Graphic: A night with the editor blog series. Graphic created by The Signal Managing Editor Dave Silverio. — A night with the editor blog series. Graphic created by The Signal Managing Editor Dave Silverio.

Editor gets ‘trashed’ at concert

By Liz Davis Last updated Sep 28, 2016 398 0

L TO R: Shirley Manson, vocals; Butch Vig, drums; Duke Erikson, bass. The band Garbage playing at Revention Music Center in Houston, TX Sept. 9, 2016. Photo by The Signal Managing Editor Brandon Pena. — L TO R: Shirley Manson, vocals; Butch Vig, drums; Duke Erikson, bass. The band Garbage playing at Revention Music Center in Houston, TX Sept. 9, 2016. *Photo by The Signal Managing Editor Brandon Pena.*

The alt-rock band Garbage has always been one of my favorite bands and been an anchor in my music collection. (Yes, I am one of those girls who enjoys angry chick music.) The band has been around since 1993, so I have been listening to them for the majority of my life. They have consistently released amazing music, and though their sound has changed over the years, it has stayed true to the original form. When you’re happy, heartbroken or so completely overwhelmed that you are experiencing all emotions at once, you can turn on Garbage, and they have a song waiting for you.

PHOTO: Lead Singer Shirley Manson from the band Garbage at the Revention Music Center in Houston, TX Sept. 9, 2016. Photo by The Signal Managing Editor Brandon Pena. — Lead Singer Shirley Manson from the band Garbage at the Revention Music Center in Houston, TX Sept. 9, 2016. *Photo by The Signal Managing Editor Brandon Pena.*

When I heard Garbage was coming to Houston’s Revention Music Center Sept. 9, it was a dream come true. The past few times they came to town, I wasn’t able to make the show. This venue was the perfect location for the show because it is small enough that no matter where you are you have a decent view of the stage. At the Jack Daniel’s Bar, they even had specialty cocktails named after Garbage songs including “I think I’m Paranoid” and “Only Happy When It Rains.” They looked disgusting, but luckily the bar was fully stocked with pretty much any bourbon you can want.

There were men and women of all ages and backgrounds in attendance. I’m pretty proud to say that Garbage caters to a larger audience than they get stereotyped for.

While the opening band, Cigarettes After Sex, performed well they were a little underwhelming for a Garbage headlined concert. Once Garbage finally came out to play, I became a 13-year-old girl again. Even though they are touring to promote their new album, “Strange Little Birds,” they played all the classics including “Cherry Lips” and “Special.” Lead Singer Shirley Manson came out sporting bright pink hair and jumping around like a ball of energy. She came out on stage and kept going and going like the Energizer Bunny until her batteries ran dry around “I Will Die For You.” Due to his leg injury, Drummer Butch Vig wasn’t able to make most of the tour, but he was back on the skins for the Houston show. While Bassist Duke Erikson and Guitarist Steve Marker engaged with the audience by asking us to clap, Manson stole the show.

One second she was bouncing around then the next she was crawling on the floor. When they played “Vow,” Manson looked like she was about to explode with angst. Her fists tightened with rage, her face twisted with hatred and you felt like she was singing these lyrics directly to someone. Manson’s on-stage presence was an emotional rollercoaster that anyone would be happy to ride along.

I’d have to say I was pretty impressed with Garbage’s performance. For a band to have stuck together for this long and still be able to put on that good of a show and entertain an audience of all ages really says something about their ability as a band. As a fan, I enjoyed every second of the show because not only did I get to see one of my idols in person, but she lived up to to my every expectation.