Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo's rock & roll love story

She was a singer from Long Island, inspired by Liza Minnelli and coated in spandex; he was a guitarist from Cleveland. Together they are among rock's most enduring love stories, all while selling 36 million albums, recording 15 Top 40 hits, and winning four consecutive Grammys. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo talk with correspondent Jim Axelrod about their creative partnership, their 40-year-marriage, and their latest collaboration: the upcoming stage musical, "Invincible," a reimagining of "Romeo and Juliet" featuring their iconic rock songs. (A version of this story was originally broadcast on November 28, 2021.)
#patbenatar #nickgiraldo #rockstar
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[@kellyj.azania4371]

I'm crying for joy on their behalf. One could only dream of having such a lifelong partnership. Long may Pat and Neil reign!

[@harrisoncharlesjones9208]

They definitely will. Hi there

[@leahflower9924]

They are living my dream I love music and I would love to be married to a guitar player

[@steve3592]

It's cause you didn't meet me...

[@ericblom9568]

If you're tired of crying & being alone looking for a real man, hmu. Lord knows I'm tired of looking for a REAL Woman too....

[@dragondawn420]

Get you a person who looks at you the way Spider looks at Pat, even after 41 years of marriage and 43 years of working together. They are the ultimate Couple Goal! I've loved Pat (and Neil's) music since I was 12 yrs old...and I'm 54 now. She has been a touchstone in my life since then, and their art has been one of the things that's sustained me through hard times and good times. Thank you Pat and Spyder, for, well, pretty much everything. I hope to tell you so in person some day.

[@cfar76]

I love Her!!! She aged beautifully. Such a gorgeous couple

[@beetles43]

About dang time!!! They should have been in the Rock Hall years ago.....someone finally woke up. Congrats!!! Well deserved

[@yaassss5531]

She’s an amazing performer. Congratulations on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[@sinepari9160]

There HAS to be a Pat Benatar statue.. she's without a doubt a US National Treasure.

[@tishw4576]

OK ya'll. I voted for Pat and Neil every day I was allowed to. For them to not be in the hall of fame was wrong on so many levels. I can't wait to see who inducts them and the performance!!!!

[@362chop]

Hall is a sham. Have you glanced at recent inductees?

[@leahflower9924]

Now that she is older she's reminding me of Debbie Harry maybe it's the hair lol

[@anutterperspective]

The real prize is the relationship y’all built; I wish there was a Relationship Hall of Fame too. Huge congrats on the inclusion as it’s clearly overdue. Great work! Waving with honor from the MItten.

[@harrisoncharlesjones9208]

You're welcome. Hi there

[@jrhansen99]

Okay, I’ll give Neil his due. He’s is a wonderful songwriter and guitarist. And he has an amazing vision.

[@josemedeiros007]

Congratulations to them both on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and on being together for 40 years.

[@mililaniman]

I grew up listening to her songs growing up. I love her voice. She deserves to be in the rock and hall of fame.

[@Michael-zq4mo]

AMEN 🙌

[@DylanMadd]

Pat Benatar is amazing. Her tunes ROCK.

[@pamelamays4186]

Back in the 80's when I was in my early 20's, I so wanted to be Pat Benatar. Especially after seeing her Love Is A Battlefield video. Such a big voice coming out of that diminutive body.

[@2legit64]

It is so heartening that she has gotten better with age. She's still a badass and seeing that she and Neil still have that amazing chemistry leaves me without adequate words to describe it.

[@margalinam]

Love her. Their music brings me great memories. I would like to see the play on their life.

[@harrisoncharlesjones9208]

You will see it. Hi

[@ChildOfThe1970s]

Shadows of the Night is my favorite Pat Benatar song. Amazing how these two have stayed together so long in an industry where that's not an easy thing to do. She humbly realizes and gives credit to Neil for being there with her all along in her career.

