Walking into M3 Fest in May 2025, the anticipation in the air was palpable, and I had no doubt that Lita Ford would deliver a performance that would leave everyone buzzing long after the last note. From the moment she hit the stage, it was clear that this was a masterclass in rock and metal performance. Lita’s presence was magnetic—commanding, confident, and electric—and she didn’t waste a second before launching into “Gotta Let Go,” a track that set the perfect tone for the night. The opening guitar riffs sliced through the crowd’s chatter, and by the first chorus, everyone was already fully engaged, heads bobbing and hands raised. Lita’s vocals were sharp and powerful, perfectly paired with her signature guitar tone, and the energy in the crowd escalated immediately.
The second song, “Larger Than Life,” continued to build the intensity. It’s a track that feels like it was made for live performance, with its anthemic riffs, driving rhythm, and soaring chorus. Fans sang along almost instinctively, feeding back energy to the stage and creating a palpable connection between performer and audience. Lita moved across the stage with ease, striking poses that emphasized her rock and roll credentials without ever feeling forced or staged. The guitar work was impeccable, blending melodic solos with gritty riffs that reminded everyone of her years as one of the leading female guitarists in rock history.
“Relentless” came next, and its heavy, driving beat made the entire festival grounds vibrate. This was pure Lita Ford: uncompromising, aggressive, and thrillingly dynamic. The song’s tempo and energy demanded attention, and the audience responded in kind, clapping, jumping, and singing along with abandon. Watching Lita play with such precision while exuding raw power is a reminder of her mastery over both her instrument and the stage. The performance was tight but not sterile; she infused every note with emotion, energy, and a sense of showmanship that felt entirely authentic.
The set took an exciting turn with a cover of Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back.” It was unexpected but executed perfectly, with Lita’s gritty vocals and crunchy guitar riffs transforming the track into a hard-rock anthem. The crowd went wild, responding to both the familiarity of the song and the sheer force of Lita’s delivery. It was a moment that showcased her ability to reinterpret classics in a way that feels personal and uniquely hers, adding a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the performance.
“Playin’ With Fire” brought the energy back into Lita’s signature territory: high-octane riffs, blistering solos, and commanding vocals that left the audience completely enthralled. The song’s fast tempo and precise rhythm demanded full attention, and fans eagerly complied, moving and shouting along with every verse and chorus. Lita’s guitar solos were fluid and daring, demonstrating technical mastery without ever losing the emotional connection that makes her music so compelling. Every note felt purposeful, every riff perfectly placed to elevate the song’s energy.
Next came “Can’t Catch Me,” which featured a drum solo that had the crowd erupting with excitement. The solo was perfectly timed and showcased not just the drummer’s skill but the chemistry of the band as a whole. Lita’s interaction with the drummer added a playful, almost conversational energy to the performance, and the audience loved every second. This track highlighted the importance of live performance dynamics—moments like these give the audience a chance to appreciate the individual talents that make up the whole, and it added a sense of spontaneity that kept the show feeling alive and unpredictable.
“Cherry Bomb,” a song from Lita’s days with The Runaways, was a nostalgic high point of the set. It had an infectious energy that made the entire audience sing along, waving their hands in the air and moving in unison. Hearing this song live was a reminder of Lita’s foundational role in the rise of female rock and metal musicians, and it was delivered with a ferocity and precision that proved the song’s enduring power. Lita’s vocals were razor-sharp, the guitar riffs were crunchy and melodic, and the crowd’s response elevated the performance to a truly communal experience.
The set then took a slightly more emotional turn with a cover of Alice Cooper’s “Only Women Bleed.” Lita’s interpretation was heartfelt yet commanding, balancing the vulnerability of the song’s lyrics with her signature guitar-driven edge. The audience was quiet for much of the performance, captivated by the raw emotional power she brought to the stage. It was a moment of contrast amid the high-energy chaos, and it demonstrated her ability to shift the show’s mood without losing momentum or audience engagement.
