Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

"You know I wrote this for you, baby - you know that." "Oh, yeah, sure.”
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo do mock-bickering as well as any long-married couple - which, of course, is exactly what they are. More notably, they've formed a commercial and creative juggernaut spanning more than three decades, with the Brooklyn-born Benatar singing and Giraldo working as her guitarist, producer and fellow songwriter.
Benatar's recording career spans a dozen studio albums, seven of which have sold more than a million copies, and has yielded multiple Grammy Awards and some remarkably sturdy staples of the classic-rock canon. Though most widely associated with a string of chart-toppers in the late '70s through the '80s - "Love Is A Battlefield," "Heartbreaker," et al - Benatar and Giraldo still draw huge crowds, for reasons made abundantly clear here. Classically trained as a mezzo-soprano, Benatar still possesses a formidable instrument, and the pair's songs have lost none of their appeal in the intervening decades. And, of course, the duo performs with an agreeable mixture of lighthearted banter, chops and charm.
At the Tiny Desk, Benatar and Giraldo ran through three of their classic songs: 1979's "We Live For Love," 1984's "We Belong" and, after a long and satisfying windup, 1981's "Promises In The Dark.” -- STEPHEN THOMPSON
Set List
"We Live For Love"
"We Belong"
"Promises In The Dark"
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Maggie Starbard, Kevin Wait; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Colin Marshall, Maggie Starbard; Assistant Producer: Susan Hale Thomas; Photo by Susan Hale Thomas/NPR

[@stevendavid5370]

Neil looks at Pat and you can see the love he has for her. And it's awesome. Pat has not let age destroy her beauty (I had such a crush back then). Neil is a smart guy to catch and hold on to Pat and visa versa. You belong to each other. We (your fans) love the both of you too. Love this video.

[@gigisasz4580]

Yes.. they are so perfect together! So lucky too.

[@jake105]

Maybe it's just me but I thought Neil was holding back tears when he looked over at Pat during "We Belong".

[@ImaRockStarPR]

What is wrong with you

[@criskiss80s83]

😅👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💯

[@TwistedRiffster]

Maybe he’s looking at her with pain for when she cheated

[@dynjarren7523]

For some reason Pat Benetar doesn’t get the recognition and respect she should be getting as one of the greatest female rock and pop singers of all time! I don’t know why she is seriously overlooked and underrated! To my mind she is definitely in the top ten of female singers of all time! Maybe even top 5!

[@stvstreett]

number 1 in my book.

[@WhizzingFish12]

She had the best voice of all of them. I think its because she was a little too punk/glam, not the Fleetwood Mac type.

[@yuothineyesasian]

Benatar was too soft to stand out. But I think she does get recognized. Cherie Currie was underrated.

[@midiman5045]

Yes She should be in the Rock hall of fame!!!!

[@donmcmillan4388]

I agree i was a high school too cool hard rock dough head and I loved her music. My little secret lol

[@stevesanders6215]

I am not a sound engineer, but I am amazed at how amazing all of these Tiny Desk concerts sound. They're always perfect.

[@DetroitAnalog]

They've come so far with recording technology, just in the past decade. ProTools, a laptop, a few Shure mics (SM57 & SM58) are outstanding quality, and built like tanks. The 57 for voices, the 58 for instruments, and you can get startling audio results. High cost is no longer relevant to great results. You say that you're not a recording engineer... why not? Read the instructions, watch some KZbin videos on the subject, and record EVERYTHING! In 4 or five months, you'll have as much a right to self administer that title as 80% of those out there 'doing it.' Have fun, strive for the best results possible, and most importantly... if you learn from past mistakes, and correct them... They're not mistakes at all. They're "lessons learned". ;0)

[@tanner_uncut]

you know they're Pros when they even squeezed Gwar in there and made em sound good😆

[@user-xp6ik8jb7i]

With today's digital technology, people can make recording studio quality recording in their own homes!

[@sandraquintana8022]

She was an original and will always be an outstanding singer. Have loved her as a girl now a 53 yr old woman 🥰💞

[@pear7777]

the chemistry between 'em...

