diff --git a/gtk2_ardour/mixer_ui.cc b/gtk2_ardour/mixer_ui.cc
index da330c25fa..618d1bbe36 100644
--- a/gtk2_ardour/mixer_ui.cc
+++ b/gtk2_ardour/mixer_ui.cc
@@ -538,7 +538,9 @@ Mixer_UI::session_going_away ()
 		delete (*i);
 	}
 
-        _monitor_section->tearoff().hide_visible ();
+        if (_monitor_section) {
+                _monitor_section->tearoff().hide_visible ();
+        }
 
 	strips.clear ();