Last week Melissa Etheridge was set to play Waukegan’s Genesee Theater but that bastard Coronavirus postponed the gig. So I thought I’d share some memories of the first time I saw the Kansas born rocker in concert.
As passionate as Melissa Etheridge’s recorded music is, you really have to see her live to get the full appreciation of her talents. I’ve been to several of her shows over the years and admire what an intense performer she is. There’s a real ‘love it live’ thing going on with her fans. I’ve seen this mutual bond over the years but the most memorable exchange occurred during a 1992 concert at the Chicago Theatre. Melissa’s “Never Enough” CD was her most recent and both old and new songs were well received.
That night during a break between songs, a fan sitting a few rows from the stage called out to Melissa and offered her something. As security let the woman get to the front row she handed the star an authentic Chicago Policeman’s leather jacket, complete with the real patches and tags. Melissa was surprised at the offering and asked twice if the jacket was really for her. It was and you could tell she was genuinely touched by this present. The whole theater cheered and it was a cool moment. I shared that tale with a friend of mine who promoted for Ms. Etheridge’s label. Years later he brought up the jacket story to her and Melissa lit up saying it was the coolest gift she ever got from one of her fans.
One other highlight that night was at show’s end. Melissa saved one of her early hits “Bring Me Some Water” as a final serving. Coming out with her twelve string acoustic guitar she held it high above her head with both hands like it was Excalibur. The crowd screamed its approval of this cool pose, then Melissa gave a sly grin and launched into the unmistakable opening chords that got the place jumping as one. Then she started with those well known lyrics, “Tonight I feel so weak, but all in love is fair…”
So if you ever get to see a Melissa in the future, you’re in for an evening of great music and a rowdy ass time. And if you ever want to bring her a cool gift than can top that leather Chicago Police officer’s jacket, good luck!
NEXT BLOG- A New Round of “Have You Ever.”