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Concert reviews Music

Shirley Manson and Co. deliver big at the Phoenix

GARBAGE at the Phoenix, Monday, October 26. Rating: NNNN


Even Marty McFly might not have known what year it was when Garbage took the stage.

The Wisconsin band brought a sold-out crowd at the Phoenix back to the heyday of rebellious alternative and grunge, playing album cuts and B-sides from their 1995-1996 era to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album.

More than an hour of ferocious vocals and head-banging by Scottish frontwoman Shirley Manson reminded us why she became and has remained such an inspiring force. The highlight came when the crowd sang word for word to slightly reworked versions of I’m Only Happy When It Rains followed by Stupid Girl, which showcased the band’s ability to write melancholy crossover hits without compromising their signature sound (made all the more powerful live).

“Never listen to other people when you feel it in your heart – don’t let other people draw your life. Draw it for yourself,” concluded Manson at the end of an almost half hour encore that began to piss off the venue and included a couple of non-mid-90s tunes. And with a new album in the works, Garbage should be able to continue inspiring rebels with or without causes for the next 20 years. 

music@nowtoronto.com | @raouljuneja

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