Pat Benatar on Falling in Love at First Sight

Pat Benatar talks about how she fell head over heels for Neil Giraldo the first time they met. Neil Giraldo also sits down with Dan Rather to talk about his musical and personal relationship with Pat Benatar.
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[@ylekiote99999]

Thank God these two hooked up. Not just for them, but for us too!

[@charlescdt6509]

Her face lit up telling their story.

[@markbirchette8740]

Pat has always been absolutely beautiful and still is in 2024...🎸🇺🇲🦅

[@adquinta]

Not that she isn’t any less beautiful now, but this interview is from 2015.

[@SamBell7]

Yes I love some Pat Benatar and when she was hot on the charts everybody loved this little hard rocking beauty I remember we use to jam on it daily along with all the other great music of the 70s and 80s

[@markbirchette8740]

@@adquinta At age 59, I'm well aware of when it was and saw Pat live in the early 80s and forward.

[@denieledwards6893]

AGREED LOVE HER 11-12-24

[@SamBell7]

@@markbirchette8740 i'm 59 December 3

[@redhotchilifan98]

That’s how it was with my wife. All my life I only had bad luck with finding love, but as soon as I saw her I immediately knew she was the one I was always looking for. We’ve been together ever since.

[@adiohead]

I'll give it a year.

[@Mellie_H]

You're a lucky man, and I'm happy for you!

[@redhotchilifan98]

@@adiohead we’ve been married for 5 so lol

[@Dooguy]

Your very lucky

[@AnimaOB737]

How Sweet!

[@lynnpeirce3205]

Love how he calls her "Patricia"!❤

[@cathyhardy6563]

Pat calls him Spider.

[@diamondeye75]

The first time I heard that was at a concert, they were opening for Cher. Like she's this hard tough chick and she just finished "Love is a Battlefield" and then out of the blue he calls her "Patricia" like she's 13 & in a school uniform lol I loved it, it was so cute.

[@EphemeralProductions]

Probably one of the only people in her life that can get away with that. lol. Like with another famous pat , Patti Smith :)

[@cathyhardy6563]

@@diamondeye75 Patricia gets her attention and is Pat's given name. No one calls her that, so that is his pet name for her.

[@raywalsh9152]

Born in '64 and grew up listening to Pat and all that music. I knew that her and Neil were married but I didn't know the back story. I met my wife, now 32 years and going strong, when she knocked on a door of a friends house that I happened to be visiting. We married 7 weeks later. Sometimes it just be like that.

[@canuck64]

I'm from 1964 also...great year

[@BRIANDER100]

why was she the one ?

[@layniac0146]

That is so cool

[@taintedlove202]

Jan 1964…….and proud of it! ✌️❤️😎

[@kevinwalsh4652]

I love her music video for I'm going to follow you...I read her autobiography and it blew my mind the corporate suits repeatedly tried to get Pat to dump Spyder, obviously not realizing he's a musical genius 🎶🎵☘️👋👍

[@SloaneHomeAlone]

I love the way he calls her Patricia. ❤

[@amynaddra7230]

I fell in love at first sight too. My husband and I shared 28 years together before he passed away. A match made in heaven. I love Pat!!!!

[@kristalraya730]

Sorry for your loss

[@Gerry-K]

Condolences for your loss.

[@betsybabf748]

The moment I met my husband when we were teenagers, I knew he was my forever. We had 23 years of marriage and 6 babies, including one son who passed at birth, then I lost him suddenly 10 days after he turned 45 yrs old. There better be a heaven because he owes me 40 more years. 💔

[@MattDOWNING-n3z]

Oh, sweet lady....you have to be devastated. I have no idea how you feel. Love from Massachusetts.

[@bond7459]

Back in the 80s, Pat's career was in the very top of the mountain. Awesome band.

[@FreedomofSpeech865]

I’m still love her so much!

[@hellolittleflower]

I grew up with Stevie Nicks, Aretha Franklin, Annie Lennox, Alanis Morissette, Chrissie Hynde, Tina Turner and of course my favourite Pat Benatar. To hear how her love story started and her career partnership began is wonderful. Great interview.

[@wstavis3135]

You left out Debbie Harry and Nancy Wilson.

