Garbage review: Nostalgia-free night gives classic songs new significance

Far from rubbish: Shirley Manson of Garbage
Getty Images for The Trevor Project
Elizabeth Aubrey17 September 2018

“When I think of London, I always think of here,” Shirley Manson told a sold-out Brixton Academy last Friday, visibly moved by the warm welcome fans gifted Garbage.

After a thrilling mash-up of Wicked Ways with Depeche Mode’s Personal Jesus, the venue sprung to life as Manson prowled, warrior-like, up and down the stage. Opening with two B-side rarities delighted dedicated fans, as did Manson’s continued acknowledgement of her love for London. Wearing a futuristic red-cape dress and sporting a red war paintlike stripe across her eyes, Manson cut an arresting figure as she tore through Version 2.0 in its entirety in the album’s 20th-anniversary year.

The nostalgia that drenched 2015’s 20 Years Queer tour was largely absent as the band instead looked to imbue classic songs with new significance.

I Think I’m Paranoid and Push It received thunderous responses, helped by the urgency of Manson’s fierce delivery. The addition of subtle melody alterations and the inclusion of song snippets by Fleetwood Mac and The Kinks were inspired. The Patti Smith-esque No Horses was a closing highlight, as was the tour debut of Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go).

“Thank you for sticking with us when no one else did,” Manson roared. With a performance this impressive, fans will be sticking by Garbage for many years to come.

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