The Story Behind Pat Benatar’s Haunting 9/11 Song

Pat Benatar’s hit “Invincible,” which first soared into the Top 10 charts and served as the theme for The Legend of Billie Jean, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Yet, the song’s most profound impact on Benatar herself came not in its heyday, but years later, under the shadow of one of America’s darkest days.

On September 11, 2001, while the nation grappled with the shock of terrorist attacks, Benatar and her band were set to perform at an outdoor concert in Napa Valley. A native New Yorker, she vividly recalls the emotional turmoil leading up to the show. “I was literally having a heart attack,” Benatar shared in a recent conversation, explaining the overwhelming fear and grief she felt watching the devastation unfold. Despite her hesitation, the concert promoter insisted the show go on, emphasizing the crowd’s need for solidarity.

Benatar opened the evening with a heartfelt rendition of “America the Beautiful,” setting a solemn yet hopeful tone. Then came “Invincible”—delivered with a new level of intensity. “It was surreal,” she said. “For the first time, the song’s words hit me differently. The audience was moved to tears, holding signs that read ‘God Bless America.’ It was one of those rare moments when music and emotion fuse to create something unforgettable.”

From Heartache to Hope: Creating a Holiday Message of Resilience

That night’s experience also sparked the creation of Benatar’s song “Christmas in America.” After a fan asked how anyone could celebrate the holidays amid such tragedy, Benatar responded with determination. “We’re going to have Christmas,” she said, “because that’s how we move forward.” Inspired by this exchange, she began writing the song in her hotel room, turning sorrow into hope, and released it in time for the holiday season.

“Invincible” itself has proved remarkably versatile, evolving with the times but always carrying a message of strength and perseverance. Although the song was penned by Simon Climie and Holly Knight, Benatar embraced it as her own, drawn to its themes of courage and defiance. “It expresses everything I stand for: resilience, fighting back, never surrendering,” she explained. Today, performing it feels even more urgent and powerful.

New Creative Chapters: Books, Musicals, and Fresh Music on the Horizon

While “Invincible” marks a milestone, Benatar and her longtime collaborator and husband, Neil Giraldo, are far from resting on their laurels. Together, they recently debuted their first children’s book, My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!, inspired by their grandchildren’s lively spirit. Benatar is also working on three additional children’s books and is busy revising Invincible, a stage musical adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, which premiered late last year and is now being further developed in New York.

Meanwhile, Giraldo is juggling several projects of his own, including three albums and two books. He recently hinted at an exciting, unexpected new musical collaboration with Benatar, which would be their first fresh release since 2020 and their first full album together since 2003’s Go. Fans can expect something innovative and surprising from the legendary duo.