Melissa Etheridge Concert Review and Photos by Trey Merrill
Sunday January 19, 2025
Grand Boulevard Stage
30A Songwriter’s Festival
Miramar Beach, Florida
Melissa Etheridge performed at the 30A Songwriters Festival in Miramar Beach, delivering an unforgettable performance at the 30A Songwriter’s Festival. The iconic rocker, known for her powerful voice and exceptional guitar skills, took fans on a nostalgic journey through her early career. She performed a setlist packed with hits from her first five albums from 1987 through 1994. Backed by her reunited band—John Shanks (guitar), Kevin McCormick (bass), and Fritz Lewak (drums)—Etheridge proved why she remains one of rock music’s most enduring and authentic artists.
A Nostalgic Setlist Highlighting Early Classics
Some fans had hoped to hear tracks from more recent albums “One Way Out” and “I’m Not Broken (Live) but it wasn’t to be. Melissa decided to focus on her earlier work which felt like a celebration of the songs that first defined her career. Her ability to connect with audiences through these timeless hits was a testament to the enduring power of her music.
MELISSA ETHERIDGE SETLIST 1/19/2025
- 1) Must Be Crazy for Me
- 2) If I Wanted To
- 3) No Souvenirs
- 4) Don’t You Need
- 5) I Want to Come Over
- 6) You Can Sleep While I Drive
- 7) Chrome Plated Heart
- 8) Come to My Window
- 9) Bring Me Some Water
- 10) I’m the Only One
- 11) Like the Way I Do
Despite the unusually cold Florida weather, which left Etheridge with numb fingers, she delivered a masterclass in guitar playing. Her signature Ovation 12-string guitars—the iconic white and black models—were on prominent display. Her aqua-colored Jerry Jones 12-string electric, used to electrify the crowd during “I Wanna Come Over” and “Chrome Plated Heart” was stunning. She also came armed with a black D’Angelico Deluxe 175 Chameleon. Each guitar adds a unique texture to her performance, showcasing her versatility and skill as a musician. Melissa is a guitar-slinger which sometimes gets lost in the shadows and quality of her song.
Etheridge’s stage presence was as magnetic as ever, with her raspy, soulful voice carrying the emotional weight of her lyrics. Between songs, she bantered the audience, creating an intimate atmosphere that made the outdoor venue feel like a living room.
A Trailblazer in Music and Activism
Melissa Etheridge’s career has always been about more than just music. As one of the first openly gay artists in rock, she was a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in the industry but she never wanted to be a flag bearer. Her public coming out at Bill Clinton’s 1993 inauguration Triangle Ball, along with KD Lang and Janis Ian, was a groundbreaking moment for gay musicians. Regardless, Melissa draws from a much larger pond than just a gay audience. She is a hard rockin’ guitarist who has won over the masses since her self-titled debut was released in 1988.
Melissa’s latest album, “I’m Not Broken” (2024), was recorded live at the “Topeka Correctional Facility for Women“. She lost her 21 year old song Beckett Cypher to opioids and many of the women in the prison were there due to their addictions and other drug charges. Their letters inspired Etheridge to reach out to them and record a video inside the penitentiary as well as throw a full blown concert on the grounds. While she didn’t perform any songs from the album at the 30A Festival, its themes of empathy and resilience were palpable throughout her performance.
A Night to Remember
By the time Etheridge wrapped up her set with the epic “Like the Way I Do”, it was clear that this was more than just a concert. It was the celebration of a career built on passion, authenticity, and the unshakable power of rock ‘n’ roll. For fans of Melissa Etheridge and newcomers alike, her performance was a night to remember. She came and slayed and was a reminder of why she remains one of the most beloved artists in music today.
Melissa Etheridge shows her Kansas City Chiefs colors on her guitar strap.