Heart kicked off their North American summer tour last Wednesday, June 4th. However, the American band recently discovered that two custom instruments had gone missing and is offering a reward for their safe return .
The band reported the theft of two rare items from the Atlantic City Hard Rock Hotel and Casino: a unique, custom-made, bright purple baritone Telecaster guitar with a hand-painted headstock, made for Nancy Wilson , and a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin that band member Paul Moak has been playing for over 25 years.
Initially, Heart was scheduled to kick off their An Evening With Heart at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City last Saturday, May 31st. Technicians had previously set up their equipment at the venue.
In a note posted on social media, guitarist Nancy Wilson lamented: “These instruments are more than just tools of our craft — they are extensions of our musical soul. A reward is being offered for any information leading to their return. Anyone with knowledge of the theft or the whereabouts of the instruments is urged to come forward.”
“The Tele baritone was made exclusively for me, and Paul’s mandolin has been with him for decades. We are heartbroken and ask that they be returned safely—no questions asked. Their value to us is immeasurable.”
Heart requested that anyone with information about the instruments contact their tour manager, Tony Moon , at [email protected ]
Local police locate one of Heart's rare instruments.
According to the Atlantic City Police Department, police have charged Garfield Bennett , 57, of Pleasantville, New Jersey, with robbery and theft. Last Wednesday, the 4th, authorities charged Bennett and took him into custody.
According to the newspaper 6abc , investigators said that surveillance video led them to the suspect, identified as Bennett. The suspect appeared in a video walking through various parts of Atlantic City, allegedly trying to sell the instruments.
Detectives discovered that Bennett had sold one of the instruments, however, they were unable to locate the other.
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