Authorities have apprehended a suspect in the heinous theft of two irreplaceable musical instruments belonging to members of the iconic rock band Heart, which were viciously snatched from a venue in New Jersey during the previous weekend. According to Atlantic City police, surveillance footage initially pinpointed a 57-year-old male resident of Pleasantville as the prime suspect. Subsequent video clips captured him wandering through various parts of the city, attempting to peddle the stolen instruments. Police revealed that he managed to offload one of them, while the whereabouts of the other remain a mystery. Declining to elaborate further, authorities have charged the man with burglary and theft.
The band was poised to launch their highly anticipated 'An Evening With Heart' tour at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City on Saturday, with their gear meticulously set up a day prior to the eagerly awaited performance. Among the cherished items pilfered were a custom-crafted, purple sparkle baritone Telecaster guitar adorned with a hand-painted headstock, specially designed for band member Nancy Wilson, and a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin that had been Paul Moak's loyal companion for over two and a half decades.
"These instruments are far more than mere tools of our craft—they are extensions of our musical essence," Nancy Wilson emotionally expressed in a statement issued by the group, which also offered a substantial reward for any information leading to their recovery. "Our hearts are shattered, and we implore for their safe return, with no questions asked. Their worth to us is beyond measure."
Heart, led by the formidable duo of Wilson and her sister Ann, who have been creating music together since the '70s and have amassed hits like "Magic Man," "Crazy on You," and "Alone," are Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees and were recently honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2023.
