If Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo had followed the advice of their record label, the world might have missed out on iconic hits such as “Love is a Battlefield.” This legendary song emerged from the duo’s steadfast dedication to their artistic vision, especially seen in the context of their 1985 album, Seven the Hard Way. The album name is quite fitting, as it came after six previous releases, with each album met with a series of creative battles against music executives. Benatar’s journey began with her groundbreaking 1979 debut, In the Heat of the Night, and continued with yearly releases and relentless touring. The release of 1983’s Live From Earth provided a brief respite, yet Chrysalis Records insisted on adding new studio tracks to enhance the live album experience.

Among these new tracks was the unforgettable “Love is a Battlefield,” penned by renowned songwriters Holly Knight and Mike Chapman. When Benatar and Giraldo heard the demo, they envisioned a fresh direction for the song. For Giraldo, this marked his debut use of the Linn Drum, a decision that produced captivating results. However, the label was not enthusiastic about their innovative approach. They insisted on major changes, wanting alterations in the beat, tempo, and even wanting to remove elements like the talking and whistling. Giraldo recounted during a discussion with the UCR Podcast, “I don’t like the context — I don’t know what it is. What is it, an R&B song? I said, ‘No, but I can’t change it. I refuse to change it.’ Eventually, they listened to me complain enough that they released it.”

Their unwavering commitment to the song paid off handsomely, as “Love is a Battlefield” soared to become their 10th Top 40 single, peaking at an impressive No. 5. Giraldo cites another strong influence for his persistence: “When Doves Cry” by Prince. This track also showcased the Linn Drum effectively, presenting a unique sound that captivated radio and MTV audiences alike. Giraldo stated, “I like to follow that path, not because of being a jerk, and you just want to do something different because you’re above all that. No, it’s not it. It’s because I hear things like that. I want to challenge the listener, just like I challenge myself. So that’s very, very important.”

Watch Pat Benatar’s Iconic ‘Love is a Battlefield’ Music Video

Discover What Pat and Neil Are Currently Working On

The dynamic duo has achieved a remarkable total of 15 Top 40 singles and has sold over 35 million records globally, a testament to their enduring legacy in the music industry. Rightfully, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. While they continue to perform live, including upcoming shows this fall with Bryan Adams, both Benatar and Giraldo are deeply involved in various creative projects. This September, they will unveil a new children’s book, My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!. Giraldo mentioned to UCR that they are also actively writing new music, sharing some of these fresh tracks with fans at recent concerts. He is bustling with numerous additional musical endeavors, including a Christmas album, collaborations with former drummer Myron Grombacher, and a solo project featuring an array of special guests.

One project that particularly excites Giraldo is titled Three Chord Bourbon, a unique concept that originated one evening while he and friends enjoyed bourbon in his recording studio. As they discussed music, he pondered how he could similarly blend the different “tones” of various whiskeys together. This idea has led to numerous collaborations over the past decade with artists like Halestorm, Dinosaur Jr., and Taking Back Sunday, as well as a variety of spirits inspired by the Allman Brothers Band. “I want to build a family of musicians and have everybody be together,” Giraldo expressed to UCR. “Even some of the younger bands around the world these days or have a smaller audience that they’re building. If they have a question, they can call me if I could be of help and if I have an answer for them. I’ll help them. This isn’t about encouraging people to drink who aren’t drinkers. This is about the connectivity of musicians.”

Listen to Neil Giraldo Discuss His Journey on the ‘UCR Podcast’