“Close My Eyes Forever,” her famous duet originally performed with Ozzy Osbourne, was another highlight. Even as a solo live performance, Lita delivered the song with a mix of intensity and emotion that held the crowd’s attention completely. The combination of melodic guitar lines and expressive vocal delivery made this a standout moment, bridging the gap between her hard-rock roots and her ability to convey deep emotional resonance. Fans sang along passionately, creating a shared experience that felt intimate despite the festival setting.
The set closed with “Kiss Me Deadly,” a track that perfectly encapsulates Lita Ford’s rock and roll ethos: unapologetic, energetic, and undeniably catchy. The song had the crowd on their feet from start to finish, singing and clapping along as Lita and her band delivered every riff and solo with precision and flair. It was the perfect way to end the night, leaving the audience exhilarated, sweaty, and buzzing from start to finish. Lita’s ability to combine musical precision with unrelenting energy and charisma ensured that the show ended on a high note, giving fans exactly what they came for.
Throughout the entire set, Lita Ford demonstrated why she has remained a central figure in rock for decades. Her guitar work was flawless, moving seamlessly between blistering solos, melodic lines, and power chords. Her vocals were commanding and expressive, carrying over the crowd’s cheers without ever sounding strained or forced. The chemistry with her band was evident at every turn—they played tightly but with an energy and spontaneity that made each song feel alive and immediate.
The audience played an equally important role in the performance. From the first notes of “Gotta Let Go,” fans were fully engaged, singing along, clapping, and cheering at every opportunity. There was a palpable sense of communal energy throughout the festival grounds, with fans of all ages and backgrounds united by their love of Lita’s music. The interactive energy between band and audience created a feedback loop, with each song building momentum and excitement that carried seamlessly into the next.
Visually, the performance was striking. Lita’s stage presence was magnetic, commanding attention without resorting to gimmicks. Lighting and stage setup were minimal but effective, highlighting her and the band while allowing the music itself to take center stage. Every guitar solo, every riff, every vocal inflection was clear, precise, and visually engaging, allowing the audience to fully appreciate both the technical skill and emotional intensity of the performance.
The setlist was expertly curated to balance high-energy rockers, emotional ballads, and nostalgic classics. Opening with the aggressive and punchy “Gotta Let Go” immediately engaged the crowd, while mid-set covers like “The Bitch Is Back” and “Only Women Bleed” added variety and unpredictability. Songs like “Cherry Bomb” and “Kiss Me Deadly” delivered crowd-pleasing nostalgia while also showcasing Lita’s technical prowess and stage charisma. The pacing was impeccable, with peaks and valleys that maintained engagement throughout the set.
Musically, the show was flawless. The band’s performance was tight, precise, and full of energy, with each member contributing to the overall experience. The guitar tones were sharp and dynamic, the rhythm section was solid and propulsive, and Lita’s vocals were both powerful and nuanced. The live interpretations of each song added an extra layer of excitement and authenticity, demonstrating her skill in translating studio recordings into thrilling live performances.
Lita Ford’s M3 Fest performance was more than a concert—it was a celebration of her enduring impact on rock music, her technical mastery, and her ability to connect with audiences across generations. From start to finish, the night was a whirlwind of energy, emotion, and musicianship. Fans left the festival energized, exhilarated, and reminded why Lita Ford remains one of the most important and compelling figures in rock history.
Setlist:
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Gotta Let Go
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Larger Than Life
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Relentless
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The Bitch Is Back (Elton John cover)
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Playin’ With Fire
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Can’t Catch Me (with drum solo)
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Cherry Bomb (The Runaways song)
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Only Women Bleed (Alice Cooper cover)
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Close My Eyes Forever
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Kiss Me Deadly
Lita Ford at M3 Fest 2025 proved that decades of experience, talent, and stagecraft can create a performance that is at once nostalgic, electrifying, and unforgettable. From her signature guitar work to her commanding vocals and magnetic stage presence, Lita delivered a set that reminded fans why she has remained a rock icon for so many years, leaving the crowd fully satisfied and buzzing with energy long after the final chord rang out.