Shirley Manson Addresses Unruly Fan and Politics While Garbage Rocks L.A.’s Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Jordan Bailey

What better way to get in the Halloween spirit than with a concert at an actual cemetery featuring one of rock’s favorite bands from the dark side. As such, American-Scottish queen and kings Garbage set out on Oct. 21 to give fans just that at Los Angeles’ landmark venue Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The group, fronted by noted singer Shirley Manson, made the stop as part of their ongoing North American tour in support of their latest album, “Strange Little Birds.”

Though the entire how itself was a full-on rock experience for fans there was one heated moment early in the night. Not long after the first song began (“Subhuman”), someone tossed a beer at Manson. It’s no surprise that she didn’t take kindly to this gesture. “You don’t get to throw fucking beer at me and stay at my concert, fuck you” she said as fans cheered her on. Manson continued by addressing security. “Get him the fuck out of my concert, right now.” Concluding with “you know why, because pussy bites back.”

The night’s set list included favorites like “I Think I’m Paranoid,” “Stupid Girl” and “The Trick is to Keep Breathing.” Their latest hit, “Magnetized,” also made the cut. About halfway through the set, Manson made a comment on American politics. From the viewpoint of a Scot, Manson made clear to her audience that the world watches our country very closely. “I’m not saying I have any answers at all. I’m just saying that hate will take us down the toilet,” she noted. The crowd responded with unfettered approval. The night ended on a positive note with an encore that included more fan favorites such as “Sometimes,” “#1 Crush” and the ever-popular “Empty.” American pop band, Cigarettes After Sex opened with a dreamy, ambient set.

Garbage played Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Oct. 21.