Concert Review
Garbage
Stage AE
Pittsburgh, PA
Tuesday September 23, 2025
Review: Joseph Suto
Photos: Joseph Suto
There are many strong words to use when describing a Garbage concert. Tense, immense, tremendous and prodigious all first come to mind. Tuesday night Garbage commanded the stage with the autocratic Shirley Manson at the helm. Stage AE was packed solid that to get a good view from the back you would have to have hung from the ceiling or be seven feet tall. Not many would have minded either to get a glimpse of the stage of the band still in their prime.
The band got things started with “There’s No Future In Optimism” which also is the leadoff track to the band’s recently released eighth album Let All That We Imagine Be The Light. A few recent changes to the set list were made to help Manson’s voice which you would never know was an issue when listening to her Tuesday night. By the time the band broke into “I Think I’m Paranoid” the place went nuts. Following up with “Vow” was the perfect compliment.
The roster has been kept intact since its inception with Manson on vocals, drummer Butch Vig, guitarists Duke Erikson and Steve Marker. Joining them on bass was touring member Nicole Fiorentino who joined earlier this year. This band is very solid where each member stands out in their own way and the way Marker and Erickson play off each other adds to the mix.
The band played four songs off their latest release but perhaps none as stunning as the closer “The Day I Met God”. A stunner that once again showcases the bands songwriting ability. They have perhaps written their most meaningful song to date with this one. Songs like this is why this band is so loved. A marvelous piece of music with great meaning.
Having seen the band twice before, both as an opener, I can truly say nothing can top their headlining set. It was pure joy to be able to see a show where they received top billing finally. Near show’s end Manson stated they have come to a point in their career where they may have reached the end of being a headline touring band. Touring has been a tough business to be in since COVID. Rising costs associated with touring and the touring environment itself have forced bands to sit back and really take a look at things. It’s such a shame because Garbage is a headlining band make no mistake.
Overall it was quite an experience to see Garbage play a headlining set in a venue like this. It’s just a shame it may be the end. While it may be the bands swan song Pittsburgh headline performance they clearly went out with a crowning glory. Show of the year? I’ll let you be the judge.
Garbage Photo Gallery
Set List
There’s No Future In Optimism
Hold
I Think I’m Paranoid
Vow
Run Baby Run
The Trick Is To Keep Breathing
Not My Idea
Hammering In My Head
Wolves
#1 Crush
Bleed Like Me
Queer
Chinese Fire Horse
When I Grow Up
Push It
Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go)
The Day I Met God
Encore
Stupid Girl
Only Happy When It Rains
