Suspect apprehended: Confirmation by Nancy Wilson that a male individual is currently detained for the alleged theft of Heart's unique musical instruments, yet the missing items remain unlocated.
Revamped Article:
Hold onto your fretboards, folks! A cheeky miscreant named Garfield Bennett, 57, from Pleasantville, New Jersey, has found himself in a world of strumming trouble after nicking two priceless six-string wonders from legendary rock band Heart. This daring heist took place on May 30, 2025, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, right before the band's showdown and tour kickoff[2][3][4].
The swiped swag consisted of:- A blingy, custom-made, purple-shimmering Fender Telecaster electric guitar, boasting a headstock drenched in artistic flair, tailor-made for Nancy Wilson of Heart[2][3][5].- A vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin, which Paul Moak has plucked at for over two decades[2][3][5].
CCTV and automated license plate readers were the bandit's undoing as the authorities traced Bennett when he passed the guitar to a lady who stashed it in her whip on the 1300 block of Pacific Avenue in Atlantic City[2][3][4]. This clever lady did the right thing and consented to hand over the shiny Telecaster to the boys in blue, and it's now securely nestling at the Hard Rock Atlantic City for a well-deserved spruce-up before Heart reclaims it[2][4].
However, the mandolin remains missing, and Atlantic City police haven't given up on its hideaway[2][4]. They're calling on the good folks of AC to come forward with any info that could bring this tale to a sweet, harmonious conclusion[2][4].
If you've got a lead, pick up the horn and contact the Atlantic City Police Department's Criminal Investigations Section or whisper your insights into the night anonymously through text[4].
Now, let's delve a bit deeper into this juicy tale of stolen symphonies. Years ago, Heart's lead guitarist, Nancy Wilson, was told by producer Ron Nevison that the acoustic guitar might not be the ticket for the digital '80s. He felt a change was necessary to align with contemporary audiences[6].
Enduring the cutthroat musical landscape of the time, Heart decided to let go of their roots and go electric to keep up with the rhythm of the modern era[6]. Fascinating stuff, eh?
Stay tuned for more updates on this captivating case!
- Despite the recent theft of two Fender Telecasters and a Gibson EM-50 mandolin from Heart band members, Nancy Wilson's electric guitar is now securely in the custody of the Hard Rock Atlantic City for a mini-facelift before being returned to its rightful owner.
- The concert-eve heist at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City has caused a stir in both the music and general-news spheres, with the mandolin still unaccounted for.
- In a bid to reclaim the stolen Gibson EM-50 mandolin, the Atlantic City Police Department has appealed to residents to come forward with any potential leads or clues about its current location.
- Reportedly, producer Ron Nevison suggested that Heart embrace electric guitars over acoustic during the digital age of the '80s, leading to a shift in their musical orientation that would align with contemporary audiences.
- The crime-and-justice sector isn't the only one keeping tabs on the stolen Heart instruments, as music enthusiasts around the world await updates on the recovery process with bated breath.
