102.1 the Edge

After seven years from the spotlight, Garbage returned to the stage for a sold out performance at the Phoenix Concert Theatre, and a deafening crowd was there to greet them. On more than one occasion Shirley Manson addressed the audience “Toronto, you are f---ing crazy. You are f---ing loud.” Which drew more chants and cheers from the crowd. Garbage is made up of guitarists Duke Erikson and Steve Marker, drummer Butch Vig and fronted by Shirley Manson (the original Queen of Goth). During this tour they’ve added bassist Eric Avery (formerly from Jane’s Addiction) to the stage. The alternative electro-rock band just released their 5th studio album “Not Your Kind of People” this month. During the 110 minute show the band performed their classic hits like “Stupid Girl”, “Special”, “I think I’m Paranoid”, “Only Happy when it Rains” and “Push It”. They also performed “Blood for Poppies” and “Man on a Wire” off their new album. About halfway into the show the band experienced technical difficulties and had to reboot their monitors. Manson used this 5 minute disruption to interact with the crowd and enjoy a wee dram of whiskey. Manson asked several concert goers their names and where they were from. She even commented that she recognized a few of them from earlier in the afternoon when they performed at the Sugar Beach Edge Session. One gentlemen from about the middle of the crowd was hoisted up and slowly crowd surfed closer to the stage. He shouted out “Shirley I love you!” – to which Manson responded “I love you too dear” to the roar of the crowd. Manson proved she is still one of rock’s best frontwomen – displaying confidence, conviction, and her own style of sexiness from the stage. The band’s name may be Garbage, but their performance was anything but. As a fan one can only hope we don’t have to wait another seven years to see them again. Review and Photos by: Mark Booth (http://markbooth.zenfolio.com)
updated 05.30.12