Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
The scorching heatwave continues in Norn Ireland as we make our way to the big smoke to see the immense Garbage. I was 19 (showing my age) when the band first burst onto the scene with singles from their debut self-titled album.
At the time, I mind there was a real buzz as Butch Vig producer of albums such as Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’, L7’s ‘Bricks Are Heavy’, Smashing Pumpkins ‘Siamese Dream’, would be taking on the mantle of Drummer in the band alongside Shirley Manson (vocals), Duke Erikson (guitars), Steve Marker (guitarist) and Eric Avery (bassist –sideman) however on bass and backing vocals tonight is Nicole Florentino. Marker, Vig and Erikson contacted Manson after seeing her video with then band Angelfish encouraging her to lay vocals on a track and Garbage was born.
Despite the super group nature of the male members of the band, Manson became notorious as Garbage’s front woman due to her unique singing style and candid and rebellious approach. Manson is revered as a feminist icon and is not shy in expressing her views and is outspoken about current affairs and human rights. Garbage are a force to be reckoned with having sold 17 million albums worldwide. Garbage are coming to the end of their current Tour supporting their Eighth studio album, which featured a mix of European headline dates and a major UK co-headline run with Skunk Anansie. Tonight’s gig will be first time Garbage have played in Belfast since 2018 and the fans are eagerly awaiting tonight’s headlining show. Garbage will be rounding up the tour in Dublin, Ireland (Iveagh Gardens) tomorrow night.
Supporting Garbage tonight are Big Joanie an all-female punk band from London. These powerful ladies possess big stage presence despite their demur demeanour. They perform for half an hour delivering songs such as ‘Happier Still’, Fall Asleep’ and ‘In My Arms’. The Big Joanie ladies are punchy in their delivery and are multi instrumentalists swapping out guitars for keyboards etc. during their set. They more than warm up the now filling Waterfront Hall, ahead of the headliners and use this opportunity to speak out against recent hate crime in Belfast encouraging everyone to consider the detrimental impact that politicians etc. can have on everyday working people creating negativity, fear and divides. They are pleased with the warm welcome they have received since arriving in Belfast and highlight in particular one female fan who has been dancing throughout their set.
The later part of their performance has a more dancier and upbeat vibe in contrast to their melancholic songs at the start of their set whilst retaining their ability to sing about pertinent issues which resonate. It’s heart-warming and inspiring to see strong resilient women commanding attention in today’s music scene given that the music industry can be disempowering to females especially those who do not fit into a desired mould. Big Joanie are definitely worth checking out when you get the opportunity to see these ardent and formidable ladies on stage. The crowd is awash with a real mix of Metal and alternative band t-shirts which simply highlights the diverse range of fans which Garbage have amassed over their thirty plus year’s tenure.
As everyone enjoys the intermission refreshments in the gorgeous Waterfront venue whilst taking in the beautiful views from the expansive glass panes, one can’t help but reflect on how beautiful Belfast looks tonight whilst we eagerly await the arrival Garbage. As everyone renters the hall the standing area is fit to burst now and I can only imagine is very like a sweatbox and everyone packs in tight awaiting their heroes’ entrance to the Belfast stage. As the lights dim the ominous and atmospheric tones of ‘Laura Palmer’s Theme’ fill the air and the band take to the stage during the Piano segment and are met with rapturous applause. Garbage launch into ‘There’s No Future in Optimism’ from their newest album with accompanying mighty strobe lights. They certainly have our attention and follow up with ‘Hold’, Manson crouches on the floor emitting an emotive delivery and stage presence.
Not only is Florentino a talented Bass player she also provides the perfect backing vocals to Manson’s fierce yet vulnerable lyrics. Manson exudes attitude and swagger as she works the stage using her physical presence to embody the meaning and tone of the songs. Following ‘Empty’, Manson takes the time to converse with the Waterfront audience expressing how delighted the band are to be here in Belfast – be with their fans in this incredible city. Her genuine outpouring is met with adoring screams and applause. Impacted by emotion the stunning vocalist admits she is struggling to put words together and admits she is not sure why. Someone in the audience suggested that she is shy – this amuses Manson who replies that she is many things but not shy.
