So, as Joe and I sit out at the pool today recovering from the Tuff Life of traveling to see Melissa, PAT & SPYDER, and then Adele…… I thought I’d update you all on our story of Fire & Ice being performed the other night in Albuquerque. This may contain some spoilers, so reader beware (and I apologize for posting like a nitwit on Facebook that night about the Fire and Ice news. I was just so excited I wanted to let you all know ASAP). So,here goes:
While backstage with a comfortable and chatty Patti (and Spyder running around in a mask), I mentioned that the fans would love to hear Fire & Ice. She made a face (like an exasperated cringe- because she obviously already knows this from Facebook). She explained that it’s difficult to sing that song, along with Hell is for Children, in a set, or even in the same week. Wuthering Heights falls into that category also . She commented “If it’s not going to be spectacularly great, ya know….like Shadows….. Why do you want to hear it??” For clarification I asked again “So, no Fire & Ice…ever??” She looked at me and shrugged. I looked back at her and she shrugged again. I looked at Joe, then back and Pat and she shrugged and smiled again and then she said, “If we can find a way to do it, we’ll do it.” I told her I’d tell the fans her official answer was a shrug. She laughed.
It is true that Joe knew they were working on an arrangement, but we had no flippin’ idea they were ready to surprise us. And we don’t know if asking about it finally prompted them to perform, or if this was a full blown coincidence. Alas, it doesn’t matter. They played a freakin’ awesome rendition of Fire & Ice!!!!
The photo on this page reminds us of how, in that room right there, she gave us that line about not singing Fire & Ice – and knew damned well she was going to belt it out shortly……! This rock chic keeps us guessing.
So there you have it…… just don’t expect to ever hear Treat Me Right again…… (that’s another story)!
Now, back to the pool. It’s 107*…!
(Post originally written on 7/17/16, poolside in Phoenix)
Thanks, Maria, for sharing the “Fire & Ice” backstage story. I had a blast at the concert in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was pleasantly surprised when I heard Pat sing that song knowing she hasn’t performed it in a long time. I had the great pleasure of being in the front row, and Pat gave me some wonderful eye contact while belting out that terrific tune. Thanks to the Benatar Band for the surprise! You’re the best! I enjoyed my 48th BENATAR BUZZ!!!