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Stolen Van Halen guitar safely returned to Hard Rock Cafe

Employee noticed it gone from wall after closing

SAN ANTONIOUPDATE: The stolen Eddie Van Halen guitar valued at more than $100,000 was recovered and returned to the downtown Hard Rock Cafe, officials with the restaurant said Friday. 

The San Antonio Police Department had been looking into the theft since 1 a.m. Friday.

At this time, it is unclear how the restaurant was able to re-acquire the artifact.

The stolen guitar, nicknamed "Frankenstrat", was one of several made for Rolling Stone Magazine's number eight on the list of 100 Greatest Guitarists.

This is a developing story. Stay with KSAT 12 both online and on-air for more information.

(Original Story)

An Eddie Van Halen guitar valued at more than $100,000 was stolen from the downtown Hard Rock Cafe overnight, Park Police said Friday.

The theft was reported just before 1 a.m. 

According to police, somebody walked in a side door of the building located in the 100 block of East Crockett Street and grabbed the iconic red, white and black guitar off the wall and walked out. 

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An employee noticed the guitar missing from the wall after closing, police said. 

The stolen guitar, nicknamed "Frankenstrat", was one of several made for him over the years.

The San Antonio Police Department will be investigating the theft.

Eddie Van Halen is considered by many as one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock music. Back in 2011, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked Van Halen number eight on a list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists.


About the Author
Ben Spicer headshot

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

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