In an era where the term ageless is fast becoming trite, there are certain instances where it's true...Ms. Benatar and long time guitar hero husband Neil Giraldo are part of the well preserved rock icons. Ms. Benatar is still able to pull stratospheric altitude vocals, hitting all the notes necessary - notes particular songs require in order to have a/the desired impact viscerally and emotionally.
This is I Am Woman rock with an edge. Lyrics are simple, while rudimentary rock chords provide copious opportunities to pump fists, stomp feet, and sing in tandem to what were (and are) anthemic arena crowd pleasers. "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and "Love is a Battlefield" are not meant to surprise or challenge. What these songs still do is raise the roof - we're in this together, baby....and don't you forget it!
Profound the performance is not. Powerful, it is. "Hell is for Children" enables Ms. Benatar to prove she still has the natural wherewithal to elevate her voice to empyrean levels. Mr. Giraldo's leads are strong though not necessarily varied. He gives the songs the panache and visual exuberance of a typical rock guitarist - moving, swinging, and pointing to audience members enough times to let everyone know, "We know you're here and we love you!"
That is enough for Ms. Benatar's fans; scaling the heights needed to sustain an oeuvre of rock and roll hits that definitely hurl the rock and make you roll with their best shot!
Check the Capitol Theatre website for upcoming shows later in February. Perfect sound, food, excellent bar menus, and not a bad seat in the house. What are you waiting for?
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