[@jeninmontana]

These two make it seem like a forever marriage is actually possible. They are so cute together - 33 yrs & still going strong!

[@Trainy2]

And they knew each other for a long time before they got married

[@L4u84S]

@@Trainy2 Not really. They met in '79 and pretty quickly hooked up, got married 3 years later. Wouldn't exactly call that "a long time". They're just one of those couples who make it work.

[@flukyreview9128]

Their marriage lasted because thank God they are not snowflake millennials.

[@davidroby7290]

Still rocking!!!

[@melissakurzbard2061]

@@Trainy2 no they didn't know each other long

[@the1spen]

Saw these 2 at a concert in concord ca. I’m an 80’s kid and don’t think I fully appreciated this lady and her husband at the time. When I saw them live I couldn’t believe the performance and talent they both had. Now I’m 54 and a huge fan of both of them.

[@FTFC365]

Gosh Darn, Pat just kills it even still. Brings tears to my eyes. What a natural Rock n Roll singer.

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

Further proof the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has no merit. These two are incredible.

[@TheArtofGuitar]

Those who play together, stay together.

[@lmca08]

Wow they must be the coolest grandparents EVER!! Her voice is still so strong!

[@guitar8543]

The way he looks at her ... He's still amazed, entranced and captivated by her.

[@GuyDanielsMusicEtc]

And it's mutual!

[@alansturgess1324]

Well observed and comment upon.

[@josephwirtz8352]

...and her with him!

[@RythmicIntentions]

The funny part is that early on he didn't want anything to do with her. But she kept at him and finally turned him around. Good thing as they really are a great couple.

[@joejones9520]

@@RythmicIntentions the chix like the guys best who dont like them.

[@generay6807]

Wow! Pats voice has matured beautifully over the years. Just a hint of rasp at times. Love it. These two look like they still love making music together after all these years. Congrats to them.

[@michaelyackovich155]

Saw them last Friday at Thunder Valley. Amazing concert, at 71 Pat still kills the vocals

[@305dadecounty_grabberbluem5]

One of the greatest female voices ever! ......It doesn't really get better than Pat and Neil.

[@jakestevens3788]

They make me feel like real love is possible....two legends.....Love from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@MinhPhamGators]

This couple created some of the most memorable music (melodies, guitar riffs, ...). Really enjoyed growing up with them. Glad they are still together.

[@eddieboyky]

My love for Pat Benatar and her music knows no bounds.

[@ajobeidallah4210]

I have always Loved her Pat Benatar is a Living LEGEND Miss Benatar You and Mr. Giraldo have still got it please keep making music.

[@58raceguy]

Both of them incredibly talented in their own right, and in combination a blockbuster duo. What’s so incredible though is the look in their eyes when they look at each other. After all these years, real-deal love right there.

[@utubewatcher360]

They are fantastic together!!! They sure don't need a full band behind them. Two person show for sure!!!! She still Rocks!!!!

[@Glidas2]

I was there Montreal forum December 15 1982 , great concert. I love you both ❤️

[@lunalove2222]

💗Takes Me Back

[@NYCgirl927]

Love the way Neil looks at his wife. " Its love baby" as Pat said in the 80s

[@RCAvhstape]

Kudos to Neil, dude managed to date and marry the greatest-ever singer babe and not break up the band.

[@aus80srockradio94]

Absolutely true ☺

[@deannadune9992]

He isnt to shabby himself ♡♡

[@stephss]

It takes two to make a marriage work.

[@pear7777]

has to do with his looks, often there's a jealous third in the band to break it up, but any other in the band would say "ofcourse she's with him, FML"

[@roberttwo-hatchett9102]

Imelda May has took that title and put it out of reach and way above the shelf where I don't think any other women will ever be able to reach Mrs may status look her up

[@Linox82]

I saw the band live in Montreal in 1982, one of the best show I ever seen.

[@pepsiyummie1]

Cutest, most authentic rock couple ever! Great role models…and obviously awesome rockers still and always!❤

[@JEFFRAUSCHL]

What a great couple. They are so genuine. The kind of people you want to sit down and have a beer with.

