Benatar, at 72, looked and sounded as sharp as ever. There was no hint of slowing down as she launched into “All Fired Up,” her voice cutting through the theatre with the same intensity that made her a household name in the 1980s. Fans were treated to a performance that felt both familiar and newly urgent.
Giraldo was in top form, his guitar work crisp and inventive throughout the night. He wasn’t content to just play the hits—he made a point of connecting with fans, even handing a guitar pick to a young concertgoer and encouraging them to chase their own musical dreams. That moment drew cheers and smiles from across the venue.
The setlist was a smart mix of classics and newer material. Rather than simply running through a greatest-hits package, Benatar and Giraldo kept things interesting with songs like “Go” and “In These Times,” which fit seamlessly alongside the older favourites.
“Invincible” and “Ties That Bind” had the crowd singing along, with Benatar’s vocals sounding remarkably close to her original recordings. The energy in the room built steadily, with fans clearly relishing every moment.
The show wasn’t just about power; there were moments of real warmth and camaraderie. When Jackie Popovec of The Vindys joined Benatar for “We Belong,” the duet brought a new dimension to the song. Popovec’s voice blended well with Benatar’s, and the audience responded with loud applause.
The stripped-down version of “Shadows of the Night,” performed with the band offstage, gave Benatar a chance to showcase her voice without distraction. The theatre was quiet as she sang, with fans listening closely to every word.
“Hell Is for Children” stood out as a reminder of Benatar’s ability to tackle tough subjects with conviction. The song’s message resonated, and the applause that followed was some of the loudest of the night.
The main set closed strong with “You Better Run” and “Love Is a Battlefield.” The latter, complete with the signature choreography, brought the audience to its feet. Benatar’s energy never flagged, and Giraldo’s guitar solo drew a roar from the crowd.
For the encore, the band delivered “Disconnected” and “Everybody Lay Down,” before closing with a crowd-pleasing mashup of “Heartbreaker” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” It was a playful, unexpected way to end the night, and the fans loved it.
While the setlist has remained consistent throughout the current tour, what set this performance apart was the energy in the room and the genuine connection between the artists and the audience. Benatar and Giraldo delivered each song with enthusiasm, making familiar material feel immediate and engaging. Their interaction with fans and each other brought a fresh sense of excitement to every number, proving that even a well-rehearsed show can still feel vibrant and alive.
The Vindys, opening the evening, made a strong impression. Jackie Popovec’s vocals were powerful yet easy on the ears, and the band’s original songs were met with genuine enthusiasm. Their musicianship and stage presence suggested a group ready for bigger stages.
Their closing cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” was a bold choice that paid off. The Vindys put their own spin on the classic, showing off their range and earning a standing ovation. It’s clear why they were chosen for this tour—this is a band with real potential, and their performance at Fallsview proved they’re more than up to the challenge.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo Setlist:
- All Fired Up
- Invincible
- Ties That Bind
- Promises in the Dark
- Go
- In These Times
- We Belong (duet with Jackie Popovec of The Vindys)
- Come Together
- River of Love
- Shadows of the Night
- Hell Is for Children
- You Better Run
- Love Is a Battlefield
Encore:
- Disconnected
- Everybody Lay Down
- Heartbreaker / Ring of Fire
All photos by Dan Savoie
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo:
The Vindys:
