NEED TO KNOW
- Nancy Wilson’s stolen guitar has been found
- The Associated Press confirmed that Atlantic City police had located the missing instrument on Tuesday, June 10
- In a statement on June 3, Heart shared that a custom Telecaster and mandolin had been stolen from the band
Nancy Wilson’s stolen custom guitar has been recovered.
On Tuesday, June 10, the Associated Press confirmed that Wilson’s custom baritone Telecaster was retrieved.
According to the outlet, Atlantic City police retrieved one of two instruments stolen from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on May 31 as Heart prepared to launch their An Evening with Heart tour.
Per the AP, police said they acquired the custom baritone Telecaster from a woman who purchased it from the suspected thief. However, a 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin remains missing.
On Thursday, June 5, the Atlantic City police announced that they had identified a suspect.
Atlantic City police alleged that Garfield Bennett, 57, of Pleasantville, N.J., was seen on surveillance video trying to sell the stolen instruments in various parts of the city,
He was charged with burglary and theft, according to police. At the time, it wasn’t clear if he had retained an attorney or entered a plea.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Wilson says she was “incredibly grateful” to the Atlantic City Police Department for recovering her guitar.
“It means so much to have it back in my hands,” she adds. “Their dedication and quick action are deeply appreciated.”
“However, we’re still hoping for the safe return of Paul Moak’s vintage mandolin, which remains missing,” says Wilson. “This instrument holds tremendous sentimental and musical value. A reward is still being offered—no questions asked—for its return. We just want to see it come home where it belongs.”
In a press release on June 3, Heart shared the news that “two irreplaceable instruments were stolen” from the venue “where gear had been set up the day prior to the show.” “These instruments are more than just tools of our trade — they’re extensions of our musical souls,” said Wilson, 71, in a statement per Billboard.
In the statement, Heart shared that the two stolen items included a “custom-built, purple sparkle baritone Telecaster guitar with a hand-painted headstock” and “a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin,” which were particularly meaningful to Wilson and member Paul Moak, respectively.
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According to Nancy, the “baritone Tele” was made “uniquely” for her and “Paul’s mandolin has been with him for decades.”
“We’re heartbroken, and we’re asking for their safe return — no questions asked,” she said. “Their value to us is immeasurable.”
The rockers also revealed they were offering an unspecified reward for any information about the theft that led to their safe return.
Heart will perform An Evening with Heart throughout North America until June 28.
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