[@hellolittleflower]

@wstavis3135 l stand corrected thank you! Adding Blondie and Heart to the list.

[@riobabic8960]

I liked them all but Debbie Harry was my favourite female vocalist at that time !

[@lauracoussens6207]

Don't leave out Linda Ronstadt!

[@hellolittleflower]

@@lauracoussens6207 l stand corrected again thank you! Adding Linda to the list.

[@hiho8084]

So rarely do couples in the business, [Hollywood...] survive. So glad these two did. Mega talented as well!

[@LillyMarz777]

Barry and Linda Gibb have been married 54 years

[@GLITTERandSKULLZ]

Musicians are not Hollywood. Many have been married decades.

[@crittersintheyard3993]

I LOVE Pat Benatar!! She is a kick ass rocker!! I was a teenager in the 80's and she always stands out as awesome music from that decade!!

[@rottingcorpse6002]

One of the greatest pairings in rock history...and it has lasted a lifetime. His guitar work is as legendary as her voice. You can "sing" his solos. And absolutely iconic pair, as tasty and good as a Reese's peanut butter cup. Thanks to you both for all the great memories.

[@lulumoon6942]

Have always enjoyed singing his solos, & much better at it than her vocals! 🤣

[@gwynnielsen5081]

Pat and Neil's relationship is one of the best in rock. A couple that plays together stays together. Literally.

[@stevenholquin2127]

Neil Geraldo Was a Session Player Back in The 70’s He Would Come Over To The BCRICH Guitar Shop On Valley Blvd and Eastern Ave Which Was a Garage Behind The Sip n Shoot Bar Nothing is There Anymore Yet I Used To Service His BCRICH Eagle Guitar The Action and Intonation I Remember He Had Just Landed a Session with Pat Benatar and He Needed His Guitar Set Up and Intonation For This Session with Pat….That Day He Asked if I Could Take All The Electronics Out and He Wanted Just a Volume Knob…I Took Everything Out And Just Gave Neil a Volume Knob and The Rest Is History 😮 Neil Geraldo is One of The Best and Kind People You Will Ever Meet 😊

[@dirkgibbens377]

WTF Is Up With All The Caps? 🤷‍♂️

[@windermere2330]

@@dirkgibbens377 I think he's an older fellow.

[@windermere2330]

Great story thanks! Was that near Cal State LA?

[@stevenholquin2127]

@@windermere2330 Yes On Valley Blvd and Eastern Avenue It was a Small Garage Behind The Sip-N-Shoot Bar Nothing is There What a Fantastic Time Back Then BCRICH Was Known For Their Acoustic Spanish Guitars Then Neil Mosier Was Brought in To Turn The Company Around Into The Electric Guitars and That’s When This Small Garage Was Experimenting The BCRICH Bodine Electric Bass Was One Of Our First Then The Eagle and Mockingbird and Bich Yet The Bodine Bass Is One of The First Bass’s That We Put Out Look 👀 Up Neil Mosier and Mosier Guitars He’s in Arizona

[@KarolM1964]

Thank you for this wonderful story! They made some great music together. PS.. Don't pay any attention to the rude asshat complaining about capital letters..smh

[@jergervasi3331]

Spyder is one of the best guitarists AND nicest guys ever. Just a normal, nice, friendly person. I’m a huge fan.

[@guidosarducci3047]

Great story - Yes Pat is amazing but Neil is absolutely one of the most highly underrated rock guitarists to ever record - I'm glad they found each other - her career might not have been as big as it was with anyone else but him. Great team = great music. Just one mans opinion.

[@MsRocker961]

I agree

[@donsaxon1169]

I agree.

