Melissa Etheridge Opens Up in Exclusive 8News Interview: Love, Loss, and Rock 'n' Roll

Legendary rocker Melissa Etheridge sat down with 8News for a raw and revealing conversation about her life, career, and the personal struggles that have shaped her music. The Grammy-winning artist didn't hold back, discussing grief, resilience, and the power of authenticity in an industry that often demands conformity.

From Heartbreak to Healing: Etheridge's Journey

Etheridge, known for hits like "Come to My Window" and "I'm the Only One", spoke candidly about turning pain into art:

• Loss as Inspiration: How the death of her son Beckett influenced her recent work
• LGBTQ+ Advocacy: Her trailblazing role as one of the first openly gay rock stars
• Musical Evolution: Why she refuses to be boxed into any single genre

The State of Rock Today

Never one to mince words, Etheridge shared strong opinions about the current music industry:

1. "Rock isn't dead" - but major labels have abandoned authentic artists
2. The rise of streaming has democratized music while shrinking paychecks
3. Why today's artists need to focus on live performance over viral moments

What's Next for the Icon?

At 62, Etheridge shows no signs of slowing down:

• New album in the works with "her most personal lyrics yet"
• Plans for an intimate acoustic tour focusing on storytelling
• Continuing her cannabis activism through her wellness brand

What Do You Think?

• Is rock music truly dying, or just evolving beyond recognition?
• Should artists be expected to publicly grieve to create meaningful art?
• Has streaming been ultimately good or bad for musical creativity?
• Does the music industry still marginalize LGBTQ+ artists today?
• Controversial: Is Etheridge's cannabis advocacy helpful or harmful to her legacy?