Shirley Manson Reveals Garbage’s Last US Headline Tour is Fueled by “Record Industry Thievery”

The harsh realities of the record industry have led Garbage to announce their final major North American tour, marking an end of an era for fans.

Why Garbage’s North American Tour Might Be Their Last

If you’ve been following Garbage’s latest moves, you know they kicked off their “Happy Endings” tour in Orlando just a few weeks ago. But here’s the bittersweet scoop — this tour is likely their last major headline run across the US. Shirley Manson, the band’s magnetic frontwoman, shared the raw truth behind this decision during a powerful set at The Anthem in Washington DC on September 17.

Shirley Manson on stage with Garbage during their North American tour.

Manson didn't hold back, explaining how “the thievery of the record industry” has made touring a tough business. “We have as a band decided that, due to basically the economics of the music industry, that we have to curtail our headline touring business,” she told the crowd. The weight behind those words hit home for any fan who's ever dreamed of endless tours from beloved bands.

The Difficult Economics of Touring Today

The music industry isn’t the golden ticket it used to be. Manson painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced, especially by young musicians who are grinding hard on the road. “They’re holding down jobs, take two weeks off, drive across the country, sometimes sleeping in vans or dodgy motels. It’s unsafe and unacceptable,” she said, shining a spotlight on the darker side of the touring life that often gets overlooked.

It’s a sobering reminder that behind the bright lights and roaring crowds, many artists face a grind that’s not just exhausting but downright dangerous.

A Farewell Toast to the Fans

Despite the tough talk, Manson made it clear that Garbage is incredibly grateful. “We’ve had a fucking great run,” she said, with the kind of candidness that only a seasoned artist can deliver. She also shared a heartfelt message for the fans who have stuck by them through decades of ups and downs.

“At times in the music industry, they’ve told us we’re old, we’re over... nobody wants to play us on radio, nobody wants to interview us. And then you lot came along. You were like, ‘get behind us, Satan’. And we won’t forget it.”
— Shirley Manson

Raising their glasses to the crowd, the band toasted to health, happiness, and kindness — a beautiful farewell ritual that felt deeply personal and real. Manson urged fans to “stay kind, stay adventurous, stay curious,” and to surround themselves with “beautiful animals and really good people.”

A Glimpse of the Final Tour

This isn’t just talk. Garbage’s recent Instagram post confirmed what many suspected. They haven’t done a major headline tour in the US for nearly ten years, and it’s unlikely they’ll return to many of these cities again.

“We are going out in style and we hope you will join us. That’s life, my friends. Nothing stays the same forever. Everything must change. All beautiful things come to an end,” the band wrote.

If you want to catch Garbage live on this special farewell run, check out their remaining tour dates and ticket info to make it a night to remember.

Garbage’s Latest Album: A Beacon of Light

Alongside their touring news, Garbage released their album Let All That We Imagine Be The Light in May this year. Critics praised it, noting the album’s message of empowerment amidst a world that often feels threatening.

In a recent interview, Manson reflected on the album’s themes, especially love — something she’s rarely written about. “I’m just not a romantic person, really,” she confessed, adding a layer of honesty to the record’s emotional depth.

Wrapping Up: The End of a Chapter

It’s tough to say goodbye to the idea of Garbage touring extensively across North America again. But with Shirley Manson’s candid insights, we get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the realities artists face today.

This farewell tour isn’t just the end of a journey for Garbage; it’s a call to reflect on the changing landscape of the music world. For fans, it’s a bittersweet reminder to cherish every live moment while it lasts.

FAQ

• Why is Garbage ending their North American headline tours?
  Shirley Manson explained that the economics of the music industry and the “thievery” within it have made touring financially unsustainable.
• What dangers do young touring musicians face today?
  Many endure unsafe conditions like sleeping in vans or poor motels, balancing day jobs with exhausting travel schedules.
• Will Garbage ever tour again in smaller or different formats?
  While they indicated no more major headline tours, smaller shows or special appearances might still happen, but nothing on this scale.
• What is the theme of Garbage’s latest album?
  Let All That We Imagine Be The Light focuses on empowerment and letting light into a dark world, touching subtly on love and resilience.
• How can fans support Garbage during their farewell tour?
  Attending shows, buying merchandise, and engaging with their music online are great ways to show support.

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