[@Bamboo4U2]

They didn't write that song. DL Byron wrote that and Holly Knight wrote both "Invincible" and "Love is a Battlefield." None of them are anywhere near my favs but vocally, I'd vote for Heartbreaker and Fire and Ice. 👍

[@TheRadioAteMyTV]

My favourite too, and they didn't even write, but boy did they perform it!

[@fob1xxl]

CONGRATULATIONS you guy's ! 40 years is AMAZING ! I know what that's like to have the love of your life be with you for so long. We were together from 1977-2017 until they passed away. Always loved your voice and your songs ! You guy's still rock ! Carry on ! You "ARE" INVINCIBLE !👍💙

[@ediebaxter6194]

Glad Pat and Neil are getting into the Hall of Fame. It is long over due. Awesome singers. Didn't know they collaborated until now. Glad they did.

[@JimiB2112]

It's pretty common knowledge that the first song ever played on MTV was "Video Killed The Radio Star" by The Buggles. But what was the second? "You Better Run" by Pat Benatar.

[@john-paulnagel2732]

A True Love ❤️ My Dad and Mom met 1946 Married the Next Day! Stayed together over 46 Years! My Soulmate is in Heaven But will Always be my True Love ❤️!

[@scottfulps2065]

We were lucky to see them in concert the night of their 30th Anniversary- they toasted everyone, it was a joy :)

[@patriotamerican3426]

I’ve grown up 3 blocks away from where Pat used to live in Lindenhurst New York knowing she’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just warms my heart

[@tajivet]

I was at a concert years ago in Little Rock, Arkansas where they were one of the acts along with Journey and some other group. They simply stole the show. They stopped the show and ask who was 34 years old. Pat then said that today they had been married for 34 years. They both sat down ( she said we are old) and played a couple of acoustic songs. My two sisters were there and we all agreed, Pat had not lost anything when it came to her voice. Still the best rock concert I’ve ever been to.

[@mananimal3644]

I was in Jr high and high school at their peak. Seeing them in their younger years is so bittersweet for me. Life is just a blink. Love them both and so happy for them and grateful that they contributed to the soundtrack of my youth. What a kick a$$ grandma!👍🏿💯❤️

[@timringgenberg2844]

I had the pleasure of working with them back I the mid eighties and they were both so down to earth. So glad they got the credit they deserve after all these years.

[@sunnyday7866]

I just saw them perform on Tuesday 8/30/22 @ Mountain Winery in Saratoga CA, attended the VIP q&a and soundcheck. They are lovely, highly talented songwriters and a beautiful couple. The chemistry and true love is absolutely wonderful to witness. They are truly Romeo & Juliet! Wishing Pat & Neil a Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary!! Much love ❤️

[@bethelle9099]

Wonderful story! Pat truly is a KNOCK OUT! So glad that she and Neil are together and happy!

[@djquinn11]

Good for them, they both look great.

[@tmz85]

How could you not love this iconic couple. Invisible!

[@suzannejane1035]

I adore Pat; I loved her music growing up and still do, and, she's an inspiration as a singer. Neil is fantastic and obviously is wonderful. I'm very good but not as good as she is; still, I love hearing her voice.

[@GoogleUser-fh8ek]

What a beautiful love story!

[@MaineManMike69]

Yes! Congratulations for getting into the rock and roll hall of fame, one of my favorites.

[@PhoebeFayRuthLouise]

Wow! Congratulations! This is wonderful! And it is so long overdue!

[@SaveForestLake]

We LOVE @benatargiraldo & plan our yearly summer vacation at @HamptonBeach_NH around their appearances there! Thank you for airing this great interview & CONGRATS on the Rock n Roll HOF Pat and Neil!!

[@christianruiz5385]

GOD she is the best I love her ! she deserves it to be in the rock-a-roll hall of fame with Neil after all she is one of the women pioneers or rock and he is her amazing partner!

[@jeanashchuchinov6593]

Love this interview

[@kathleenhenselder5846]

Proud to say she's from my town.

[@birdman5313]

Pat&Neil.....a long overdue honor.....very kool....

