New Jersey man arrested for stealing instruments from rock band Heart
The theft occurred right before the band was set to kick off its U.S. tour dates
A New Jersey man has been charged with the theft of two "irreplaceable" instruments owned by members of the rock band Heart, as reported by NBC Philadelphia.
A guitar and mandolin were stolen from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, N.J. last weekend right before the band was set kick off its U.S. tour, titled An Evening With Heart.
The gear had been set up the day prior to the show and video surveillance obtained by the police showed a Pleasantville, N.J., resident named Garfield Bennett stealing the instruments at 2 a.m. ET on May 30. He was charged with burglary and theft on June 4 after more video footage showed him trying to sell the stolen instruments in various parts of Atlantic City.
The police told NBC Philadelphia that Bennett sold one of the instruments but they do not know where or to whom it was sold. They warned that whoever is in possession of the stolen instrument will be arrested and charged if they don't surrender it.
Among the items stolen were a custom-built, purple sparkle baritone Telecaster guitar with a hand-painted headstock made for Nancy Wilson, and a vintage 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin that Paul Moak has played for over 25 years. They band initially offered a reward for the return of their instruments.
"These instruments are more than just tools of our trade — they're extensions of our musical souls," Wilson said in a statement issued by the group. "We're heartbroken, and we're asking for their safe return — no questions asked. Their value to us is immeasurable."
Heart is led by Wilson and her sister, Ann, who have made music together since the '70s and have released hits including Barracuda, Magic Man, Crazy on You and Alone. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers were honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2023.
