7 Classic Rock Marriages That Continue to Go the Distance
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo got married on February 20, 1982, and they remain one of the longest-lasting marriages in classic rock.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo got married on February 20, 1982. They remain one of the longest-lasting marriages in classic rock. They're also among the most successful.
Benatar and Giraldo were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2022 induction class. Interestingly, Benatar was asked in a 2021 interview with CBS Sunday Morning whether it bothered her to not be in the Rock Hall. She said then that it didn't and noted, "Listen, when you win things, it's really fun. But the point is, does this validate, not validate what we've done? No."
Together, they've sold over 35 million albums worldwide. Benatar has also won countless honors, including four Grammy Awards. The husband and wife pairing even collaborated on a stage musical called Invincible -- The Musical. As previously reported, Invincible -- The Musical is a new reworking of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The production features versions of many of the songs Benatar and Giraldo have written and performed together for over 40 years.
In a September 2013 interview with the Arizona Republic, Benatar fondly looked back on meeting Giraldo. She said the first song they recorded together was the hit "Heartbreaker." Benatar said she and Giraldo clicked instantly. Even though there was a definite attraction from the beginning, Benatar was still married, and Giraldo was also in a relationship.
" ... We made [1979's 'In the Heat of the Night'] not romantically involved, which was a challenge," said Benatar. "Which is what made it so much fun, and I think you can hear all that on that record."
Needless to say, Benatar and Giraldo have more than defied the odds against them. However, Benatar and Giraldo are far from the only music marriage that has gone the distance. In honor of Benatar and Giraldo's anniversary, here are some of classic rock's other longest-lasting marriages.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo (Married in February 1982)
Rick Diamond/Getty ImagesIn her autobiography, Pat said when she saw Neil for the first time, she thought to herself, “Girl, you have just seen the father of your children.” Spoiler: She was right. Pat and Neil have two children, Haley and Hana. Additionally, Pat and Neil have three grandchildren.
Keith Richards and Patti Hansen (Married in December 1983)
Theo Wargo/Getty ImagesKeith and Patti met in 1979. They wed on the guitarist 40th birthday. What a gift that has lasted for decades! Keith and Patti have two daughters: Theodora and Alexandra.
Bono and Ali Hewson (Married in August 1982)
Francois Durand/Getty ImagesBono and Ali were high-school sweethearts back at Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin. Both were just 22 years old when they married. They have four children: Jordan, Eve, Elijah and John. Eve Hewson has gone on to have a successful acting career. Meanwhile, Elijah Hewson fronts the rock band Inhaler.
Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach (Married in April 1981)
David Livingston/Getty ImagesRingo and Barbara met on the set of the film ‘Caveman.’ The film may have tanked, but the couple’s love still lives on. Fun Fact: Barbara's sister, Marjorie, is married to Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh. This means Starr and Walsh are brothers-in-law.
Dee and Suzette Snider (Married in October 1981)
Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesThere was a bit of a problem when Dee first met Suzette. He was 21; she was 15. They met in a club, which, due to her age, she snuck into. Dee talked to her parents, and after A LOT of convincing, they were eventually allowed to date.
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne (Married in July 1982)
John Phillips/Getty ImagesSharon worked for her father, Don Arden, who managed Black Sabbath. When Ozzy was fired from Sabbath, Sharon took the reins and began managing his solo career. The rest is history. To this day, Sharon still manages Ozzy.
Alice Cooper and Sheryl Goddard (Married in March 1976)
Jon Kopaloff/Getty ImagesAlice and Sheryl met while she was a dancer in his over-the-top stage shows in 1975. Being together this long among everyday-folks is incredible, but lasting that long in the rock and roll world? Unbelievable! Alice and Sheryl have three children: Sonora, Calico and Dashiell.
