Neil Giraldo
Neil Giraldo Neil Thomas Giraldo was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 29, 1955. Born of Sicilian parents, he got into music at an early age, and was heavily influenced by Elvis Presley when he was very young. Later, musician Scotty Moore made a big impression on him, as well as the British guitarists Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton. Neil began playing the guitar at 6-years-old at his father's urging. "My father always wanted to play guitar and sing, so consequently he encouraged his off-spring. My sister played accordion and so my father said to me, 'You're gonna play guitar,' and that was it!" At age 12 he expanded his musical repertoire by learning to play the piano. Today Neil has produced all of Pat's albums as well as a few other artists'. His first outside production credit was on John Waite's debut album Ignition. He has given a helping musical hand to artists such as The Del Lords, Rick Springfield, and Kenny Loggins. Fans are anxious for Neil to spread out even more. He has talked about putting together a side band called The Sicilians with fellow band mates Mick Mahan and Ray Brinker, but so far no concrete plans have been made. There is so much more to Neil than can be mentioned in one short biography. Pat often refers to him as The Big Kahuna, and the name fits. Neil is the major reason Pat's music sounds the way it does in the recording studio and on tour. The majority of the fans seem to know that, too. Pat isn't the only one attracting attention when they're on stage. While performing, girls of all ages can't help but swoon just a bit. And when that shirt comes off revealing the white tank top and muscular arms, watch out! The verdict is in! Neil is like a fine wine. . .He only gets better with age.