[@aus80srockradio94]

Just shows much talent they both have - just an acoustic guitar and a voice and magic is created.

[@seizethedayandlive]

Well said...

[@aus80srockradio94]

+Rand U Thanks!

[@PapaByrd07]

Thank you guys for being a part of my life while growing up with such GREAT music. Stay safe and much love headed your way from Texas. God Bless.

[@beysantillan7774]

after all these years they're still so much in-love....fan from UAE

[@XyzXyz-mm9vq]

Neil Giraldo! YOU are exactly what every woman dreams her man should be: extremely Handsome & Talented yet Modest, Humble & Honest, Selfless, Considerate, Respectful, Generous & Thoughtful. A true Gentleman & just Beautiful inside out!

[@mariamartin12]

Xyz Xyz absolutely!

[@kendollgt]

And he wrote that song for her!! They live for love

[@ralex3697]

He is very handsome, beautiful couple

[@chefjanet2k]

These two are adorable.

[@lobitome]

One of the few from the 80's I never saw live, and I regret not seeing them. They still got it.

[@reston81]

Pat you were the soundtrack to my life. Loved you in high school 81 still do. You and Neal first class

[@MehranJ]

I had forgotten how beautiful the words to "Promises in The Dark" was. Took me back. Thanks guys.

[@tomitstube]

saw them back in the early 80's, packing arenas in those days. great show, pat still has the voice. and neil has always been a great guitar player, really underrated.

[@apress58]

They sound fantastic. They are both still so good looking.

[@marsbolt3424]

Looks? Who cares? Listen.

[@guncreep9905]

That's beceause of love ! 😉👍

[@warrenosborne1539]

These 2 are absolutely beautiful together. Neal plays one hell of a guitar and Pat Nails it... I mean NAILS Pitch DEAD on, One incredible voice,, oz I hear young folks on so called reality shows,, none mentioned,, that constantly sing off key, and nobody seems to notice. As a 65 year old bass player,, I can say with a bit of experience ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Pat Is the Real Voice.

[@marcoantoniorodriguesfaria355]

🌄🌳🏡🧘. YBelong the guyd 🏝️🏖️🛣️🚶🌇

[@imho2278]

Lost her top notes though.

[@jeffreyschmoldt7798]

Wow I say them many years ago as a young man, they were young as well. Now I sit and watch them as a old man as they are old as well..it's great how Neil still looks and plays to her after all these years

[@litchar]

Even when they let up they still belt out that song. Blows the covers out of the water. They OWN that song

[@cthehuston2486]

What a fantastic treat to see these two perform on a different venue. Growing up, Pat was a favorite & a siren to many teenagers. Now in my 50s, seeing her perform with her husband without MTV fanfare (and my adolescent crush) is truly a wonderful thing. A wonderful couple, and a Blessing to watch them do what they’ve loved for so many years, and remain together.

[@gpz11001]

Pat is Awsome live, Neil is an underrated guitarist, kudos both of them.

[@brandothecatmeow]

And he's a great songwriter as well.

[@paulfoster9058]

I was just going to say that so I would Toss in producer too

[@johnwoodard1726]

Everytime I watch this it makes me proud Thank You Neil & Pat.!

[@billygraham2132]

How effing good was this?!? Especially the interplay before 'Promises'...that was so authentic, and then the performance...that my friends is Love.

[@vidbox44]

30+ years later, that man is still positively beautiful!

[@hopefulagnostic336]

+vidbox44 I know! So hot!

[@libertariom1131]

Pat Benatar, beautiful forever.

[@davidwright9550]

This is so cool. Their lives in so many ways have mirrored my wife's & mine. Marriage time, I am a guitarist and have been forever, and on and on and on. I love these too. What talents!!

[@dianeevans2281]

wow! Pat sounds incredible!

