Garbage at Troxy

“We have a love hate relationship with the press, but you always stay strong,” comments lead singer Shirley Manson as she breaks into a dedicatory Why Do You Love Me? for the fans. There seems to be something momentous and final about the band’s performance; they gave themselves to the music, but the whole show is overcast by reflections on all the support they have had throughout their careers with almost every other song being dedicated to someone.

The audience in the Troxy is not large, which makes the volume of cheering and singing even more impressive. It is clear that Garbage has fans who remain loyal to them. “This is to all the weirdos and people like us!” screams Manson as her raspy voice effortlessly begins Bleed Like Me, greeted by cries of “we love you” from the crowd. Manson throws herself into Sex Is Not the Enemy in a passionate statement against all those who incite violence against the LGBT community. Some of the best songs of night include Control, which builds to a mad climax that has the whole crowd dancing. The venue is engulfed in a bright blue light as Only Happy When It Rains begins, the audience swaying and screaming in time.

Manson has lost none of her vivacious energy. While occasionally she loses track of time as she talks to the audience, her performance is sharp and effortless. She exudes an unpretentious cool, which is perhaps why she is so loved by her fans. With her bright pink hair, she is as young as ever, singing as if she had not been performing for over 20 years. Cherry Lips closes the night – another dedication to the fans who have remained loyal. The walls and ceilings are speckled with silver dotted lights and bright purple spotlights as the crowd goes crazy to the chorus.

It may have been the band’s second performance in London in twelve months but Garbage still surprises and has lost none of its charm.

Georgie Cowan-Turner
Photos: Jon Mo

For further information about Garbage and future events visit here.

 

Watch the video for Cherry Lips here: