Neil Giraldo is one of those artists who\u2019s an integral part of the success of projects with which he\u2019s involved. But because he\u2019s something of a behind-the-scenes personality, the important work of this 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee can go unnoticed \u2013 or at least under-recognized \u2013 by the listening public. Since the early 1980s, Giraldo has been the guitarist and primary collaborator of rock vocalist Pat Benatar. And since 1982, he has been Benatar\u2019s husband.<\/p>\n
And while Giraldo\u2019s work with Pat Benatar \u2013 including seven albums selling Platinum or better, more than a dozen Top 40 singles in the U.S. and more \u2013 ranks among his most high-profile and well-known credit, there\u2019s much more to his r\u00e9sum\u00e9. On the occasion of his 70th birthday last December 29, here are five Neil Giraldo credits outside his work with Pet Benatar.<\/p>\n
\u201cGuitars and Women\u201d from Rick Derringer\u2019s Guitars and Women (1979)<\/strong>
\nBefore he even met Benatar, Neil Giraldo \u2013 a musician since age 12 \u2013 earned a coveted spot as a member of guitar hero Rick Derringer\u2019s band. Giraldo played guitar and piano on Derringer\u2019s 1979 Todd Rundgren-produced LP Guitars and Women<\/em>. That album\u2019s title track was released as a promotional single, and while the album didn\u2019t feature a breakout hit, \u201cGuitars and Women\u201d remains its most-streamed track.<\/p>\n