[@semipenguin]

I remember buying her compilation album “Best Shots” at the AAFES on Camp Kinser in 1989. It became one of my favorite albums that year. It got played quite a bit in my Walkman.

[@16bigblue]

Thanks for such great music to grow up with. They both deserve the rock hall recognition,even though it’s taken way too long to get in. Congratulations on the hall but most of all a great life together!

[@avbove38]

Such an awesome couple not only professionally but just pure good hearted people. Amazing in concert and just a powerful couple.

[@tmseh]

My friend from high school, Jimmy, and I had a huge crush on her waaaaay back. Then we heard she married *this* guy. We were all fired up. We were bummed. Not a good weekend. Finally we were....hey, he's a lucky dude. 😎🤘

[@steveconn]

Darrell Hammond loadedly reciting the lyrics to Shadows of The Night on an SNL parody of Biography still my favorite Benatar moment.

[@BedfordFalls7]

What a great couple! I love their story. Fantastic artists and what a wonderful life they have.

[@michaelwilliams4787]

Congratulations I was rocking to them in the 80s

[@rossanamesias7815]

Siempre dije ke eran el uno para el otro ke viva el amor verdadero

[@lynnemunro1]

She looks fabulous!

[@ernlwjr2]

Love them!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zorkwork3841]

Wonderful story...Pat and Neal are both very talented people and deserve all the credit for their music. Such a lovely couple...Keep on keepin on!!!

[@kirkku2457]

Their performance in Vancouver was so great!!!!! Love to see them live again and again!!!

[@michaelsix9684]

very happy for them, glad they had such nice career and a solid marriage

[@13christbane]

100% Icons thank you for all of the great music.

[@DEEKXXL]

Spider & Pat have been truly blessed with success, family, and most of all, each other. Thanks for the years you two. God bless both of you.

[@kimsegal3709]

Oh my God I just love them there's just something magical about them God bless them

[@rsnnrichardsnydersnewsnetw5388]

I had the great privilege of meeting both Pat and Neil on a few keys when they were playing at a venue which I worked at. I will tell you. They are both beautiful people and so much in love. As a matter of fact, when I started listening to this interview, it reminded me so much of that, but I called my wife and told her that I love her. My dream is to play bass for them sometime if I had a number one on my bucket list that would be it.

[@melissapoole9726]

I’m so happy for them. I voted every single day!

[@bsquared4604]

they were holding out for Neil to get in. it's going to be quite an event. Imagine all the amazing music and good times that would not have been in if they never met. what an amazing match.

[@wen-nz3sk]

Saw Pat and Neil a few weeks ago!! Lady can sing and Neil was slaying!! Looking forward to that musical!! ❤👍🏽

[@MattLeger]

Well, it's about goddamned time!!! Pat should've been in the Hall decades ago, so it's great to finally see her get her due at long last. And how cool is it that four decades on, she and Neil are still together, still love each other so much and are still rocking? Gods bless them both.

[@MichelKulmann]

I could listen to her telling stories all day long. Pat Benatar, ladies and gentlemen.

[@kencarpenter5715]

I have loved them from the very beginning.....Each new song and album, another happy moment.

[@gusgus8134]

About friggin time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Geez!

[@debsvista2281]

@CBS Sunday Morning FYI: Around the 6:38 the video does not match the audio.

[@Bamboo4U2]

Yeah, I rolled my eyes at the old farts at CBS trying to create and upload a KZbin video...and then actually watching it all the way through, lol.

[@dennisud]

I'm wondering if Pat ever met Liza Minneli and had a good talk! And those who kept blocking her from doing what they wanted, I hope this and other interviews will force the Rock Hall of fame's hand here!

[@1909torino]

So magical, God bless them!

[@slickone9135]

She has such a big ole voice! I love "Hit me with your best shot"!💯

[@jkchrisfam1]

They are a formidable couple. They work so well together like a well oiled machine. Impressive talents and I have had the privilege of enjoying their music for years! The one thing I would love to know is how Pat has kept her voice in such great shape, she sings some of most difficult songs ever. So many artists lose their vocal abilities as they age. What has been your secret?

