On May 30, the night before Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson embarked on a new tour leg, they found two “irreplaceable” instruments belonging to the band’s members missing from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
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On Thursday (June 5,) authorities announced they have arrested and charged a 57-year-old New Jersey man in connection with the stolen instruments.
According to Atlantic City police, surveillance video captured the man walking through various parts of the city, trying to sell the gear. He managed to sell one, while the other remains unaccounted for. Police declined further comment on the still-missing instrument, ABC News reported.
The man is facing burglary and theft charges.
Heart Says Police Still Have Not Recovered Their Instruments
After news broke of the arrest, Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson posted a statement from the band to social media.
“We are deeply grateful to the Atlantic City Police Department, the Hard Rock organization, and everyone who came together to support us in the search for our stolen instruments,” it read. “The outpouring of love and concern has been overwhelming, and we are truly touched by the strength and compassion of this community.”
[RELATED: The “Life-Altering” Concert That Inspired Ann and Nancy Wilson To Form Heart]
However, while the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winners expressed encouragement and gratitude for the arrest, they pointed out that authorities have not yet recovered their instruments.
“We remain hopeful that they will be returned to us soon,” it read.
According to media reports, the suspect allegedly stole Nancy Wilson’s custom-built, purple sparkle baritone Telecaster guitar with a hand-painted headstock. Heart member Paul Moak also lost a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin that he has played for more than 25 years.
The “Barracuda” hitmakers had set up their gear at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City ahead of their May 31 An Evening With Heart tour kickoff on May 31.
In an earlier statement, Nancy Wilson called the stolen instruments “more than just tools of our trade — they’re extensions of our musical souls.”
“We’re heartbroken, and we’re asking for their safe return— no questions asked,” she wrote. “Their value to us is immeasurable.”
Featured image by Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
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