Once upon a time, in the late 1970s, a young, rising star, Pat Benatar, met an immensely talented guitarist, Neil Giraldo, in a rehearsal space in New York City. It was a fateful encounter that would lead to a beautiful love story and an extraordinary musical partnership spanning over four decades.
The beginning of their story can be traced back to the moment Benatar signed a recording deal with Chrysalis Records. With her band members replaced, she found herself holding auditions to complete her lineup. That’s when Giraldo entered the picture.
With a borrowed guitar in hand, he captured Pat’s heart even before he played a single note. Though she wasn’t looking for love at the time, she couldn’t help but feel smitten by the handsome guitarist, and so he became a part of her band and, ultimately, her life.
Benatar recalled how they met during a 2014 chat with NPR:
“They brought in all these top studio guys and all the guys that were in New York, the big guys. And we were in auditions for all the other musicians, and they said, ‘Neil Giraldo’s here.’ He didn’t even bring a guitar with him; he was so ridiculous.
He’s putting on someone else’s guitar, and I turned around, and I was like, ‘Oh my god.’ I didn’t know what to do. I was completely smitten. And I just leaned over to my manager at the time, and I said, ‘I don’t even care if he can play. He’s in the band.'”
Despite the instant attraction, the timing wasn’t perfect for either of them. Pat had separated from her first husband, whom she married at 19, and Neil was involved with actress Linda Blair. As they spent more time together, rehearsing, recording their debut album, and traveling, their undeniable chemistry grew. It wasn’t until Neil confided in Pat about his belief that Blair had cheated on him that their mutual feelings came to the surface. Within a few weeks, they became an official couple, and in 1982, they got married in Hawaii, sealing their commitment to each other.
From the very start, Pat and Neil’s relationship was built on a shared passion for music. They found in each other the perfect musical counterpart, and their collaboration has yielded an impressive catalog of 12 studio albums, over 20 tours, and 19 Top 40 singles. Pat has also won four Grammy Awards, and their joint efforts have made them a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
In an industry where relationships often struggle to endure, Pat and Neil have managed to create a lasting and loving bond that has thrived for over 40 years. They attribute their success to the fact that they met as ‘regular people’ and formed a connection that transcended their professional lives.
Here is what Benatar said about her relationship with Giraldo in a 2021 interview with CBS News:
“We’re connected in so many ways, all of them combined together; you’re parents, you’re lovers, you’re husband and wife, you’re grandparents, you’re musicians, you’re writers. I mean, it’s so much!“
As they continue to create music and share their love story with the world, Pat and Neil have inspired countless fans and aspiring musicians to believe in the power of true partnership. They have shown that when two people are dedicated to their craft and each other, they can achieve great things together.
Even after four decades, Pat and Neil’s love for each other and their passion for music remain strong. They continue to tour, perform, and create music, proving that their connection is still as vibrant and powerful as the first day. As they embark on new adventures, their love story proves that the magic of a deep, enduring relationship can last a lifetime.
