PHOTOS COURTESY OF NANCY WILSON, LEFT, AND PAUL MOAK
These instruments were stolen from the band Heart in Atlantic City, this weekend.
The band Heart kicked off a tour at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, May 31. But band members “were devastated to discover that two irreplaceable instruments were stolen from the venue, where gear had been set up” the night before the show, according to a press release.
(JUNE 5 UPDATE: According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, an arrest has been made in the case, but the instruments have still not been recovered.)
The instruments are described as “a custom-built, one-of-a-kind purple sparkle baritone Telecaster with a hand-painted headstock, crafted specifically for Nancy Wilson (and) a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin that band member Paul Moak has played for over 25 years.”
Nancy Wilson said in the press release: “These instruments are more than just tools of our trade — they’re extensions of our musical souls. The baritone Tele was made uniquely for me, and Paul’s mandolin has been with him for decades. We’re heartbroken, and we’re asking for their safe return — no questions asked. Their value to us is immeasurable.”
A reward is being offered for any information leading to their return, though the amount of the reward is not specified. Anyone with information is asked to email tour manager Tony Moon at tonymoon@me.com.
The May 31 concert took place as scheduled.
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