What many thought, including me, was the odd pairing of Melissa Etheridge and Blondie on a co- headliner tour this summer. Even Blondie commented on it during her set. However, she remarked how great it’s going and that the band couldn’t have asked for a better touring partner. Let’s revisit this sentiment a tad later.
Opening this show was Blondie. Lead vocalist and focal point Debbie Harry was decked out in a bright pink top and occasionally wore off beat sunglasses during the set. Just turning 70 last week, Harry and her band ran through a 14-song set that included songs from her past, as well as new songs too. In regards to Harry’s birthday, she talked about how last week she visited the Rock and Roll Hall of fame and the Warhol Museum.
The set was sprinkled with cuts from their latest offering “Ghosts of Download” which included “Rave,” “Sugar on the Side” and “Euphoria.” Blondie also performed classic songs like “Rapture,” which she gave credit to her husband and rhythm guitarist Chris Stein for writing. Many reference this song as the first number one song to feature rap in it. Blondie still was able to work the unique tune like it was still 1980. She really involved the band by walking round most of them rapping the lyrics while gesturing to the audience. They ended the 1 hour and 20 minute set with their 1979 hit “Dreaming.” Harry was never really known for her vocal chops but she can still work the stage like few from her genre can or still are, I might add.
I was first turned on to Melissa Etheridge in 1994. This was just after the release of one her biggest records, “Yes I Am.” She really won me over with her tremendous acoustic guitar playing. I’ve seen her a number of times since 1994 and I’ve seen her sparingly play electric as he leaves that duty usually to her hired touring guitarist. This was not the case at all Tuesday at Artpark. After Etheridge prayed for the skies to remain clear (forecast called for rain) she came out playing an electric Fender for the song “If I Wanted To.” Before starting the song, Etheridge took a moment to survey the area, taking in the beautiful scenery that the venue has to offer and then proceeded into the song to the crowd’s delight. it was apparent she came to play and spent most of the night on electric which was a pleasant surprise. She showed her proficiency on the electric all night but none more evident than on the song “Take My Number,” that features a great melody. What she called her voodoo song ,“Monster” was up next. The song required some slide guitar and Etheridge was up to the task. It was co-written by her bassist Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis, whom she calls her musical partner for the last handful of years.
She closed the set with her emotionally charged “Bring Me Some Water” (which did bring the rain) and the up-tempo and infectious “Like the Way I Do.” Personally, even though Blondie did a commendable job in their performance, the night belonged to Etheridge and it showed by the crowds reaction. Either way it’s a great double bill and it the end result is that both of these different acts did work together which was a win for the fans!
Melissa Etheridge setlist:
If I Wanted To
Your Little Secret
I Want to Come Over
Take My Number
Chrome Plated Heart
Like a Preacher
Come to My Window
Monster
I’m the Only One
Bring Me Some Water
Encore:
Like the Way I Do
Blondie setlist:
One Way or Another
Rave
Hanging on the Telephone(The Nerves cover)
Mile High
Call Me <br
/> Maria
Euphoria
A Rose by Any Name
Rapture (with Beastie Boys’ (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right) The Tide Is High (The Paragons cover) (with Dee-Lite’s Groove Is In The Heart snippet)
Atomic
Sugar on the Side
Heart of Glass
Encore:
Dreaming
We would like to thank Maria Hays from Artpark for her assistance in obtaining credentials so BackstageAxxess can review the show.
