“Figure out exactly what you want and go get it.” – Melissa Etheridge
Photo credit: Myriam Santos
By: Felicia Naoum, Reporter
Updated October 5, 2021
Northfield, Ohio —
The Hard Rock Rocksino was filled with an endless sea of fans. It was a Wednesday night but the energy in the building screamed Friday night. The group was diverse because that’s who Melissa Etheridge represents: equality across the masses. During the show, Melissa mentioned, “All our diversity. All of our differences. That’s what makes us the same.”
You didn’t have to talk to people to get a sense of who they were; you just felt a warmth in the air. The same warmth oozed from the stage and to the audience when Melissa performed. Melissa’s words couldn’t have ringed more true, “Cleveland loves Rock ‘N’ Roll…even on a Wednesday!” Yes, we do. Fans got ready for a reflection of her life on stage.
Melissa didn’t make fans wait. She walked onto the stage performing. She gave her fans what they wanted and when they wanted it. She is a crowd-pleaser. Standing ovations continued throughout the evening, almost at the rate of her frequent guitar changes. Melissa kept you wanting more.
In between songs, Melissa spoke to her fans – she laughed and joked. She explained the meaning behind her latest album, Memphis Rock and Soul. But the best thing Melissa did, aside from share her phenomenal vocals, was showed her fans how down-to-earth she really is.
Leading into the next song, Melissa shared various examples of the song to come by explaining relationship mischief, such as sometimes we “stalk” that one person we want and then…she sang about it. The crowd was laughing and cheering. Melissa was relatable.
For those dying to know, yes, Melissa hit the classics. “I Wanna Come Over” was one. “Come to My Window,” which was the biggest standing ovation of the night, and “I’m the Only One.” The crowd roared with each classic. The night would not have been complete without these hits. I must say, you don’t have to be from the era that these hits were born in to know what that time period was like. Melissa takes you there. It’s as if you’re time traveling through her music. For one night, you forgot your concerns or anything else. You experienced musical genius, with a lightheartedness, that made you feel alive.
If her musical talents weren’t enough, Melissa spent the night sending inspirational messages and self-realizations to her fans: “No one is going to love me like I want unless I love me like I want.” My personal favorite, “Figure out exactly what you want and go get it.” Tide into life-changing messages is a song of Melissa’s that can explain so much going on in the world, especially today: “Respect” was played. “Our guide is right here inside us (as she pointed to her heart). Respect comes from within.”
With her hand on her heart
Photo credit: Myriam Santos
Let’s not forget what Melissa informed her fans of – “Rock ‘N’ Roll dreams come true.”  Now, she wants you to go get yours.  After the encore, of course. Thanks for a night of true Rock ‘N’ Roll and inspiration, Melissa.
From the fans…
“It always feels like it’s the first time that I’m seeing her.”
-Sandy Balzer of Lakewood, Ohio
FN: What is it about Melissa Etheridge that you love?
SB: I love how her music comes from her soul and her life experiences, ranging from her being a woman in music and coming out as a lesbian, to her battle with breast cancer. I love how she can convey those challenges and strength in her lyrics, melodies, and performances.
FN: How long have you been a fan of hers and how has she impacted your life?
SB: I have been a fan since her early years. We are approximately the same age, and I can relate to her music because they mirror many of my life experiences. I have seen her live probably 6 times in many different venues. I feel she puts her heart and soul into each performance, and for me, it always feels like it’s the first time that I’m seeing her.
FN: What did you get out of the concert at Hard Rock?
SB: For one, it was my first time for me to meet her and get a picture with her, so that made this concert extra special. The Hard Rock venue has such great sound and no seat is a bad seat. Melissa rocked on Wednesday! It was the best performance that I’ve seen in a while. She doesn’t just perform to an audience, she talks to the audience and encourages the audience to sing with her! I hope she continues to create new music and she continues her touring for a long time into the future. And in those travels, she doesn’t forget that Cleveland Rocks, and we love seeing her!
Sandy (R) with Melissa at the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park
Photo credit: Janet Macoska
Fan, Caity Sardenelli of Columbus, Ohio, finds healing through Melissa’s music…
“Melissa Etheridge sings about life challenges, hardship, and struggle. Through her music, she helps me realize that without pain, without sacrifice, I cannot grow beyond the unimaginable truth. Her determination can be found in her profound lyrics, encouraging words of wisdom, and radiating strength in songs that continue to affect my life, allow me to reflect on difficult times and pull courage from within. Songs such as “Tuesday Morning,” and “I Run for Life” really grasp my soul, and remind me of how truly fortunate I am; how through pain and struggle, I can embrace passion, and like Phoenix, I can rise from the ashes and soar again.” -Caity Sardenelli
