Walking into M3 Fest in May 2025, the air was thick with anticipation and the scent of festival concessions, but nothing could prepare the crowd for the raw, melodic power of Great White. Known for their bluesy hard rock and evocative ’80s anthems, Great White arrived onstage ready to remind everyone why they’ve remained a staple of the rock world for decades. From the moment the first notes of “Desert Moon” hit the speakers, it was clear that this wasn’t just a nostalgic throwback—it was a high-voltage, emotionally charged performance that pulled the audience in from start to finish.
“Desert Moon” opened the set with an ethereal, almost haunting tone, building steadily with soaring guitars and crisp percussion. Jack Russell’s vocals cut through the mix with a seasoned clarity that proved his voice hasn’t lost a bit of its power over the years. The song’s iconic melodic lines and evocative lyrics created an immediate connection with the audience, setting the stage for what would be an unforgettable night. Even casual festival-goers who might not have been die-hard fans were immediately captivated, nodding along to the rhythm and singing quietly along with the chorus.
Following that, “Lady Red Light” brought a more urgent, hard-rock energy to the stage. The gritty guitar riffs, tight drumming, and Russell’s dynamic vocal performance worked in perfect harmony to create a palpable tension that electrified the crowd. The audience’s energy mirrored the band’s, with hands raised and bodies moving in unison to the beat. It was one of those moments that reminded everyone why Great White’s music has remained relevant and resonant for decades—the combination of skill, emotion, and stage presence is undeniable.
“Stick It” ramped the intensity even further, transforming the crowd into a wall of motion and sound. The track’s punchy rhythm and driving guitars encouraged sing-alongs and fist-pumping, turning the set into a communal celebration of rock energy. Great White’s ability to deliver songs with both precision and raw emotion was on full display, proving that even with years of experience, the band can still command a festival stage like a group half their age.
The band slowed the pace slightly with “House of Broken Love,” but the emotional weight of the song made the shift feel like a deliberate, artful choice rather than a lull. Russell’s heartfelt delivery of the lyrics combined with melodic guitar work that weaved in and out of the percussion created a sense of intimacy even in the open-air festival environment. Fans swayed and sang along, connecting deeply with the themes of heartbreak and resilience that the song so masterfully conveys.
“Mista Bone” brought the energy back up with a playful, grooving rhythm and swaggering guitar riffs. The crowd responded immediately, clapping along and shouting the chorus with abandon. The interplay between the guitars and percussion during this track highlighted the band’s ability to maintain tight musical cohesion while still allowing room for expressive spontaneity. Every riff, fill, and vocal flourish felt purposeful, contributing to the narrative of the performance and keeping the audience fully engaged.
“Gonna Getcha” was a showcase of Great White’s blues-rock roots, with churning guitar tones and a rolling rhythm section that pulled the audience further into the performance. Russell’s vocals were as emotive as ever, shifting effortlessly from gritty edge to soaring melody. The crowd was enraptured, responding to every pause and crescendo, and the song’s groove-driven momentum made it impossible not to move. There’s a timeless quality to tracks like this; they invite both physical and emotional participation, turning a simple festival set into a shared, almost ritualistic experience.
“Save Your Love” brought an anthemic, sing-along quality to the set, and it quickly became one of the standout moments of the night. The song’s lyrical hooks and melodic structure encouraged participation from the audience, and fans of all ages joined in with exuberance. Great White’s ability to write songs that resonate across generations was clear in this moment—the chorus became a collective chant, uniting the crowd in a wave of musical connection that filled the festival grounds.
“Rock Me” delivered the quintessential Great White experience: a perfectly balanced blend of melodic hard rock and bluesy grit. From the opening riff, the audience erupted in cheers, and the band responded with tight, polished instrumentation and dynamic stage presence. The interplay between guitars and vocals was seamless, highlighting the band’s decades of experience while retaining an edge that kept the energy electric. Fans sang along to every word, creating an almost communal voice that carried through the night air, elevating the performance to something larger than a single stage or setlist.
Closing out the main set with “Once Bitten Twice Shy,” Great White ensured that the finale was both cathartic and celebratory. This song has long been a staple in their catalog, and hearing it live at M3 Fest was an event unto itself. The audience erupted from the first note, singing, dancing, and cheering with unrestrained enthusiasm. Every guitar flourish, drum fill, and vocal line was executed with precision, yet the performance still carried the energy and spontaneity that make live music so electrifying. The band’s charisma, connection with the audience, and musical expertise culminated in a finale that felt like both a tribute to their legacy and a living, breathing moment of shared experience.