Manson appears overwhelmed when reflecting on the duration of the bands career – “39 years of hard work”. The vocalist chats about the gap since the last time they played Belfast. Manson reveals that they as a band were always told when planning past tours that Belfast did not want to see the band live and that there was no interest. Manson said this devastated the band as we Celts are supposed to stick together – individuals in the audience reassured the band by shouting up comments of support and adulation. Manson encourages a big shout out for support band Big Joanie to which the crowd happily comply. Manson reflects on the heat before launching into the ever popular ‘I Think I’m Paranoid’ and ‘Stupid Girl’. Manson thrusts out the mic commanding ‘Come on Belfast’ proudly for the Waterfront fans who sing along with glee reliving their younger years in elation.
Kitted out like a military goddess Manson takes time to reflect on her close friendship with Courtney Love and explains that the next song was originally a love song to her from Garbage. Manson then goes on the talk about Jennifer Finch of the band L7 who is currently extremely unwell. Manson reflects on the powerhouse that Jennifer is from her anarchic persona to flinging tampons. It’s a highly emotive part of the set as the band are paying tribute to a friend who is undergoing strong treatment in an attempt to fight brain cancer. Manson informs the audience that they have attached the link to Jennifer’s ‘Go Fund Me’ page which is helping the family raise much needed funds for her treatment. Manson reflects on the current state of the healthcare service in America which is ‘fucked and leaves people to die in abject poverty’. Poignantly Manson projects Garbage’s and the fans here tonight’s, prayers and powers to Jennifer and leads into ‘Right Between the Eyes’.
Garbage roll out ‘Vow’and then Mansonbrings ‘No Horses’ to a halt stating “Stop – technical error someone didn’t check the keyboard looking at my husband Nicole not you” – a wee jibe at her husband Marker, reassuring the fans that next time will be flawless. The singer is right they deliver a forceful execution of the synth heavy track. ‘It’s All Over but the Crying’ depicts the past experience which Manson admits felt like a tragedy at the time.
‘Run Baby Run’ is dedicated to uber fan Greg on this being his 80th Garbage show. Lucky Greg is showered not only with the bands appreciation for his loyalty but also guitar pics, Setlist and drum sticks hand delivered by Vig himself. I’m sure Greg is a very happy man this evening. Garbage are the epitome of cool but yet are humble and gracious. We are treated to ‘Chinese Fire Horse’ before they play the cover I was hoping for tonight, The Cure’s ‘Lovesong’, I for one thought Garbage did an excellent job as it was not a carbon copy but maintained its beauty. Manson is swept up in the emotionality of the song holding her arm tight to her chest during the synthesiser solo. ‘Cherry Lips – Go Baby Go- was dedicated to Garbage’s LBGTQ family with the promise that the band will always have their back.
Belfast with great delight helped the band sing the chorus to ‘When I grow up’. Garbage are consummate professionals and very tight as a band. Erikson and Markers guitar solos are blistering and exquisite.
The final track of the night from the newest album ‘The Day That I Met God’ is up next. It’s an uplifting track which has the crowd bouncing and jumping in sync with the active front woman. Followed by a brief encore I observe fans standing on the sides of the seated areas – I assume due to advice on entering the theatre that dancing and standing is forbidden in the balconies for safety reasons. These fans could not resist getting up and dancing in solidarity to ‘Special’ and ‘Only Happy When It Rains’. Sadly Manson informs us that Garbage will likely not be back in Belfast, the sadness in the air was palpable. Manson talks of how as the tour winds down she can feel the weight of it on her shoulders, She sincerely thanks the fans stating that Garbage haven’t taken one single fan for granted, not one ticket sale for granted and that all the messages and letters have been cherished and read and enjoyed.
Hopefully this won’t be the bands last night in Belfast. What we experienced tonight was not just a Garbage gig, it turned out to be not just an entertaining night of alt rock but also an audience with Manson who tells cathartic stories of the bands career but also invites us in to experience growth from her own past personal struggles. It’s refreshing how open and honest Manson is. It’s been a privilege to witness Garbage tonight and it’s a gig that I shall remember for a long time to come.
Addendum – since writing this review Metal Planet Music have sadly learnt of the heart-breaking passing of Jennifer Finch of L7 Fame. L7 were a pioneering all female Punk Rock Band which shaped and influenced not only teenage female fans but also budding Female musicians. We send our condolences and love to the Family and Friends of the beautiful and talented Jennifer Finch.
Photography by MPM
