Written by Eddie Ferranti
Jul 07, 2006 at 08:00 PM
ImageWhen I first came to live in Houston in 1979 I had no idea where to go to see live music. Back then, the Cleveland based Agora decided to open a location in H-Town. I’d seen many a killer gig in Ohio there so I figured I’d give it a try……. The evening I went there was a hot lady named Pat Benatar performing. I experienced my first “keeper” photo shoot of my life.

It was awesome. And so was her return to the Verizon some 25+ years later!!!
Of course the lady does not scamper all over the stage anymore, but her voice is in very fine form thank you.

Hubby/band mate Neil “Spider” Giraldo is still smokin’ on the axe, too! Pat busted out some chestnuts this evening, such as “Sanctuary”, “Wide awake in Dreamland”, KIller “We Belong” and well received “Let’s Stay Together” which was funky hot! For me the show took off to another level when they slayed the crowd with a scorchin’ “Hell is for Children”. Mr. Giraldo was down right steamy on this tune and Pat was at her “finger waggin'” best! Even when Pat poked fun at her monster hit “Hit Me with Your Best Shot”, they rocked it out anyway!

Who is going to be the next Benatar down the rock road of life poking fun at their huge hits 20+ YEARS AFTER IT WAS -AND STILL IS-a hit in today’s radio formats?! Got me. The 80’s get grilled for not producing much substance as far as bands during that time. Well, the way underated Neil stretched out haymakers like “Heartbreaker”, “Promises in the Dark (GOOSE BUMPS!) AND “Love is a Battlefield”, you’d be hard pressed to find better! Even though the show took on a bit more business like approach, opposed to her last visit 3 years ago, it was very hot.

Judging by the enthusiac dancing crowd who showed up I think the opinion was obvious. Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo STILL got “It”.  For many of the bands of today, I’m afraid “It” may never be found………….keep on comin’ back Mrs. Giraldo!! Rock needs you. God Bless and out.