[@runner2008]

Awesome duo and fantastic music they have created over the years. So many rockin hits. Xo

[@jeffbond2944]

My favorite singer and couple, God bless you and your family!

[@bubbaschwartz]

CBS Do you need a great video editor? LOL 6:24

[@tooldog5062]

i had a crush on pat as a teen i hope her hubby never forgets Gods greatest blessing to him was on that day when pat said i do forever

[@Jupe367]

She’s has the same persona as Pink. Really like them both.

[@rheeryder2524]

Nope. Pink has the same persona as Pat.

[@Jupe367]

@@rheeryder2524 you’re absolutely correct. Shame on me. LOL

[@williamshoemaker6233]

Finally, I've been rocking with Pat and Neil for decades, they are Amazing and Beautiful people!

[@Danny-ju2ip]

Never knew the back story. Always loved Pat Benatar voice and music

[@warrenfourie511]

What an inspiring couple. Just lovely to see true love.

[@kurtb8474]

I was never a fan of Pat's music. I'm still not. But, I must say, the years have been good to her. She is aging beautifully. And my wife and I will be celebrating our 40th in 3 weeks.

[@sttarch5150]

Neil might be the most underrated guitarist in rock.

[@slevinkelevra5901]

Editing is butchered

[@aaronz9410]

02:18 I can show you the exact building where Pat was a bank teller. It was recently vacated when SunTrust and BB&T merged. Outside of Fort Lee, VA, yeah it was the State Planters, United Virginia, Crestar, and SunTrust building in downtown Hopewell, VA. Pat honed her skills in Richmond during this time and to this day I know some of the tellers (who only recently retired) that she worked with during those years.

[@beckyleep2168]

They are the cutest,and so blessed to still have eachother especially in a crazy industry

[@treetopp5386]

I've seen them numerous times, always a great time!!

[@scotthansen1287]

Well deserved and long over due. Best female rock voice ever and a great guitarist/songwriter.

[@briangoldy8784]

67 Years old,,,,,,,,,,been a Fan since 1978. ,,,,,,,Fell in Love with Pretty Pat. ,,,,,,,,,,(crush) .........Neil is a Lucky Guy.

[@tonyapendleton7467]

They both look good. Love Pat!!!

[@markbryant3822]

The video is messed up at around the 6 minute mark

[@zeketrick]

Recently saw them live in Concert, and if possible they are better than ever like fine Strawberry Wine! For real. Neil is a guitar players guitarist!

[@zackamania6534]

Good for them

[@intertubicular]

It was total destiny that these two met!

[@cathystruska1558]

She's fantastic!

[@inmaculadaconcepcion1600]

🥰Finally!✨💎✨LegendS!!! Love them Forever ✨❤️‍🔥✨🙏🏽💞💞💞💞

[@derekhaywood1844]

I love these guy's ... Been awesome to have their music. Pat is beautiful as always.

[@BudhagRizzo]

My God, they are still a beautiful couple!

[@20thCenturyMan80]

What a pairing. Music magic right there.

[@chrishall9880]

I love em.. there’d be no pat without Neil and vice versa but you got to love these 2 there from the generation of people who knew hard work paid off and life is hard and there’s nothing you can do but to keep going..

[@debrawright4630]

Love them!!! Gonna see them at the LA County fair on Saturday 5/11!!!!!!🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@Michael-zq4mo]

PAT BENATAR , BEST TIMES AND MEMORIES OF MY YOUTH 🎉

[@Dan.50]

Amazing vocalist and guitarist.

[@frankvet1]

Love you guys! Thank you so very much just doesn't do it justice but so be it. True icons and an in inspiration for so many.

[@thermalreboot]

I remember when Pat Benatar sprang onto the music scene and to see her with grey hair makes me feel so old.

[@cheril8891]

Loved this.

[@marissadower-morgan3313]

Wonderful!