It was supposed to be a proud moment for Rock Band Heart’s a chance to kick off their new An Evening With Heart tour at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. The theft wasn’t just a crime it struck at the heart (pun intended) of the band’s identity. Here’s everything you need to know, told in a simple, human way.
What Happened Rock Band?
On the morning of May 31, Heart’s crew arrived at the Etess Arena to finalize soundchecks. But among the amps and stands, two instruments were missing:
- Nancy Wilson’s custom-built purple sparkle baritone Telecaster a visually stunning guitar, complete with a hand-painted headstock, crafted uniquely for her.
- Paul Moak’s 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin a vintage instrument Moak had played for over 25 years, carrying decades of personal and musical history.
The band described them as more than mere instruments. they are “extensions of our musical souls.”
Who Took Them and How?
Surveillance video captured a 57-year-old Pleasantville man, Garfield Bennett, sneaking around the venue in the early hours of May 30. Later footage showed him walking through Atlantic City, trying to hawk the gear.
Police tracked him down using closed-circuit cameras, license plate readers, and good old-fashioned detective work. On June 4–5, Bennett was arrested and charged with burglary and theft.
- Also Read This: Zac Brown Inadvertently
What’s Been Recovered?
The Telecaster is back
- On June 10, authorities announced that Nancy Wilson’s Telecaster had been recovered. Bennett passed it off to a woman, but she returned it voluntarily.
The mandolin is still missing
- Sadly, Paul Moak’s beloved Gibson mandolin remains unaccounted for. Bennett sold it before being caught, and its whereabouts are unknown.
Insights Behind the Scenes
Hard Rock’s cooperation
- The casino took the theft very seriously. Surveillance from Hard Rock and surrounding cameras, as well as partnerships with local law enforcement, were critical. Atlantic City’s ACHILES surveillance network a web of city-held and privately owned cameras—played a key investigative role.
The band’s resilience
- Despite the theft, Heart delivered a solid performance, particularly Nancy Wilson, who powered through songs like “Barracuda” with gritty determination. Fans didn’t know anything was missing, but Nancy later admitted her heart felt heavy.
Community rally
- Fans and music lovers worldwide responded on social media. Nancy thanked “kind‑hearted people from around the world” for their support.
- Also Read This: Fanatics Investor Jay-Z
What’s Next?
Finding the mandolin
- Heart continues to appeal for information. Tips can go to the Atlantic City PD at 609‑347‑5766, or anonymously via text “ACPD” to tip411.
Hoping for resolution
- The band hopes the mandolin resurfaces soon. Nancy Wilson stated they want it back “where it belongs with no questions asked.
Touring forward
- Heart keeps touring through June, working hard despite this setback. Their dedication shows how much music means to them and us.
Reflections on the Story
The theft reminded us that musical instruments can carry deep personal history. Nancy’s Telecaster isn’t just gear it’s part of her voice and style. Paul’s mandolin encapsulates a lifetime of songs and memories. Losing them is like losing a piece of a person’s heart.
The swift recovery of the Telecaster highlights the power of collaboration between venue security, police, and informed citizens. And the missing mandolin is a symbol of hope: one instrument remains out there, and maybe you hold the key to bringing it home.
A Final Note
Instruments and especially ones tied to musical legends carry magic beyond their strings. They’re vessels of emotion, expression, and history. The story of Heart’s stolen gear touches us not only as fans of rock ‘n’ roll, but as reminders of what makes music so precious.
Also Read This: DailyCasino