[@216Numbskull]

Not only is Neil a kick-azz guitarist/songwriter/producer, he was just a good dude with cool tude all the time with me back in the day. I'm very grateful still today for being fortunate enough to get quite a few guitar lessons from Neil when I was a young budding musician. The first garage band I formed was with a good buddy of mine from school Jimmy when we were both 13. One of the best things about it was Jimmy's nextdoor neighbor happened to be Neil Giraldo's parents house where he grew up in Parma, Ohio. We had a 5 piece Rock/Metal band with me & Jimmy on guitar & thought we were pretty decent for 2 young punk kid rockers. However, not so much when Neil would periodically knock on the door while we were practicing in Jimmy's basement. Neil could have easily been a dlck to us after hearing us doing a hack job on a RUSH or Zeppelin tune. But instead Neil was as cool as they come & not only took the time to help us play the tune the right way. He always went the extra mile to teach us a few new tricks, scales & different techniques to practice & have down the next time he knocked on the door or else. 😁 Although, that's the way we roll growing up in The-Land of the (216). Just keeping it a buck! +Peace Funk & Rock n' Roll 4 Your Soul My Friends+ 🤘😜🤘

[@thebreathalyzer]

100%. She called it...she needed the heavy rocking musical partner like those classic bands. The synergy between the two of them is unbelievable. I think they perfectly compliment each other .

[@UnitedSoundVideo]

He was well know in the industry. Certainly NOT underrated!

[@kevinthompson629]

I am really glad for her. I've always liked and respected her. She deserves happiness.

[@julieclayton-west624]

When Pat came to New Zealand in the 80s she gave us a concert I’ve never forgotten. What a knees up. Brilliant.

[@rockfordrocker8971]

AMAZING vocalist and performer. She's just SOOOOO good.

[@Mellie_H]

It was a dream come true, getting to meet Pat & Neil. They are SO normal, and down to earth! If you liked this interview, you should read her book. I believe it's called, "Between a Heart & a Rock Place." It was a great read.

[@jergervasi3331]

Great book!

[@sharonjensen3016]

I loved Pat's book. Could not put it down.

[@karenbrown2135]

I love Pat Benatar!!! I saw her in concert in a club in LA and I took my daughter as well. Pat was awesome!! She sounded the same as she did back in the 70’s/80’s. I will never forget that night. Love you Pat!!

[@jamievana8991]

"Shadows of the Night", was an everybody-on-the-floor-skating-song at skating rinks back in the early 80's.

[@rollingedges9469]

My dad's guilty pleasure, dude loved hard rock and metal but always had pat in his tape collection.

[@jaymiewright526]

So the fairytale does happen, really thrilled for you guys!

[@MayorOfBodybuildingTV]

Very rare. Must marriages are DOA.

[@AaronRodgers12Pack]

Neil Geraldo is one of the most underrated guitarists on the planet. Heavy metal fans like myself knew just how good Neil was back then. Phenomenal !!

[@mmorrissey41]

This is the sweetest thing I've heard evah! It restores my faith in love at first sight!!!

[@alaysiakayebutler6299]

Sitting here, listening to this story I'm familiar with, but realized I'm grinning ear to ear, love this about human nature

[@TVTutone]

LEGENDS, We LOVE you guys! Thanks for giving me part of the soundtrack of my life! I graduated HS in 1979..."I Wanna Go Back..."

[@khismet]

Pat Benatar is a legendary figure in the world of rock music. Her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence have earned her a place among the greats of the genre. Her music has inspired countless fans over the years, and her fiery spirit and unwavering passion for her craft have made her a true icon. From her chart-topping hits to her electrifying live performances, Pat Benatar has cemented her status as a true rock and roll royalty, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of her devoted fans.💗💗💗

[@USA92]

So what writer did you steal that from?

[@danielbelardino7662]

​@@USA92😂😂😂

[@Stratocaster-2112]

I can relate so much to this video. Pat and Neil are one of the very best duos of all music time. Just fantastic together!

[@Danny-fs1hk]

This interview segment was so f’ing cool. I’ve loved this duo since the early 80’s and it’s so great to hear about their journey. Thanks for the post!

[@prairiestrong1106]

She was my first major crush back in the early eighties She’s timeless and beautiful .

[@preciousone5496]

That was fun to watch. I was a teenager in the eighties and LOVED Pat Benatar. She was so badass!!! Their happy marriage makes my heart soar. 😘

[@HowieDash]

She is and always will be , one of the greatest forces in modern music history ..... truly a superstar and great role model for girls/women .... and let's not forget the other half and support , Neil ....

[@PJHEATERMAN]

Love at first sight is real. I met my girlfriend who later became my wife and i felt it. I dated other girls, and it never felt right. Married 35 years and my love is stronger than ever. With that being said I grew up on Pat Benatar's music and know how strong her marriage is.

