Written by Kelly Oden • Photos by Travis Shinn
Pat Benatar and Neil “Spyder” Giraldo have been making music together for more than 38 years. Romantically, professionally and artistically, their union is nothing short of inspiring. The two melded their unique sounds—Pat’s dynamic vocals and Neil’s explosive guitar playing—to create a catalogue of unforgettable hits from the late 1970s to today.
Many more hits followed including “Fire and Ice,” "Invincible," "Sex as a Weapon," "All Fired Up," and "Let's Stay Together." Benatar won an unprecedented four consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Female Rock Performance from 1980 to 1983 for her second LP, "Crimes of Passion," and the songs "Fire and Ice," "Shadows of the Night," and "Love Is a Battlefield." These achievements cemented the Giraldo/Benatar partnership as an increasingly unstoppable force in the music industry. Although their music is impressive, even more so is their deep personal connection. From their first meeting in 1979, this legendary Their first album together, “In the Heat of the couple has found inspiration in one another— Night,” was recorded in 1979. This was the first each calls the other their muse. The couple time the world was introduced to Giraldo and married in 1982 and they have been making Benatar’s enduring partnership and their rock ‘n’ music and raising their two daughters ever roll love affair. “In The Heat Of The Night,” which since. Benatar and Giraldo remain a rock ‘n’ included the classic “Heartbreaker,” as well as roll powerhouse today, selling out concerts the Giraldo-penned hit, “We Live For Love,” went and wowing audiences after more than platinum. The 1980 Grammy winning album, three decades in music together. Theirs is a “Crimes of Passion,” saw Giraldo playing guitar chemistry that will, undoubtedly, be thrilling and keyboards, arranging, and providing vocals music-lovers forever. on many of the songs. The album included “Hit Coming of Age had the pleasure of speaking Me With Your Best Shot” and reached quintuple with these musical soulmates. The couple platinum while giving Benatar her first million shared stories of their music, their lives and selling, top 10 hit. The following year, Benatar their enduring partnership. Be sure to check and Giraldo cemented their place in music out their Duo concert on March 17 at the Hard history forever, by being the first female and Rock Casino in Biloxi. » first guitarist, respectively, to ever appear on MTV, with the video for “You Better Run.” SPRING 2017 lifestyle magazine for seniors 33