Page 41 - Black Velvet Magazine Issue 99

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GARBAGE – BIRMINGHAM DIGBETH ARENA, 08.09.18
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 they 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 fur-
ther back. With an orange strip of paint across her eyes, and a long cyan and orange metallic dress, she 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 paces around the stage in circles, while ‘Medication’
slows the tempo. 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 To-
gether’ 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. 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, 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 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 get-
ting them on this show, talking about how she’s known him since
she was in Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie. While she says they won’t
be back 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 spe-
cial.
YYYYY
SBV
Shirley Manson (Garbage) Photo By Shari Black Velvet

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