She kicked off her set with the infectious and spitfire “All Fired Up,” which was a dynamic performance. It was followed by “We Live for Love” and yet another powerful rock tune, “Invincible,” where she blew the roof off the venue.
The control she maintained over the voice during “Promises in the Dark” was incredible, and she took her fans on a trip down memory lane to 1985 with “Run Between the Raindrops” from her Seven the Hard Way album.
The rock couple harmonized well together on “We Belong,” and they picked up the pace with “Hell is for Children” and “You Better Run,” which was an important song for Benatar, since it was the second music video that ever aired on MTV (after The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star”). This video made Spyder, the first guitar player to appear on MTV.
She continued with her signature songs “Love Is a Battlefield” and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” where the Beacon audience was reciting the lyrics verbatim.
For her final song, she incorporated it as a medley with “Heartbreaker” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” and “Purple Haze.”
The Verdict
Overall, Pat Benatar and Spyder (Neil Giraldo) were awesome at the Beacon Theatre. The only downside was that they did approximately 11 songs (including a lengthy medley for their last song), but they were all high-quality vocals. Many fans were hoping to hear “Shadows of the Night” and “Fire and Ice.” Each year, Benatar proves that she deserves her name on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot. It ought to happen this year. She is long over due for this recognition. Their live show at the Beacon garnered an A rating.
