Helter Skelter

Pat Benatar’s rendition of Helter Skelter on her 1981 album Precious Time is a fiery cover of the Beatles’ proto-heavy metal classic, and it’s packed with energy that suits her powerhouse vocals. In a 2003 interview with Believer Magazine, Benatar’s bold personality shone through as she discussed her approach to music, hinting at her affinity for intense tracks like Helter Skelter by saying, “I’m the other kind of ant. I push the rock up and if I see that the rock’s not going I go, ‘Fuck this rock. Okay, I’m finding another rock.’” This tenacity likely fueled her decision to tackle such a raw, chaotic song. In a 2022 Daily Wire article, it was noted that Benatar added Helter Skelter to her tour setlist as a statement, replacing her hit Hit Me With Your Best Shot to protest gun violence, showcasing her willingness to use music as a platform for social commentary. The song’s inclusion on Precious Time, which hit number one on the Billboard 200, helped cement its status as a fan favorite, with its live version later appearing on compilations like Heartbreaker: 16 Classic Performances in 1996.

Trivia about Helter Skelter reveals its significance in Benatar’s catalog. The track, clocking in at 3:50 on the studio version, was produced by her husband and collaborator, Neil Giraldo, whose gritty guitar work amplified its edge. According to a blog dedicated to the song’s covers, Benatar’s version is celebrated for its raw intensity and has been featured on multiple collections, including The Very Best Of: Vol. 2 (1996) and Greatest Hits Live (2003). Fans on platforms like Last.fm describe it as a standout, with some noting its heavier, more aggressive tone compared to her pop-rock hits. Benatar’s choice to cover a song tied to the Beatles’ experimental White Album shows her versatility, blending her operatic training with rock’s rebellious spirit.

Pat Benatar, born Patricia Mae Andrzejewski on January 10, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York, kicked off her career with a voice that could shatter glass and a determination to break barriers. Raised in Lindenhurst, Long Island, she started singing in elementary school, developing her 4.5-octave range through classical training, as noted on IMDb. Initially accepted to Juilliard, she shocked her family by marrying her high school sweetheart, Dennis Benatar, and moving to Virginia, where she worked as a bank teller. Feeling stifled, she joined Coxon’s Army, a Richmond cabaret band, which gained local fame. By 1975, Benatar left the band, packed her car, and returned to New York City with $2,500 to chase her dreams. Her big break came at Manhattan’s Catch A Rising Star cabaret in 1979, where she was discovered and signed by Chrysalis Records. That same year, her debut album, In the Heat of the Night, launched her to stardom with hits like Heartbreaker, setting the stage for her trailblazing career.

Benatar’s journey is well-documented on her official website, benatargiraldo.com, which she shares with Neil Giraldo, offering news, tour dates, and fan club details. Fans can connect with her on social media via Facebook, Instagram, and X, where she posts updates and engages with her audience. The fan community thrives in spaces like the Pat Benatar Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and others share memories and celebrate her music. Another fan hub, patbenatar.com, provides a wealth of info on her discography and legacy, keeping her connection with fans strong.