[@jamesfetherston1190]

Neil is a flat-out excellent, excellent guitar player. Good producer and writer too.

[@squishybear5728]

I have experienced love at first sight when I rescued my pup from the middle of the street. I asked him to please come to me and he ran to me and I picked him up and we were madly in love 😍 and still are. He was a six month stray puppy. I thank G-d I was driving down that busy street that day.

[@SeanOG88]

Both are bad asses. Both are musical geniuses. Both are personable. How could anyone not root for these two? ❤

[@gerrylindley7874]

Saw this great duo in concert in Salt Lake City 2023. These two sound just as great as they did back in the day. What a great concert!!!

[@WorldWideWebObserver]

Seeing the love in both of their eyes proves that true love really does exist! I was a teenager when they were at the top of their game and I still love their music to this day! Rock Icons, Rock On!🎼🎸🎶❤️

[@WindsEternal]

As a female musician inspired by Pat for the last four decades I have to say, their relationship is exactly what I've longed for all those years. Congrats to you two for finding each other. It's not easy. I am jealous! Peace and love to Pat and Neil.

[@lynnboyd33]

Always, always was in awe of Pat! Her Voice, her boom, her style, and her music!! She really stands out amongst all the rest! Really enjoyed this interview as well as her sweet, laughter and raspy voice! So happy these two found each other!

[@ae2yosemitesamvp48]

Same thing here. Vietnam vet went back to college in 1971 and met my Dream Girl love at first sight. Married 51 years.

[@lisawheeler53]

What a wonderful story. Have loved them for years. Soundtrack of my youth. Pat was a ground breaker for women in rock and not many can approach her range and control. Is there anything Neil cannot do:)? Amazing together!!

[@bermudaguy5003]

This is such a fun interview! Luv her voice & songs

[@ia5662]

I think it's so great how human and down-to-earth both of these people are and it allowed the rock world a gift of music that could only have come from the two of them. What a great story and how cool is it they are still together after all these years in a typically crooked and shallow industry?

[@rocketmann8333]

I saw them in LA Sports Arena in 1982!! It was AMAZING!!!! I was 20 years old and absolutely IN LOVE with Pat Benatar and Neils Vibe.. They were a huge part of all of us who thrived in the 80's with excitement and wonder of our futures.. But at that time in those moments we LIVED!!!! I'm sad for the generation today....

[@CDU916]

Neil’s Reagan quote was sublime. Every creative person should consider this philosophy and take it to heart. People are happier in general when their approach is more “we” and less “I” and the notion of credit comes in many ways. Great dual videos, thanks for posting! 👏🏼

[@PacificAirwave144]

Every now and again I hear a Pat Benatar song on the radio and it brings me right back to the late-80s. And I turn the volume UP!

[@paullaroque5960]

Pat Benatar is the greatest Rock female vocalist of all time...period. its not open for debate.

[@timstevens5769]

Who did not have a huge crush on Pat? She and later Sheena Easton were simply beautiful women with tremendous voices and music. Thank you Pat for your music and just giving us a bunch of great memories.

[@nightranger3430]

I knew all this the first time I saw them in concert together back in ‘79…I was so caught up in the Neil G & Pat B dynamic that I ditched my pretty date at the event just to eliminate the distraction. That look & then the music! Man it was perfection…The rest is history. God bless you both for the memories!❤️👍🏻

[@tomdevine7395]

Guitar players know this, Neil Giraldo is one of the best guitar players in Rock (and in general). His creativity is astounding and his technical chops are unique, precise, and memorable. Truly one of the most underrated guitar players in music history but for me he’s way up there. Much has been written and said about Pat so I won’t elaborate other than to applaud who she is and her body of work. She’s a gem and a genuine good human being. What’s really inspiring is their marriage and how well their life partnership has worked out, they’re unique and an example. Thank you to both.

[@Rita-yw2tn]

I love Pat Benatar she’s so cute , cool and so talented she’s amazing !

[@t5l239]

I love this story! Pat Benatar and Nick were my role models. I married my guitarist.

