It’s not every day that a rock legend decides to quietly drop one of her biggest hits from the setlist. Yet Pat Benatar, now 73, has done exactly that with “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”—a song that spent decades as a fan favorite, and we trace her decision, her career, and her partnership with guitarist Neil Giraldo.
Born: January 10, 1953 (age 73) ·
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S. ·
Spouse: Neil Giraldo (m. 1982) ·
Genres: Rock, pop rock, hard rock ·
Years active: 1979–present ·
Awards: 4 Grammy Awards
Quick snapshot
- Benatar stopped performing “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” in 2022 as a protest against gun violence (USA TODAY (major U.S. news outlet))
- She married guitarist Neil Giraldo in 1982; they have been together for over 40 years (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, personal life section))
- She has won four Grammy Awards (Grammy Awards (official awards organization))
- Exact net worth figure — estimates range from $30–$50 million (Celebrity Net Worth (financial estimates aggregator))
- Whether the refusal announcement was timed with the 2022 midterm elections or a broader personal stance (Celebrity Net Worth (financial estimates aggregator))
- Whether Pat Benatar will ever be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Celebrity Net Worth (financial estimates aggregator))
- Whether Pat Benatar plans to record new music in the future (Celebrity Net Worth (financial estimates aggregator))
- 1979: Debut album “In the Heat of the Night” released (Wikipedia – Discography (verified reference))
- 2022: Publicly retires “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” from live shows (Good Morning America (ABC News program))
- 2026: Tour dates confirmed through Luther Burbank Center and Live Nation (Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (official venue calendar))
- Benatar and Giraldo continue touring in 2025 and 2026 (Live Nation (major concert promoter))
- No new studio album announced, but they maintain a “holy 14” core setlist (USA TODAY (major U.S. news outlet))
Nine key biography facts, one pattern: most of Pat Benatar’s life and career has been defined by long-term partnerships—both personal and professional. Here is the data:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Patricia Mae Giraldo (née Andrzejewski) |
| Date of birth | January 10, 1953 |
| Place of birth | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Spouse | Neil Giraldo (m. 1982) |
| Children | 2 daughters |
| Genres | Rock, pop rock, hard rock |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Notable awards | 4 Grammy Awards |
| Estimated net worth | $40 million (Celebrity Net Worth (financial estimates aggregator)) |
What song does Pat Benatar refuse to sing?
Why did Pat Benatar stop singing “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”?
In July 2022, Benatar told USA TODAY (major U.S. news outlet) that she would no longer perform “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” because its title—though originally tongue‑in‑cheek—felt impossible to sing “with a smile” after mass shootings. She emphasized she was not using the stage as a soapbox and preferred to lobby legislators directly.
Benatar’s refusal to sing her biggest chart hit is a deliberate act of conscience—but it also means the song that cemented her legacy will never be heard live again. Fans who want the full catalogue now have a gap in the setlist.
The implication: This move separates Benatar from most artists who cling to nostalgia. She chooses ethics over commercial ease.
When did Pat Benatar announce she wouldn’t sing the song anymore?
Good Morning America reported (ABC News program) that Benatar retired the song from her concert lineup in July 2022. Billboard also covered the move, noting that she continued performing other material such as “Helter Skelter” and “I Need a Lover” on the same tour (Billboard (leading music industry publication)).
What this means: Benatar is one of the few artists who has publicly revised her own legacy by retiring a signature song. For fans, the trade‑off is clear—a principled stand, but a missing anthem.
Who is Pat Benatar’s first husband and did she marry her drummer?
Who was Pat Benatar’s first husband?
Her first husband was Dennis Benatar, whom she married in 1972 (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, early life)). The marriage ended in divorce in 1979, around the time her debut album was released.
Did Pat Benatar leave her first husband?
Yes, she divorced Dennis Benatar before meeting guitarist Neil Giraldo. According to her biography on Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, personal life), the divorce was finalized in 1979.
Did Pat Benatar marry her drummer?
No. She married guitarist Neil Giraldo on February 20, 1982 (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, marriage section)). Giraldo is not a drummer; he is her lead guitarist and musical collaborator. The couple has been married for over 40 years.
The pattern: The “married her drummer” myth persists because Giraldo is often seen behind a drum kit in early footage, but he is primarily a guitarist and songwriter. The confusion shows how quickly biographical details can blur in pop culture.
What was Pat Benatar’s biggest hit song?
What are Pat Benatar’s signature songs?
Her biggest chart successes include “Love Is a Battlefield” (peaked at No. 5 and won a Grammy), “We Belong” (No. 5), “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” (No. 9), “Heartbreaker” (Top 20), and “Invincible” (No. 10 from *The Legend of Billie Jean*) (Wikipedia – Discography (verified reference, singles)).
Which Pat Benatar song reached the highest chart position?
“Love Is a Battlefield” and “We Belong” both hit No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 (Billboard (leading music industry charts)).
The catch: Benatar’s biggest hits are ballads and anthems that showcase her powerful vocal range. None of her biggest singles were hard rock; they straddle pop and rock, which explains their broad appeal.
Is Pat Benatar still performing?
Is Pat Benatar still touring in 2025 and 2026?
Yes. The official Benatar Giraldo website (official artist platform) lists “Fall Tour 2025” and “Spring Tour ’25” dates. Multiple 2026 events are already scheduled, including a September 29, 2026 show at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (official venue calendar)).
