Paul McCartney's Iconic Stolen Bass Guitar Recovered After 50 Years

A collaborative effort involving journalists and the instrument's manufacturer led to the recovery of the Beatles star's missing 1961 Höfner bass.

Paul McCartney's original 1961 Höfner bass, missing for half a century and valued at $12.6 million, has been returned to him.
The search, initiated by McCartney and supported by a husband-and-wife journalist team, spanned five years and involved the instrument's manufacturer, Höfner.
The instrument, played on The Beatles' first two records, was rumored to have been stolen in 1969 during the recording of 'Let it Be.'
A breakthrough came from a sound engineer who revealed the bass was stolen from his van in 1972; the thief later sold it for a few pounds and some beers.
The bass, which had been passed down through the family of a pub landlord, was authenticated and returned to McCartney, who expressed his gratitude to all involved.