You’re No Good

On October 25, 2024, John Shirley, joined by Brooke Byrington and Will Hession, delivered a fierce and unforgettable performance of Linda Ronstadt’s classic hit “You’re No Good” during the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s concert, “The Good, the Bad, and the Gay,” at Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Margarete Heye Great Room in Clearwater, Florida. The concert, which explored the complex and multifaceted experiences of LGBTQ+ life, featured a mix of humor, heart, and powerful emotions, and this particular performance stood out as a bold and dramatic moment in the evening’s program.

“You’re No Good” is a defiant anthem about reclaiming personal power after betrayal, and the trio of Shirley, Byrington, and Hession infused the song with raw emotion and fiery intensity. Shirley’s commanding vocal presence, combined with Byrington and Hession’s harmonies, created a powerful rendition that was equal parts sassy and soulful. The trio’s chemistry on stage was palpable, with each of them bringing their unique energy to the performance, delivering the song’s message of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

This performance was part of the concert’s exploration of the “bad” side of the evening’s theme, reflecting the emotional challenges, heartbreaks, and struggles that are often a part of LGBTQ+ experiences. Yet, it was also a reminder of the empowerment that comes from overcoming those challenges, as the song’s message of moving on from toxic relationships resonated with themes of self-empowerment and self-love.

The intimate setting of the Margarete Heye Great Room, known for its exceptional acoustics, allowed the voices of Shirley, Byrington, and Hession to fill the space with clarity and emotion, adding depth to the performance. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s rendition of “You’re No Good” was a dramatic highlight of the evening, leaving the audience both moved and energized by the trio’s powerful vocal execution and the song’s bold message.