[@TSeck911]

Pat is still a bad ass and one of the trail blazers in rock. My wife and I saw her in Sunrise Theatre back in the 80's. Kick ass show and my ears rang for two days straight. Nobody puts on a performance like her and Neil.

[@87sjg]

Pat and Spyder are amazingly talented. I've seen them live at least 3 times, maybe more, I've lost count! This story warms the soul!

[@loriburling8360]

Pat and Neil are just AWESOME!!

[@mrgman1326]

Love Pat Benatar. Saw her live in 1980 at Rocklahoma. It’s refreshing to see an artist that wanted to develop her sound to become a commercial success.

[@JackGlick]

Bravo on the longer hair! That's more like it Benatar! Have all of your albums

[@markrigg6623]

She aged really well. And sounds very down to earth. Good on her. This interview is 9 years old.

[@marmaly]

2015

[@MattDOWNING-n3z]

What a terrific story. It made me laugh out loud. I love these two.

[@strawhousepig]

She deserves to be on more best Rock vocalist lists.

[@thefinecolumbian]

I have always loved these guys. So happy they are still together.

[@shorerocks]

Queens Live Killers was my first album I bought, Pat Benatar's In The Heat Of The Night the second. I was twelve. And forever hooked to rock music. I love their story.

[@aletheia333]

That's my rock n' roll gal! She aged so beautifully, no plastic surgery, she still recognizable. Pat Benatar was and still the real deal, classy, funny, a human being with a big heart in a phony musical industry. She rocks my world!

[@islandofmisfityoutubers6734]

In 1991, one afternoon this man walks into the bookstore, came up to the counter and as soon as he asked me a question I KNEW HE WAS THE ONE FOR ME! So I listened to his interests/favorites in the world of literature, we walked over to the New Age section, which now it's called Spirituality (something like that) and handed him my favorite book: "Demonologists". One evening, we talked on the phone at one point for about 2 hours and I made a mental note that "OH YA HE IS THE ONE FOR ME!" Then I didn't hear from him for what seemed like 10 years. So 3-4 years later he walks into the bookstore I transferred over to since the other one closed down, and was so excited, then he suddenly springs on me that, his exact words ,"I just got hitched" (to his high school girlfriend). WOW it felt so surreal, I just swallowed my heart. We stilled remained friends but at a certain level of awkwardness. After about 8-9 years later, they separated and he wanted to be with me 💗❤‍🔥💋. It was meant to be!! 🌹🌹🌹 My SOULMATE/SOULSPOUSE ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥💋 We officially got married almost 3 years ago December 7th 💝💝💝💞

[@rachelright8720]

Sweet story❤

[@melissajanaemiddleton6811]

Wow... really a beautiful story!! Sometimes it's a matter of each of us evolving to that point of true readiness, mind, heart and soul. I'm so happy for you!💖💖

[@islandofmisfityoutubers6734]

@@melissajanaemiddleton6811 YES mind heart and soul! ❤

[@melissajanaemiddleton6811]

@@islandofmisfityoutubers6734 ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@lynnboyd33]

What an amazing story! I just love it and congratulations to you both!

[@MoreKellBell]

Pat Benatar hit my radar when MTV hit the TV waves I was just a grade school girl. Adored her and her music ever since . Love her straight forward sassy personality. Her voice and their band is / are one of the best in rock music.❤

[@user-cg8if3eq7d]

I had her first record."Im gonna follow you" was amazing! She was so well honed....amazing talent and brilliant, perfectly trained voice.

[@TadSanDiego]

So great to see a talent that is timeless and is genuine. She has navigated fame. A true rockstar

[@pamelabannon4185]

Pat Benetar has always been a strong role model. I can never listen to her enough.

[@hayleesmith705]

Growing up my older brother had every lol cassette Pat Benatar made. I listened and fell in love with her. Pat and Neil are great.

[@psg5124]

When I see her she reminds me of high school She was the biggest thing around when I was in high school oh I miss those days

[@bigbadjohnpesek9894]

I went to one of your concerts back in the late 80's. You blew me away. Ive been married for 31 years and we love each other now just as much as when we first met.

[@sebastionhawk5565]

This is f--king BEAUTIFUL. I love their music even more, now. They totally ROCK!

