Garbage
w/ Cigarettes After Sex
SF Masonic
San Francisco, CA
September 24, 2016
I have to be completely blunt: Garbage is a band whose discography I've never truly explored as much as I should have. I've liked what I've heard from them, but I missed that era of rock for some reason. I was thrilled to finally see their show at The Masonic in San Francisco.
Garbage know how to put on a show, both musically and structurally. By that, I mean that they only had one opener, a very chilled out Cigarettes After Sex, and there wasn't a great deal of time waiting in between the artists prior to their headlining set. It was enjoyable to be able to show up around 8 PM and not have to worry too much about the traffic hell that is the Bay Area, and know that you're going to enjoy some great rock music.
The band truly gave the fans their money's worth, as the setlist was comprised of twenty-three tracks. A good chunk of the set came from their newest effort, Strange Little Birds, and the band's acclaimed self-titled debut record. From the moment the show kicked off, it was incredibly clear that vocalist Shirley Manson was in control. It was incredible to me how the audience was able to hang onto every word that came from her microphone, whether it was sung during a track or spoken in between songs. To top it off, each track was flawlessly performed. Bright, colorful lighting flooded the stage. No major, over-the-top effects were needed to highlight the powerful moments in each track.
This show was rather unique in the sense that the Masonic Center in San Francisco is a big venue, but it can also feel rather small. Artists that have recently taken the stage there include Iggy Pop, and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, just to name a few. Countless sold out shows take place here with larger-than-life artists, but when they speak, everyone shuts up and truly listens to them. Each time Manson spoke, the audience listened and responded appropriately. You'll never get that kind of reciprocation in an arena or stadium environment.
Garbage performed a fantastic show in the perfect setting, and anyone who was in attendance that evening witnessed a special moment in the history of modern rock music.
Set List:
Subhuman
I Think I'm Paranoid
Stupid Girl
Automatic Systematic Habit
Blood for Poppies
Milk
Sex Is Not the Enemy
Blackout
Magnetized
Special
#1 Crush
Even Though Our Love Is Doomed
Why Do You Love Me
Night Drive Loneliness
Bleed Like Me
Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)
Vow
Only Happy When It Rains
Push It
Encore:
Sometimes
Empty
Beloved Freak
Androgyny
Garbage
www.garbage.com
www.facebook.com/GarbageOfficial
@Garbage
Cigarettes After Sex
www.cigarettesaftersex.com
www.facebook.com/CigarettesAfterSex
@CigsAfterSexx
This has been another Shameless Promotion.