CityLife

Melissa Etheridge

Manchester Academy

February 16, 2012

It has been more than a decade since Melissa Etheridge played in Manchester and the American folk-rocker was determined to give a memorable performance upon her return to our city.

Before launching into anthem Fearless Love, the 50-year-old told the audience at Manchester’s Academy 2 venue: “It’s been a while,” with a wide smile beaming from her face.

Her joy at being on stage was evident throughout the night as she sang some of her best hits including I Want To Come Over, Come To My Window and Royal Station.

Her distinctive bluesy, husky vocals were on top form, especially during the haunting Indiana which showed off her range.

Although known best for her singing and songwriting, Etheridge showed she can play a little guitar herself as evident in instrumental segments of the songs Chrome Plated Heart and Don’t You Know.

There was a very relaxed feeling to the evening, as Etheridge joked with the crowd and told stories about her long and varied career.

Conscious of being in Manchester, she dropped former United footballer David Beckham into her conversation, mentioning how she met him a few years ago and that he was smaller than she expected him to be.

More seriously, she also spoke about her battle with breast cancer. She has now been cancer free for eight years.

But what was most apparent during the evening was her excitement at being back in Manchester.

Etheridge mentioned at least three times that it had been 23 years since she visited as the opening act for Huey Lewis and the News.

She revelled in the two-hour set. Her middle-of-the-road rock isn’t for everyone, but her charisma is enduring and honest.

Before beginning her 15-minute finale Like The Way I Do, she told the audience: “I promise I will not be 23 years between visits,” a promise many here no doubt hope she will keep.

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