, it is my baby, my child, my love.
“It has been stolen away for no reason and by someone who knows nothing about violins, music or passion or working hard to achieve your dreams.”
Band manager Stuart Roslyn said: “Graham has been championing the band on Radio 2 and then he offered this incredible opportunity.
“In monetary terms the instruments are worth more than £10,000, but they are worth a lot more to the band. The drum kit is a one-off and Lesley had her violin for more than 20 years.
“Graham has been wonderful and has shown a huge amount of support.”
The band were due to play at the The Actress and Bishop pub in Ludgate Hill, Birmingham, on Friday (February 3).
The Mercedes van, registration number BD52 ARO, was stolen at around 6.30am on Monday from outside a house in Curborough Road, Lichfield.
Anyone with information should call Lichfield Police on 0300 123 4455.