Does Pat Benatar perform with her husband Neil Giraldo?
Yes. All recent tour listings—on Ticketmaster (major ticketing platform) and Live Nation (major concert promoter)—present the act as “Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo.” They have performed together for decades.
What this means: At age 73, Benatar shows no sign of retiring. Her touring schedule is active and her partnership with Giraldo remains the core of her live brand.
What are Pat Benatar’s age, net worth, and key biography details?
How old is Pat Benatar?
She was born Patricia Mae Andrzejewski on January 10, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, early life)). She is 73 years old as of 2026.
What is Pat Benatar’s net worth?
Estimates place her net worth at approximately $40 million, derived from album sales, touring, and licensing (Celebrity Net Worth (financial estimates aggregator)).
What is Pat Benatar’s real name?
Her birth name is Patricia Mae Andrzejewski. She adopted the stage surname “Benatar” from her first husband. After marrying Neil Giraldo, her legal name became Patricia Mae Giraldo (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, name section)).
The trade‑off: Fans know her as Pat Benatar, but the name is a professional artifact. Her true identity is Patricia Giraldo, a lifelong musician and mother of two daughters with Giraldo.
What we know for sure — and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Benatar retired “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” in 2022 due to gun violence concerns (USA TODAY (major U.S. news outlet))
- First husband was Dennis Benatar (married 1972–1979) (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, early life))
- She married guitarist Neil Giraldo in 1982; not a drummer (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, marriage section))
- Biggest hits: “Love Is a Battlefield” (No. 5), “We Belong” (No. 5), “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” (No. 9) (Billboard (leading music industry charts))
- Still touring in 2025/2026 with multiple confirmed dates (Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (official venue calendar))
- Born January 10, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, early life))
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth — estimates vary between $30 and $50 million (Celebrity Net Worth (financial estimates aggregator))
- Whether the refusal announcement was deliberately timed with the 2022 political climate
- Details of her early marriage to Dennis Benatar are sparse in mainstream sources
- Whether Pat Benatar will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the future
- Whether Pat Benatar plans to record new music
- Whether Dennis Benatar is still alive
Quotes from the principals
“I can’t say those words with a smile anymore.”
— Pat Benatar, explaining her decision to retire “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” to USA TODAY (major U.S. news outlet), July 2022
“We have a core group of songs that fans expect — our ‘holy 14.'”
— Pat Benatar, describing the fixed portion of her setlist to USA TODAY (major U.S. news outlet), July 2022
“Fell in love at first sight.”
— Neil Giraldo, on meeting Pat Benatar, as recounted in AXS TV interview (entertainment television network)
“We still enjoy the ride.”
— Pat Benatar, quoted in a YouTube interview (fan‑shot conversation) about her partnership with Giraldo
Timeline of key events
- January 10, 1953: Pat Benatar born in Brooklyn, New York (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, early life))
- 1972: Marries first husband Dennis Benatar (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, early life))
- 1979: Debut album “In the Heat of the Night” released; divorces Dennis Benatar (Wikipedia – Discography (verified reference))
- 1980: “Crimes of Passion” includes “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” (No. 9 Hot 100) (Billboard (leading music industry charts))
- February 20, 1982: Marries guitarist Neil Giraldo (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, marriage section))
- 1983: “Love Is a Battlefield” peaks at No. 5, wins a Grammy (Grammy Awards (official awards organization))
- 1984: “We Belong” reaches No. 5 on Billboard Hot 100 (Billboard (leading music industry charts))
- 2022: Announces retirement of “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” from live shows (Good Morning America (ABC News program))
- 2025–2026: Active touring with Neil Giraldo; 2026 dates confirmed (Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (official venue calendar))
The takeaway: Benatar’s timeline shows a career defined by long arcs—decades‑long marriage, sustained touring, and a single, decisive break from a hit song.
Summary: The legacy of a principled rock icon
Pat Benatar’s decision to stop performing her most famous song is rare in the music industry, where nostalgia often trumps conscience. She has instead chosen to preserve the meaning of the song by removing it from the live experience. For fans attending her 2026 shows, the setlist will be missing one track—but the integrity of the performer will be fully intact. For the rock world, the lesson is clear: a legacy can be revised, not just preserved.
Frequently asked questions
How many Grammy Awards has Pat Benatar won?
She has won four Grammy Awards (Grammy Awards (official awards organization)).
What was Pat Benatar’s debut album?
“In the Heat of the Night,” released in 1979 (Wikipedia – Discography (verified reference)).
Does Pat Benatar have any children?
Yes, she has two daughters with husband Neil Giraldo (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, marriage section)).
What is Pat Benatar’s vocal range?
She is a mezzo‑soprano with a range spanning roughly three octaves (CelebrityXyz (fan‑maintained vocal database)). (Note: tier3 source.)
Has Pat Benatar been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
No, she has not been inducted as of 2026 (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (official list)).
What is Pat Benatar’s most streamed song on Spotify?
“Love Is a Battlefield” is her most streamed track, with over 300 million plays (Spotify (streaming platform)).
How did Pat Benatar meet Neil Giraldo?
They met in 1980 when Giraldo was hired as a guitarist for her band. He later became her musical director and, in 1982, her husband (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, marriage section)).
What is Pat Benatar’s real name?
Patricia Mae Andrzejewski; legally Patricia Mae Giraldo (Wikipedia (verified encyclopedia, name section)).
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Downunder Brief, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.