Delta Airlines has come under fire after musician Madi Diaz found her Martin acoustic guitar completely smashed following a flight. The 37-year-old singer shared her devastation on social media, posting photos and videos of the broken instrument while recalling the memories associated with it, including touring with Harry Styles. Diaz expressed shock and disbelief at the destruction of her 20-year-old guitar, calling it completely unfixable and stating that she would never be able to play it again.
Diaz highlighted that the damage to her guitar appeared deliberate, with a red fragile sticker on the case seemingly scratched off purposefully. Fellow musicians and fans echoed her sentiments, expressing outrage that such carelessness could result in the destruction of an instrument that holds significant sentimental value to Diaz. Many demanded that Delta Airlines take responsibility for the damage and make amends for the irreparable loss suffered by the musician.
The singer shared that the guitar had been with her through various stages of her life, from her college dorm room to performing alongside Harry Styles, and had sentimental value due to the memories associated with it. She mentioned that the instrument had been used to write songs and record music, making the damage even more heartbreaking as it symbolized 20 years of musical journey. Diaz also revealed that a piece of paper with Styles’ song “Medicine” taped to the guitar was left in shreds, further adding to her devastation.
Responding to the backlash, Delta Airlines issued an apology to Diaz for the damage caused to her guitar and indicated that they were working to make amends for the incident. The airline acknowledged the long wait for their response and requested Diaz to contact them privately to address the issue. Fans and supporters of Diaz continued to express their dismay over the incident, emphasizing that the damage inflicted on the instrument seemed intentional and expressing solidarity with the musician in seeking accountability from the airline.
The incident involving Diaz’s destroyed guitar drew comparisons to iconic guitarist Pete Townshend, known for smashing guitars on stage during performances. However, unlike Townshend’s intentional destruction for artistic expression, Diaz’s experience was one of shock and sorrow at the loss of an instrument that held significant personal value. The incident highlighted the importance of proper handling and care for musical instruments, especially for musicians who rely on them for their livelihood and creative expression.
Ultimately, the situation raised concerns about the responsibility of airlines in handling passengers’ belongings, particularly delicate and valuable items such as musical instruments. The incident served as a reminder of the emotional attachment that musicians often have with their instruments and the devastating impact of their damage or loss. As Diaz navigated the aftermath of the destroyed guitar, her experience shed light on the need for greater care and accountability in the transportation of such precious belongings to prevent similar incidents in the future.
