Garbage Celebrates ’20 Years Paranoid’ in Atlantic City

Pop Break Live: Garbage at The Music Box at The Borgata in Atlantic City, NJ

Words & Photos by Cathy Poulton

Garbage, one of the most important and influential bands to come out of the ’90s, played Borgata’s Music Box in Atlantic City on October 26th. Lead by iconic singer Shirley Manson, they are currently on their “20 Years Paranoid Tour.” The tour marks the twentieth anniversary of their stellar Grammy nominated album(Album of the Year/Best Rock Album) Version 2.0.

Manson told the crowd she was sorry if anyone didn’t already know that the setlist was not your typical greatest hits type thing. She stated that they’d only be playing their album Version 2.0 and even throwing in the B-Sides. It didn’t appear that anyone in this enthusiastic crowd was bothered by that since the album is regarded by many as one of their best.

They opened the night with “Afterglow.” The rest of the night was scattered with gems from the album that ran the gamut of pop, rock and a tinge of punk. Of course fan favorites “I Think I’m Paranoid” and “Push It” (the two biggest hits from the album)” got a great response from the crowd but some bigger highlights of the show were the chill-inducing versions of “Hammering in My Head and “13X Forever”! The band even did some mash ups with Depeche Modes’s “Personal Jesus” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” The band sounded incredible from start to finish and Manson’s voice sounded as good as ever.

Manson’s chemistry with the crowd was very apparent. She was endearing and stopped a few times to address the crowd. The Scottish singer talked about her love of the U.S and how disheartened she feels with the current state of affairs in our country. A sentiment I am sure struck a cord with many in the audience. Also in a truly sweet moment in the show Manson took the time to talk to a young fan and his “auntie.” He mentioned it was his first concert ever. The show stopped and the entire band signed a t-shirt for him before they broke into their next song “Cup of Coffee”, a fan request.”

The encore included a stunning version of “The Trick Is to Keep Breathing” and the song “Cherry Lips”(Go Baby GO) which was dedicated to the LGBTQ community.

It’s not very often that you get to hear one of your favorite bands play an album in its entirety. Garbage gave this appreciative crowd a very memorable performance. Truly a night they won’t forget.

Setlist:

Deadwood
Temptation Waits
Wicked Ways
Special
The World Is Not Enough
13x Forever
Get Busy With the Fizzy
Hammering in My Head
Medication
Thirteen (Big Star cover)
Can’t Seem to Make You Mine (The Seeds cover)
I Think I’m Paranoid
Sleep Together
Dumb
Soldier Through This
Lick the Pavement
Push It
When I Grow Up
You Look So Fine