Classic Rock Band’s Rare Guitar Recovered After Shocking Theft originally appeared on Parade.
Nancy Wilson is getting her guitar back!
On May 31st, classic rock band Heart had their tour plans marred when a thief took some of the band’s precious gear as they prepared to kick off the latest leg of their tour.
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Among the items stolen was a custom-built, purple sparkle baritone Telecaster with a hand-painted headstock, made specifically for Wilson. Also stolen was a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin that band member Paul Moak has played for over 25 years.
Police in Atlantic City announced on June 10th that they recovered Wilson’s guitar.
This comes after 57-year-old Garfield Bennett, of Pleasantville, N.J.—the man charged with stealing the instruments, per NBC News—”was observed giving the guitar to a woman who put the guitar in a vehicle.” Using an automated license plate reader, police pulled the woman over and she voluntarily surrendered the instrument.
The guitar, which has been temporarily handed over to Hard Rock Atlantic City representatives, will be returned to Wilson.
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“The continued use of advancing technology and the hard work and determination from our detectives and patrol officers led to the quick recovery of one of the missing instruments,” said Chief James A. Sarkos in a statement on the incident, per NBC. “The Atlantic City Police Department embraces technology that allows our officers to investigate and combat crime.”
Although Wilson’s guitar was returned, Moak’s mandolin is still missing.
Those with information about the theft are urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Criminal Investigations Section at 609-347-5766 or submit a text anonymously to tip411 (847411).
Classic Rock Band’s Rare Guitar Recovered After Shocking Theft first appeared on Parade on Jun 12, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
