Rockin’ Hall of Fame Grandparents Share Their Story
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, a power couple inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, have been keeping busy with various creative projects despite not releasing any new music in the past few years. Along with a packed touring schedule, the duo has been working on a stage musical called “Invincible,” a contemporary twist on William Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo and Juliet” featuring their music. After debuting in California in 2022, the show is currently being reworked in New York. Additionally, Neil Giraldo, a Cleveland native, has ventured into the world of bourbon with his brand Three Chord and is also juggling the production of three albums and two upcoming books.
Adding to their list of endeavors, Benatar and Giraldo are set to release a new children’s book titled “My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!” on September 9. The book, illustrated by Tiffany Everett, is dedicated to their three grandchildren and celebrates the diverse and unique relationships between grandparents and grandchildren. With over 36 million records sold worldwide and numerous hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the couple is known for their rock music, but this new children’s book represents a different creative avenue for them.
The idea for the book came from their grandchildren’s interactions with them. Benatar and Giraldo wanted to explain to their grandchildren that not all grandparents live the same lifestyle as they do. The couple aimed to emphasize the universal love that all grandparents share for their children, regardless of their interests or hobbies. The writing process for the book involved a collaborative effort between Benatar and Giraldo, similar to how they craft their songs. Each contributed different ideas, and they worked together to bring the story to life, ensuring it was inclusive and relatable to a wide audience.
Through their book, Benatar and Giraldo hope to show that anyone can be a “rocker” in their own way, whether it’s through music, writing, carpentry, or any other passion. They sought to create a diverse representation of grandparents to resonate with all readers, regardless of their background or appearance. The couple test-marketed the book with their grandchildren, receiving feedback on the illustrations and content, which helped ensure the book was engaging and relatable for young readers.
Despite their rock-star status, Benatar and Giraldo’s grandchildren have a somewhat casual understanding of their grandparents’ fame, viewing it as “kinda cool” without fully grasping the magnitude of their achievements. The couple’s grandchildren are beginning to show interest in learning music, with plans for piano lessons in the future. In a playful nod to their own musical abilities, the book features the grandpa character as a percussionist, a tongue-in-cheek reference to Giraldo’s drumming skills alongside his guitar prowess.
“My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!” serves as a heartwarming tribute to the love shared between grandparents and grandchildren, showcasing the universal bond that transcends generational gaps. Benatar and Giraldo’s venture into children’s literature embodies their message of inclusivity and love, inviting readers of all ages to join in the celebration of family relationships that truly “rock.”