Nancy Wilson
In a turn of events straight out of a rock ‘n’ roll mystery, members of the renowned Grammy-nominated band Heart have found themselves in turmoil following the theft of two invaluable instruments from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. This unsettling incident unfolded just before the band was set to launch their much-anticipated An Evening With Heart tour at the Atlantic City venue this past Saturday.
Among the stolen treasures are a custom-made, one-of-a-kind purple sparkle baritone Telecaster with a hand-painted headstock, crafted specifically for Nancy Wilson, and a rare 1966 Gibson EM-50 mandolin, cherished by Paul Moak for over 25 years. The theft struck a chord just as the iconic Barracuda band was about to grace the stage, adding an unexpected note of distress to their tour kickoff.
In a heartfelt plea, the band has announced a reward for any credible information that leads to the recovery of these instruments. They urge anyone with insights into the instruments’ whereabouts to reach out to Heart’s tour manager, Tony Moon. Nancy Wilson expressed the depth of their loss, stating, “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 soared to stardom in the mid-to-late 1970s, captivating audiences with their groundbreaking 1975 album Dreamboat Annie, which featured hits like Magic Man and Crazy on You, reaching No. 9 and No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 respectively. Over the decades, the band has seen various lineup changes, yet consistently delivered chart-toppers such as Barracuda, Who Will You Run To, and No. 1 hits These Dreams and Alone. Presently, Heart’s lineup includes the iconic Wilson sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson alongside talented musicians Ryan Waters, Ryan Wariner, Paul Moak, Tony Lucido, and Sean T. Lane.
