Concert Reports
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
08/08/2024, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo returned to the Vina Robles Amphitheatre stage, Thursday, August 8, with Special Guests The Vindys !
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo returned to The Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles and promptly got the capacity crowd “All Fired Up,” as they launched into their signature opener from Benatar’s 1988 Album “Wide Awake In Dreamland.” “We Live for Love” followed and set the tone for a surprising evening of Benatar’s deeper cuts from her catalog. “My Clone Sleeps Alone” from Pat’s debut Album was a great addition.
That doesn’t mean her mega hits were missing from the set but it was refreshing that this night included some great album cuts fans have known from FM Radio and later MTV. Video hits that made Benatar & Giraldo instantly recognizable stars such as
“Promises In The Dark,” “Shadows of The Night,” and “Love Is a Battlefield” filled out the set nicely on a warm summer’s evening. The night ended with an encore of “Everybody Lay Down.” “War,” ( Edwin Starr cover ) and “Heartbreaker/Ring of Fire”
In a pop culture world defined by its perpetual changes, the partnership of singer songwriter Pat Benatar and producer-musician Neil Giraldo has been a potent, steadfast union that has soared to the top of the charts and into fans’ hearts on their own terms. Her staggering vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with his trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer and songwriter, forged the undeniable chemistry and unique sound that created eternal rock hits including “We Belong,” “Invincible,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Promises In The Dark,” “We Live For Love,” “Heartbreaker” and “Hell Is For Children.”
Their stunning achievements are a testament to their vision. Together, Benatar and Giraldo have created two multi-platinum, five platinum and three gold albums, as well as 19 Top 40 hits. They have sold over 36 million records worldwide and have won an unprecedented four consecutive GRAMMY® awards. They have also been feted with three American Music Awards, a People’s Choice Award, a 2008 induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, and most recently have become Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
The two are, however, working on a children’s book that’s due out next year, inspired by the relationship with their grandchildren. “It’s about everything we do and everything they do…and it’s about music,” Benatar says. “It’s sweet. We loved raising our kids so much, but (being grandparents) is a whole other level. It’s been really fun to write this book for them.” She and Giraldo are also “working on songs to go with the book” when it’s published.
About Vina Robles Amphitheatre
Welcome to the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, where European Inspiration meets California Character and the stars always shine. Here, two of California's great compositions meet, as exceptional wine and intimate live music are paired to create an unforgettable wine country experience.
The 3,300 seat boutique amphitheatre is nestled on a picturesque, oak-dotted hillside in Paso Robles on California's Central Coast. With its opening in the summer of 2013, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre became one of the largest outdoor venues for arts and entertainment in San Luis Obispo County. Featuring a style reminiscent of the California missions, guests are able to immerse themselves in a unique and intimate concert adventure as they enjoy modern amenities and first class hospitality. The concert season runs from May through November and features top tier acts from around the world in all genres. Various seating options all within 150 feet from the stage, including regular, VIP and general admission lawn seating, make events accessible to anyone in the community. We look forward to sharing our love of wine and the arts with you soon. For more information about the Vina Robles Winery, Click Here
www.VinaRoblesAmphitheatre.com