[@mariezp]

I'm a bit late to the party as I just ran across this video and absolutely loved it! Pat Benatar was one of my favorites back in the day. While I was going through the angst of my teenage years she was right there with me and no telling how many others. When I had a bad day I could always listen to her songs and be ready to take on whatever life threw at me next. No doubt she was a champion for many teenage girls. It is wonderful to see that Pat and Neil have stayed together all these years. I love that they are so comfortable with one another and still seem to adore each other. So cute together and still great at performing together. On top of all that, her voice is just simply beautiful and still as strong as ever and she still looks amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this intimate performance.

[@96wordpass]

I love these two so much. Such incredible music. Pat is still a mesmerizing goddess at her age. Just stunning! Neil is such a wonderful guitarist. Really underrated! Had these two not existed and come together to create it would be like experiencing existence without the color purple or without rain 🌧. Love you Neil and Pat! Keep on Rockin!

[@mjp96]

They are still so in love. So sweet!! I'm single and lonely and I still love this!

[@enchantedpages]

I love how in love they still are

[@Free-flyBE]

So cute - 'I can't wait till we're 70'..amazing how many of my heroes are 70 now & still out there!

[@tombarker1726]

This is great because it is real.

[@cameronbethuram]

Yeah, anyone who's experienced a mental block on stage knows how frustrating and frightening it can be!! Its nice to see REAL pros experience it too and they so graciously worked through it...the setting helped to though. Enjoyed this performance!!

[@fastdeploy]

I had the hugest crush on Pat Benatar when I was a kid. Of course me and every other red-blooded male, too. That cover she did on the Rolling Stone in 1980. Uh-huh. Wow. Anyway, great to see she's still killing it all these many years later.

[@djozera]

her voice is still amazing!!! she is still wonderful

[@wickedcoolname399]

Man, she doesn't age! She still looks and sounds awesome!

[@mariaguadalupemartinez4922]

I love Pat Benatar her powerful voice and together with her husband the great combination

[@Bigfootbabysas]

The soundtrack of my youth-thanks for the beautiful memories and music!

[@bigcheetah]

True love! What an amazing couple.

[@miketungate]

Good stuff. I love that Neil is playing a Yamaha, he could be playing anything.

[@spacedoginnebraska]

I love my Yamaha acoustic. It's solid and true.

[@Lalairu]

That model line is pretty nice. Not the most affordable... The cheapest costs about 750 euros 😂

[@ambadale]

Amen, Mike, have one of those myself and was surprised to see Neil strumming away on this. A big sound, a solid guitar.

[@jamesscoop9684]

She ia absolutely the pioneer for female rock vocalists! Love her so much

[@pilartordesilla8141]

Love these two beautiful souls..been with me all my life. Now,watching them so cool and familiar, make me feel I am in their living room sharing with faithful old friends. Thanks!!!

[@rosylives]

Still love her ❤️

[@paulocoutinho9133]

almost brought tears to my eyes. My first love

[@SimplyPriscila]

This has got to be the funnest tiny desk to watch. Oh these two...

[@terrydonegan1622]

Bloody beautiful love from Wales UK

[@Grizzbiz57]

Two people genuinely in love after three plus decades. They clearly have a deep love and respect for each other and prove to the world of rock an d roll that lasting marriages are indeed possible. Rock on, Pat and Neil.

[@kipponi]

Lovely couple you can see they still love each other. That's love folks.

[@juliefish820]

Pat you still rock out your songs I loved you in the 80s and I still do your awesome ❤

[@goldenrod3215]

They sound so good after these years. And yes , YOU MADE IT. TO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME LONG AWAITED. AND THE PERFORMANCE WAS BRILLIANT. I WATCH IT OVER AND OVER. ESPECIALLY NIELS GUITAR PLAYING. I DIDNT KNOW NIEL PLAYED WITH DERRINGER. I SAW RICK 3X 1977 1979 1981. SO I MUST HAVE SEEN NIEL LIVE WITH RICK.

[@richsherman3673]

Lovely Lady, voice 2 -die-4 and great Strumming by Neil. Love it!!

[@karasays01]

They're a gorgeous couple! And I love Pat dearly...

[@dougfa3515]

Such a great combo... love his playing, and she always sang with such fire!

