Neil Giraldo

Neil Giraldo is an acclaimed American musician, songwriter, producer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, celebrated for his dynamic work across hard rock, blues, and pop rock. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, to Sicilian-American parents, he began his musical journey at a young age—learning guitar at six, piano at twelve, and drums not long after—and playing in local bands throughout his youth. Giraldo’s distinct blend of musicality and creative vision led him to the professional stage in 1978 when he joined Rick Derringer’s band, showcasing his instrumental versatility on the album Guitars and Women.

Giraldo’s legendary partnership with Pat Benatar, initiated in 1979 and cemented through their marriage in 1982, has been the cornerstone of his career. His role as lead guitarist, producer, arranger, and songwriter on virtually all of Benatar’s albums—starting with her platinum-certified debut In the Heat of the Night (1979) through a catalog of chart-topping hits like “Love Is a Battlefield” and “We Belong”—has helped the duo amass over 45 million records sold and multiple Grammy Awards radiating from their collaboration. Notably, Giraldo was the first guitarist ever to appear on MTV, when You Better Run aired as the network’s second video.

Beyond his work with Benatar, Giraldo has contributed his talents to a roster of renowned artists, including Rick Springfield, John Waite, Kenny Loggins, and Beth Hart. He expanded his creative footprint by delving into film scoring, with credits such as Nailed (2001) and Smile (2004). In 2017, Giraldo ventured into the spirits industry by founding Steel Bending Spirits LLC, based in Ann Arbor, Michigan—giving birth to the celebrated Three Chord Bourbon line and its subsequent variants. Recognized for both his artistry and legacy, he and Benatar were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022