Members of the Grammy-nominated rock band Heart have reported that two irreplaceable instruments were stolen from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City ahead of their tour launch.
The “Barracuda” band was set to kick off their An Evening With Heart tour at the Atlantic City-based Hard Rock Hotel & Casino this past Saturday when instruments belonging to Nancy Wilson and Paul Moak went missing. Among the items stolen were a custom-built, one-of-a-kind purple sparkle baritone Telecaster with a hand-painted headstock, which was made for Wilson, and a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin, which Moak has played for over 25 years.
“A reward is being offered for any information leading to their return. Anyone with knowledge of the theft or whereabouts of the instruments is urged to come forward,” a statement read, with any information asked to be directed to Heart’s tour manager, Tony Moon.
“These instruments are more than just tools of our trade — they’re extensions of our musical souls,” Wilson said in a statement. “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.”
Heart shot to acclaim in the mid-to-late 1970s with the release of their 1975 album Dreamboat Annie. The record comprised the band’s two breakout singles, including “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You,” which respectively reached No. 9 and No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Throughout the years, the group shuffled members in and out, and delivered chart-topping hits like “Barracuda,” “Who Will You Run To,” “What About You,” “These Dreams” and “Alone,” with the latter two tracks peaking at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
Heart currently consists of the Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy Wilson, Ryan Waters, Ryan Wariner, Paul Moak, Tony Lucido and Sean T. Lane.