[@HRGreenShark]

Excellent story telling from both Pat and Neil !!!

[@m.scottreeder]

I’m 60 now, and graduated high school in 1982. Back in those days before the emergence of MTV, Pat Benatar was already on her way to stardom. I had heard the name before, on Casey Kasim’s American Top 40, yet I never heard her songs. Then in the fall of ‘81 while I was cruising home from a part time job, I heard her track “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”. Another one: In January, 1984, I entered Army boot camp. It seems like “Love Is A Battlefield” came out a couple of months before.

[@rickflippin1]

This his love , life, and rock and roll at its finest !!!!!!!!!!

[@MatthewCostantinoDC]

Saw them live in early 80’s, San Diego sports arena Great show!

[@Alan-lv9rw]

I fell in love in my high school parking lot in Connecticut in September 1979. The first time I saw her, my brain exploded. Love at first sight happens.

[@EscutCavaller007]

I am a fan--always been since the first time I heard Pat's voice through the Pizza Inn speakers when I was a pre-teen (love them both)!

[@jeromelange7401]

Wishing a very Healthy & Happy 72th B-Day to the 👑Queen👑 of 80's Rock ! She looks absolutely PHENOMENAL for her age !

[@amycovey6595]

Sooooo glad to hear her mention Mr. Plant AND Mr. Graham!!!!😊

[@KasperKali]

So sweet!! This is my first time seeing her in an interview. She's adorable ❤ Great love story 🥰

[@lgroves336]

Beautiful LOVE story. NOT everyone gets this...BRAVO

[@JoshMaxPower]

She's still soooooo adorable! She's only 5'0! And that big voice...! Rock on! 🙏

[@dixiesedgwick89]

Good for you Pat and Neal! Their commitment to each other is outstanding and unheard of in that industry, actually in any industry but especially entertainment. She's a powerhouse no nonsense woman and so am I!

[@cleangreen2210]

We belong to the light we belong to the thunder We belong to the sound of the words we've both fallen under Whatever we deny or embrace, for worse of for better We belong, we belong, we belong together.

[@fraankhanon]

True Love. Just awesome!

[@gordonbergslien30]

I had always wanted to see Pat and Neil. Finally got the chance earlier this year. WOW!!! What a show!

[@briansalisbury4764]

Still a beautiful lady. Such an amazing voice. I remember those wonderful 70's when the music was so amazing.

[@Enriquerondon-sn9br]

❤❤❤❤❤❤pat ❤❤❤god bless you ❤❤beautiful ❤you are my first ❤❤❤idol ❤❤❤Queen from the best classics and very grate ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤songs ❤❤❤❤Iove bless and all my respeto for ❤❤❤you and grate band ❤❤❤❤❤

[@woodshed_moments]

When you know..... you just know. I love this story I've known about it for years. Geraldo is one of my favorite guitarists of all time period and Pats just an awesome talent and personality - what a love story!! A match made right out of Long Island

[@57athina]

I remember staying up all night waiting to listen to the first release on radio of their album 1979 like it was yesterday. I dressed like her at a concert I went to see them sewn by me. I wax 5’2’ 92 pounds and in a rock band myself. She has the voice of an angel and their relationship, well, couple goals.

[@lakecountynaturalist7617]

Hit Me With Your Bet Shot was my theme song when I was a teenager. She knew exactly how we girls felt! Thank you, Pat!

[@VitoVisintini]

Wow, she looks great!

[@albedo2823]

She was absolutely amazing to see in concert 🎵

[@HollyCranfan]

I have seen them a couple of times. He introduced her as my beautiful wife Patricia. That’s great that they have such a wonderful marriage. It’s nice to see that.

[@ChristChickAutistic]

There's 3 women who I consider my unofficial vocal teachers, Karen Carpenter, Donna Summer, and Pat Benatar, even though I didn't realize it then. Karen taught me how to sing, Donna taught me how to project my voice, and dearest Pat taught me how to rock with a big voice. She was IT for me as a teenager, and she still is. It makes me so happy that she and Spider are still going strong, such a handsome and talented man, perfect for such a gorgeous, talented woman like Pat. A true rock and roll power couple. ❤