Alaska State Fair: Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo show cancelled

PALMER — Pat Benatar fans hoping to see the musician live at the Alaska State Fair this year will be disappointed.

Benatar and tour partner Neil “Spyder” Giraldo have had to cancel their Sept. 6 performance due to an eye injury sustained by Giraldo that required and emergency surgery, according to a Monday press release.

According to the release, Benatar posted the following statement regarding the injury on the Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Facebook page Sunday night:

“Spyder's eye injury was unexpected and terrifying. Thanking God and the Universe that he was able to have surgery immediately and save his eye. He is healing nicely and expected to make a full recovery! Unfortunately, not soon enough for us to continue the tour. He is unable to fly, exert himself or engage in any activity that could compromise the healing process. So with heavy hearts, we will have to cancel the scheduled dates, through Alaska. We know this is such a huge disappointment for everyone, us included.”

Alaska State Fair Director of Marketing and Communication Dean Phipps said the concert committee is looking for a “suitable replacement” now and anticipates filling the vacated slot this week. Fairgoers who had already purchased tickets for the show may put their payments toward the replacement concert or receive a refund if they do not wish to attend the replacement concert.

“We were having a blast out there, celebrating our milestone anniversary with all of you!” Benatar’s post continues. “We hope you understand that we must do this, to ensure Spyder's good health for the future. We hope to be out there performing for ya'll for many years to come! We'll keep you posted on his progress and any updates regarding future performances. Thank you for your good wishes and your continued patience and support.”

Benatar and Giraldo were originally scheduled to perform at the Fair on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Kendall Toyota of Anchorage Borealis Theatre, as part of the 2015 AT&T Concert Series. In addition to Alaska, Benatar also canceled shows in Colorado, Arizona, California, Nevada, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Vancouver, B.C.

Information on the replacement concert will be announced as soon as details are finalized.