On October 9, rock superstars Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo get The Paramount in Huntington on Long Island “all fired up” as part of their 2021 “De Novo” Tour. Digital Journal has the recap.
They opened up their set on a high note with “We Live For Love,” which earned them a standing ovation. They immediately broke into the irresistible “All Fired Up,” as the stage was graced in red lights and everybody was singing along with the rock couple.
“Well, how are you?” Benatar asked, and the venue erupted in applause. “Can you believe we are out? This is the craziest 18 months. We have been out six weeks now but these 18 months wiped out the last 42 years,” she admitted.
“We are happy to see you out. We are here to have fun tonight and to celebrate,” Benatar underscored.
They continued with the expressive “Strawberry Wine,” where Benatar showcased her bluesy, raspy vocals.
She noted that this year marked their 42nd musical anniversary, and the 40th anniversary of her “Crimes of Passion” album, as well as her and “Spyder’s” 40th wedding anniversary.
Benatar went on to perform the powerhouse “Promises in the Dark,” which she revealed was the first song that she and Spyder ever wrote together. An elegant disco ball began the song in a soothing, ambient fashion before they broke into the upbeat rock segment. All of the fans took out their phones during this infectious tune.
“We are here to celebrate,” Benatar exclaimed and noted that it’s a time to reflect on what happened over the last 18 months.
They went on to deliver a controlled, stirring version of the fan-favorite “We Belong,” which was sheer euphoria and filled with raw, tender emotions. She shared that she is a fan of Lay’s potato chips, and that the title of their tour “De Novo” signifies a “new beginning” now that things are opening up again post-COVID.
“History is my thing and I study it,” she acknowledged, prior to taking her fans back to 1997, with a moving rendition of “Purgatory,” which raises social awareness, and she displayed her trademark pipes on this song.
She nailed the high notes in her 1980 classic “Hell Is for Children,” where everybody was singing along with them.
Benatar declared “Invincible” as the “fuck you COVID song,” and rightfully so. Her delivery of it was unapologetic, badass, and fun.
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” became the anthem of the evening and a neat crowd singalong where they were reciting the lyrics verbatim. “That was fantastic,” Benatar praised the fans for singing along with her. She closed with her signature tune “Love Is a Battlefield,” which was spot-on pitch-perfect vocally.
For their encore, she sang “After The Fall,” and her smash hit “Heartbreaker” with a medley of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire,” and she left the Long Island audience wanting to hear more.
The Verdict
Overall, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo were spectacular at The Paramount in Huntington. They proved that they get better with age and experience, and that live music is back on Long Island.
Hopefully, 2022 will finally be the year that they will get inducted into the coveted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They are long overdue for this honor, and it is only right that the Rock Hall rectifies this glaring omission.
If anybody has any doubts, all they need to see is a highlight reel of the Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo “De Novo” show at The Paramount. It was absolutely astonishing, and they are highly recommended to see when they come to town. The audience knew that they were in the presence of rock music’s No. 1 couple.
Their live show at The Paramount garnered an A rating. Well done.
To learn more about Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, check out their official website, and their Facebook page, and follow them on Instagram.