Throughout the set, Great White demonstrated not just technical skill, but the kind of stage presence that only comes from decades of performing. Russell commanded the stage effortlessly, moving between center stage and interacting with bandmates in ways that were playful, dynamic, and full of character. The guitarists traded riffs and solos seamlessly, the rhythm section anchored the performance with impeccable timing, and the overall chemistry of the band was undeniable. Each song flowed naturally into the next, maintaining a cohesive narrative arc that held the audience’s attention from first note to last.
The energy of the crowd played a huge role in the success of the night. From the opening notes of “Desert Moon,” it was clear that the audience was fully engaged, not just observing but actively participating in the performance. Fans of all ages sang along, waved hands in the air, and moved in unison to the beat, creating a feedback loop of energy between band and audience that fueled the set. It’s the kind of interaction that turns a good show into an unforgettable experience, and Great White thrived on it, responding to the crowd’s energy with equal enthusiasm.
Visually, the performance was simple but effective. The stage setup allowed each member of the band to shine, with lighting accents highlighting solos and dramatic moments without overwhelming the music. Minimalist visuals kept the focus on the performance itself, letting the band’s energy and musicianship take center stage. Even in the open-air festival environment, the combination of sound, performance, and audience interaction created a sense of intimacy and immediacy, making it feel like the band was playing directly to each person present.
The setlist itself was a masterclass in pacing and dynamics. Opening with the moody, atmospheric “Desert Moon” set the tone, while subsequent tracks like “Lady Red Light” and “Stick It” ramped up the energy, keeping the audience engaged. Mid-set tracks like “House of Broken Love” and “Mista Bone” allowed for emotional and rhythmic variety, creating peaks and valleys that kept the performance dynamic. The inclusion of both anthems like “Rock Me” and sing-along favorites like “Once Bitten Twice Shy” ensured that the show hit both nostalgic and energetic high points, leaving no moment feeling flat.
Musically, the band was in top form. Guitars were sharp, drums were crisp, and the rhythm section anchored each track with precision, allowing the more melodic or improvisational elements to shine without losing cohesion. Vocals were clear, emotive, and well-projected, carrying over the crowd noise while retaining clarity and power. Great White’s ability to blend technical skill with live spontaneity was on full display, creating a performance that felt both polished and alive.
One of the standout aspects of the night was the way Great White engaged with their audience. Russell, in particular, balanced moments of showmanship with genuine connection, interacting with fans, acknowledging their enthusiasm, and encouraging participation. The energy was mutual, a conversation between stage and audience that made each song feel like a shared experience. Moments of crowd sing-alongs, clapping, and cheering were met with responsive flourishes from the band, reinforcing the communal atmosphere.
From start to finish, Great White’s set at M3 Fest showcased why they remain a vital force in rock music. They balanced nostalgia with technical mastery, energy with nuance, and audience engagement with professional precision. Songs like “Desert Moon” and “Once Bitten Twice Shy” reminded longtime fans of their enduring impact, while tracks like “Mista Bone” and “Gonna Getcha” demonstrated their ability to remain fresh and relevant in a festival setting. The performance wasn’t just a walk down memory lane—it was a fully realized, living testament to the power of rock music done well.
By the end of the night, it was clear that Great White had delivered more than just a concert—they had created an experience. The combination of stage presence, musicianship, song selection, and audience interaction resulted in a show that felt both personal and epic. Fans left buzzing, sharing favorite moments, and reliving the highlights, a testament to the band’s enduring ability to captivate, excite, and inspire.
Setlist:
-
Desert Moon
-
Lady Red Light
-
Stick It
-
House of Broken Love
-
Mista Bone
-
Gonna Getcha
-
Save Your Love
-
Rock Me
-
Once Bitten Twice Shy
Great White’s M3 Fest set proved that decades of performing, refining, and connecting with audiences have solidified their status as masters of melodic hard rock. The band delivered a performance that was technically flawless, emotionally resonant, and wildly entertaining, leaving the crowd exhilarated and reminded why their music has stood the test of time.