Melissa Etheridge Releases Single Honoring Orlando Shooting Victims and Survivors

Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, who will be performing at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center on Sunday, July 3, has released a song honoring the victims and survivors of the June 12 shooting at Orlando nightclub Pulse, which took the lives of 49 people (and the shooter). The shooting—the largest in United States history—was aimed at the LGBTQIA community, and the openly gay Etheridge reportedly wrote the song to find solace and sort out her emotions upon hearing about the horrific incident.

After debating whether to make the song a dark look at mass shootings or a hopeful song about humanity and love, Etheridge chose the latter. Speaking to The Advocate, Etheridge said:

“I get moved by so many things, not just the sadness of tragedy. I also get moved by how we react. Unfortunately, it takes a hideous event like this, but sometimes it brings people together and moves others who might have been like, ‘That gay thing is not anything I’m concerned about.’ It moves them and they think, I have to stand on the side of love and peace.’”

Christina Aguilera has also released a song, “Change,” honoring those touched by the events in Orlando. Both “Change” and “Pulse” will be available for purchase, and all proceeds will go to charities.

Listen to “Pulse” below.