diff --git a/beets/ui/commands.py b/beets/ui/commands.py
index 30a74b7665..855ae27482 100644
--- a/beets/ui/commands.py
+++ b/beets/ui/commands.py
@@ -1262,7 +1262,10 @@ def modify_items(lib, mods, dels, query, write, move, album, confirm):
     for obj in objs:
         obj.update(mods)
         for field in dels:
-            del obj[field]
+            try:
+                del obj[field]
+            except KeyError:
+                pass
         if ui.show_model_changes(obj):
             changed.add(obj)
 
diff --git a/docs/changelog.rst b/docs/changelog.rst
index 5dfc0c5aee..d92d729ccb 100644
--- a/docs/changelog.rst
+++ b/docs/changelog.rst
@@ -17,6 +17,9 @@ Fixed:
 * We now print a better error message when the database file is corrupted.
 * :doc:`/plugins/discogs`: Only prompt for authentication when running the
   :ref:`import-cmd` command. :bug:`1123`
+* When deleting fields with the :ref:`modify-cmd` command, do not crash when
+  the field cannot be removed (i.e., when it does not exist, when it is a
+  built-in field, or when it is a computed field). :ref:`1124`
 
 .. _Plex: https://plex.tv/