[@gordonalexander4407]

amazing voice. And what a lovely couple. Their music is clearly a result of their love for each other. Love you forever Pat and Spyder

[@gigisasz4580]

How did Neil get the Nick name Spyder?

[@mitchgawlik1175]

How great it is to see and hear Pat and Neil in a setting such as this. I could listen to "We Belong" over and over". Now, if Neil could only be convinced to record a blues album.

[@markheinbaugh1162]

Pat and Neil!!! the greatest rock love story of all time. I have your music in my heart forever. Thank you!

[@gigisasz4580]

They are smooth like butter together. Remind me of Steve and Eddie Gormet also a very loving couple and both extremely talented. We want more!! I hope they keep it going 🙏

[@Sweepdog700]

Love this, they look great, sound great. Lot of love there between them. A great watch.

[@sandramcgehee8620]

I Love the fact that these two are still madly in Love They look at each other and you can see it 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@tinachambers4887]

Ageless like fine wine Thanks for the music Pat an Neil have a day love from TEXAS

[@Theo-hc5ob]

She still sounds really good! I love this series, Thanks You for sharing it with us

[@michelecherek5392]

LOVE IT!!! They both still look GREAT!!💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖🔥💖

[@nampomusic6378]

my favourite guitarist and singer when i was a kid, and still my favourite now. Neils chords progressions influenced my song writing heaps. I love the songs they wrote together most.

[@CharlieEchoCharlie]

She is still magic!!

[@fmp320]

What a beautiful moment. Thanks NPR! Just love it.

[@rhon715]

I do miss hearing her hit the high notes, but she is still a great singer. She and Neil do a great job of rearranging the tunes to fit her range now.

[@thatbasementband8122]

my fav all time female singer.

[@melissakurzbard2061]

Me too , female singer

[@lionheartroar3104]

Pat and Neil are stunningly talented..love love love

[@glendepasse7490]

Was and always will be the FIRST LADY of rock.

[@scottharrisohn6972]

Amazing talent and classy couple.

[@bezzarguy]

That was beautiful in all respects. Great songwriting stands the test of time.

[@wadewilsonredmond3934]

Her voice is just as beautiful acoustic as it it in concert video and on album. Rock on Pat Benatar!!!

[@Liserhoops]

I LOVE that even these two have moments when they can't remember the first line to a song that they've sung thousands of times. Love your smiles, your banter. Thanks for more inspiration.

[@BarrySmithviolin]

Their chemistry is SO contagious and inspiring!! 🌹🌹

[@tigerbalm666]

Neil has som incredible licks and underated! He knew how to craft a song with a guitar that most musicians are not capable even if they wre better players! Song writing is such a rare talent that only a few has...

[@toddphipps5496]

Most underrated guitarists of a generation. Mrs. Benatar still has that beautifully gifted and original voice. Together, they made a legacy that proved so many wrong. Thanks for the wonderful art you have blessed the world with for so many years.

[@ellamcclanahan9811]

Agree he was a great song writer that is way more important than being the fastest guitar in the West they were great together without each other they would never have been this good

[@karenlittlefield]

I have one goal in life. Find someone who looks at me the way Neil looks at Pat. 🥰

[@donnakowalski2622]

Pat Benatar is my all time favorite female singer forever 😀❤ I love her and her voice to pieces ❤ She's so amazing.

[@melissakurzbard2061]

Me too

[@anthonylove821]

I am so glad I grew up listening to the 80s music as a teen. Best time of our lives was when music was music and not political theater like it is today. To see Pat and Neil together this long is truly a testament to the strength of their relationship when jealousy and money easily could have been the reason for the break up of band or marriage. For these two to carry on together all these years later many of todays young couples should look up to Neil and Pat for inspiration. Their music will live on for many years to come. A true wrecking force.

[@painterdood2484]

Have the years ever been more kind than they've been to these two?

[@AnitaStewart405]

+Painter Dood They are joyous with each other...so beautiful!

[@XR650L_GUY]

The most dynamic voice ever when she fires it up. They are awesome