Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo Reflect on 46 Years Together—Plus the Secret to Their Marriage (EXCL)
Their bond is rock solid—on stage, in marriage, and now in their mission to end hunger
Pat Benatar and her musical partner, Neil Giraldo, are one of rock’s most enduring couples. On June 4, the Grammy-winning pair was honored with the ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award in recognition of their commitment to using their platform to inspire change and foster social justice. The award was given by WhyHunger, an organization working to end hunger and advance the human right to nutritious food in the U.S. and around the world, at their 50th anniversary gala, which took place in New York at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall.
Woman’s World took to the red carpet to speak with Benatar and Giraldo about what the award means to them and how they’ve found joy in being partners in life and music for over 40 years.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo’s commitment to giving back
WhyHunger was founded by musician Harry Chapin and radio host Bill Ayres in 1974. The “Cat’s in the Cradle” singer was a passionate activist and dedicated himself to using his platform to help others until his tragic death in a 1981 car crash. WhyHunger has continued to carry on his charitable legacy in the decades since, and in its 50th year, its work remains as vital as ever.
“We’ve been involved with the Chapin family and WhyHunger for over 30 years,” Benatar told Woman’s World. “The organization is amazing, and children’s issues are our cause. There’s so much to do to improve the lives of children around the world, and we’ve loved the Chapin family forever.” “When you get the details of how many people are starving out there, it’s just ridiculous,” Giraldo added emphatically, and the rock-and-roll duo wants to do whatever they can to help.
In a moving awards speech, Benatar admitted, “We feel like we haven’t even done enough to deserve [this award]. We hope that we can do so much more.” “I just want to say that food is love and love always wins,” she continued. “Even though everything seems like it’s going to hell out there, remember this night. We’re all in this together, and together we can make miracles.”
After their speech (and a speech from CNN host Laura Coates, who received the inaugural Bill Ayres Social Justice Award), Benatar and Giraldo gave stripped-down performances of Chapin’s “Shooting Star” and their iconic ’80s anthem “Love Is a Battlefield.” Benatar looked rocker-cool as ever in a blazer and tight, sparkly black pants. Beatles cover band the Fab Faux and Chapin’s daughter, Jen Chapin, and nieces, Abigail and Lily Chapin, also performed, along with Willie Nile, Tash Neal and Living Colour drummer Will Calhoun.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo reflect on 43 years of marriage
Benatar and Giraldo’s chemistry is palpable. When asked about their legendarily long marriage on the red carpet, Giraldo joked, “She’s my sister! We’ve never been married, and that’s why we never get mad at each other,” as the couple dissolved into giggles.
Asked what she admires most about her husband, Benatar said, “He’s really nice. He’s a very good human, which is very important,” to which Giraldo, ever the joker, replied, “That’s not true. I’m the one that gets mad all the time!”
The rock world isn’t exactly known for yielding long marriages, and Benatar and Giraldo’s love story sets them apart from many of their musical contemporaries. “It’s the only way we know how to do it. We’ve been together for 46 years,” Benatar said with a smile. “We started working together as musicians, and then one thing led to another,” Giraldo added. “Now we’re grandparents!” Benatar said, and they even have their first children’s book, My Grandma and Grandpa Rock! coming out in September.
Clearly, the charismatic and talented couple is just as devoted to one another as they are to creating memorable music and giving back to the community.
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