Don’t think of it as goodbye, think of it as “so long for now.”
On Friday night at the Agora, ’90s alt-rock mainstays Garbage delivered an emotionally-charged performance as part of their aptly named “Happy Endings” tour. With this being their final headlining run, the night felt like more than just a concert. It was a love letter to fans, a career-spanning celebration, and a graceful bow from a band that helped define the ’90s alternative music scene.
Frontwoman Shirley Manson commanded the stage with the same snarling energy and magnetic presence that’s carried the band for three decades. Backed by longtime bandmates Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, and legendary drummer Butch Vig, alongside touring bassist Nicole Fiorentino (Smashing Pumpkins and Veruca Salt), Garbage powered through a generous 21-song setlist that blended hits with deep cuts and tracks from their latest album, Let All That We Imagine Be the Light.
Between songs, Manson was candid and funny; dropping quips about aging and reminiscing on the “good old days.” But as she strutted across the stage, voice sharp and defiant, it was hard to see anything old about it. They’re still kicking ass. And that’s what makes their decision to step away from touring bittersweet. It doesn’t feel like a slow fade, it feels like a conscious choice to go out on a high note.
From the ferocity of “I Think I’m Paranoid” to the synthy shimmer of “Cities in Dust” and the haunting closer “You Look So Fine,” every track hit with emotional weight—especially given the context. Manson shared that the band’s decision came not from burnout but from pragmatism: thanks to smart money management in their heyday, they’ve earned the freedom to bow out on their terms.
Still, for all its power, the setlist left a few hearts aching. Absent were longtime staples like “Special,” “Queer,” the Bond theme “The World Is Not Enough,” and the sultry fan-favorite “#1 Crush.” While it’s understandable that room had to be made for tracks from newer albums, the absence of those iconic cuts was felt. If this really was the last time I’ll Garbage perform live, I selfishly wanted every classic that once blasted through my headphones in high school art class.
The encore delivered what many had been waiting for: “Stupid Girl” and “Only Happy When It Rains.” These iconic tracks felt like a gift, a perfect exclamation point on an already electric evening. As the lights came on and the sold out crowd made its way to the exits, the venue buzzed with lingering energy.
Garbage may be stepping back from touring, but on this night, they proved they’re still at the height of their powers… no nostalgia required.
Opening the night was L.A. rock outfit Starcrawler, who delivered an explosive set that was a perfect prelude to Garbage’s powerhouse set. Frontwoman Arrow De Wilde proved herself a force to be reckoned with commanding the stage with wild-eyed charisma.
STARCRAWLER
