GARBAGE – SKYLINE SERIES - BIRMINGHAM DIGBETH ARENA, 08 SEPTEMBER 2018

BY SHARI BLACK VELVET

“The last time Garbage played Birmingham was 1999. It was also our first ever Garbage show – and, incidentally, the day of our first ever arena photopass, and also the day we did a ‘round table’ interview with Garbage musicians Butch Vig, Duke Erikson and Steve Marker. That day holds special memories that we’ll remember forever – and so, when it was announced that the band would be back in Birmingham again after so long, we were eager to be there.

And so now, in 2018, Garbage are celebrating the 20-year anniversary of their ‘Version 2.0’ album. Released back on May 11th, 1998, ‘Version 2.0’ is an album that has really stood the test of time. It’s an album that won over the masses with its creative brilliance and all-encompassing songs. Those songs still sound perfect today. Which is just as well considering the band have just released a deluxe edition which includes B-sides from back then too. After impressive sets from both Honeyblood, a female duo from Scotland, and Maximo Park, who are headliners in their own right, Garbage take over. The set sees the band playing every song from the new 22-song deluxe release.

A dark and ethereal ‘Afterglow’ (a B-side to ‘I Think I’m Paranoid’ and song which has never been performed live before this tour) commences the show. Shirley Manson graces the spotlight at the front of the stage, and all eyes are on her as she dramatically and sultrily sings ‘sweep away your expectations and recognize your enemies’, while Steve Marker, Duke Erikson, Butch Vig and touring bassist Eric Avery are further back. With an orange strip of paint across her eyes, and a long cyan and orange metallic dress, Shirley has already exceeded our expectations and continues throughout the night. With audio clips in between songs, Garbage really give a show worth watching. Back in the 90s, Garbage were one of a kind, and they have gone on to inspire many other bands with their electronic-infused alt. rock tunes. ‘Hammering In My Head’ has a real psychological element to it, Shirley theatrically paces around the stage in circles, while ‘Medication’ slows the tempo and soothes. You can really feel every lyric that Shirley sings and every emotion that was put into the song when it was written.

Fan favourite ‘I Think I’m Paranoid’ sees Shirley get off the stage and go up to the barrier to get closer to the fans, while ‘Sleep Together’ just sounds stunning. Towards the end of the set, Shirley speaks about subjects close to her heart, creating awareness and showing exactly why she is seen as such a role model. She is not afraid to say it how it is and speak out against the wrongs in the world – that includes Donald Trump and racism.

She asks the crowd what ‘Get Busy With The Fizzy’ was a B-side of – before actually saying the title of the song, which kind of stumps the audience, because we don't know what she's talking about until a member of the band tells her. It’s dedicated to Mirelle Davis, a friend of the band who worked and toured with the band, and who Shirley in particular bonded with, both being female in a male-dominated industry, who is at the show. ‘Special’ is just that, while ‘When I Grow Up’ is another gem. Before ‘The Trick Is To Keep Breathing’ opens the encore (a glistening cover of David Bowie’s ‘Starman’ closes it), Shirley tells us that the band fought the system, and this is why they’re ‘old, ugly and angry’. She gives a shout out to the promoter, Phil, for getting them on this show, talking about how she’s known him since she was in Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, and speaks about slogging herself and fighting the system. While she says Garbage won’t be back in Birmingham in another 20 years’ time, we do hope they’ll make it here again. Tonight really brings out all the best emotions and reminds us how glad we are that bands like Garbage exist. Happy anniversary ‘Version 2.0’. Tonight’s celebration was special.