Heart's Nancy Wilson 'heartbroken' as 'irreplaceable' instruments stolen at gig venue
The band are offering a reward for their safe return
Last updated 5th Jun 2025
Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson says the legendary rock band are “heartbroken” after two “irreplaceable” instruments were stolen ahead of their tour kick-off.
The items were stolen on Friday 30th May 2025 at Hard Rock Live at the Etess Arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey, a day before the opening show of the 2025 An Evening with Heart tour.
The missing instruments are Nancy Wilson’s custom-built, one-of-a-kind purple sparkle baritone Telecaster with a hand-painted headstock, and multi-instrumentalist Paul Moak’s 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin.
The band are offering a reward for information leading to their safe return, and anyone with knowledge of the theft is being urged to contact Heart’s manager Tony Moon on [email protected].
Heart said in a statement: ‘On the eve of their highly anticipated tour launch at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, members of the legendary rock band Heart were devastated to discover that two irreplaceable instruments were stolen from the venue, where gear had been set up the day prior to the show.’
Nancy Wilson adds: “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.”
Heart continue their North American tour at Ravinia Festival in Illinois on Saturday 7th June.
Singer Ann Wilson, who battled cancer in 2024, is currently performing in a wheelchair on Heart's tour after suffering a fall in February.
She told listeners of her ‘After Dinner Thinks With Ann Wilson’ podcast: “I think some people thought that I was in a wheelchair because of cancer, which I just kicked its ass and I'm nice and clear now.
“It's not about cancer. It's about me being a klutz (five days before the tour) and missing a step and falling into a parking lot and busting my elbow in three places and then having to have it pinned back together with screws and all that kind of stuff."
Heart’s planned UK arena tour in July 2024 was cancelled so that Ann could undergo an operation.
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