Man Arrested In Connection With Theft Of Heart’s Instruments

Heart kicked off their 2025 Summer Tour in Atlantic City last Friday (May 31) without two irreplaceable instruments that were stolen from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino the day prior to the show. The Atlantic City police have made an arrest in the theft, as per The Associated Press.

The ACPD used video surveillance in the venue to zero in on the suspect, a 57-year-old man from Pleasantville, New Jersey. Authorities later discovered more video showing the man walking around locations in the city trying to sell the instruments, which included a Fender Telecaster with a hand-painted headstock, created specifically for Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson, and a 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin played by band member Paul Moak for 25 years.

The police noted that the man sold one of the instruments while the other is unaccounted for, although the AP reported authorities declined to comment further. The man has been charged with theft and burglary.

On Wednesday, Heart offered a reward for information leading to the return of the instruments, which guitarist Nancy Wilson detailed.

“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.”

View photos of the stolen instruments below:

Heart’s summer tour continues tonight (June 6) with a performance at the Ravinia Festival near Chicago.