On the hottest day of the year (so far), those who came to the Southampton Summer Sessions to witness two of the best live bands around were in for an incredible night.
This was the final night of their joint tour – and my god, we hope they team up again soon as this was such an epic partnership.
Both bands were on fire!
After Du Blonde warmed up the crowd even more, the mighty Garbage took to the stage with the appropriately epic theme from Twin Peaks playing over the sound system.
Shirley Manson, striking in red boots, strode onto the stage to a huge cheer and wearing a t-shirt of her idol, Madonna.
Garbage began with the bittersweet ‘There’s No Future In Optimism‘, with the repeated opening line ‘if you’re ready for love, if you’re ready for love‘.
The crowd certainly were. This was the most electrifying performance of the Southampton Summer Sessions, so far.
It’s incredible to think that Garbage have been together for over 30 years, with the line-up remaining constant since their inception in 1993. The energy and passion is still as fresh as ever.
The biggest cheers come from songs from their self-titled eponymous album from ’95, with all the hits played, including ‘I Think I’m Paranoid‘, ‘Stupid Girl’ and ‘Vow‘.
Shortly after, Shirley dedicates a song to Robert Smith, stating she grew up a young goth girl and without The Cure, they wouldn’t be here tonight – another big thing to thank Mr Smith for.
Their cover of ‘Lovesong‘ is strikingly beautiful – with it reimagined from a female perspective, the hauntingly simple lyrics took on deeper meaning:
However far away
I will always love you
However long I stay
I will always love you
Whatever words I say
I will always love you
Demonstrating the sheer love between the two bands co-headlining tonight, during an appropriate performance of ‘Only Happy When It Rains‘, Skin and her fellow Skunk Anansie band-mates Ace, Cass and Mark crash the stage and serenade with rainbow umbrellas to shield their friends from Garbage against the suns rays.
It was clearly a surprise to Shirley, who in hysterics, allowed Skin to join her on main vocals while she regained her composure.
Garbage were such a tough act to follow and there are very few musicians who would even come close to comparing to this stunning opening.
But Skunk Anansie may just have managed it somehow…
The mighty Cass and Ace take to the stage first for Skunk Anansie.
It’s no wonder Skin is covered in muscle repair K-tape under her long pink socks when she bounds on stage to huge applause. She is the ultimate front-woman and energetic throughout the whole set. Like a dynamo, it’s the most athletic performance.
Beginning with the bombastic ‘This Means War” – it’s clear she’s not here to take any prisoners tonight. Spitting out lyrics fighting against fascism is what we love best, especially in these difficult times. Sometimes we all need a wake-up call.
Skin gives the crowd no time to catch a breath, launching into ‘Charlie Big Potato‘ before ‘Because of You‘ gets the crowd clapping, despite the heartbreaking lyrics sung in her vibrato voice ‘Because of love, I feel nothing‘.
After ‘Yes It’s F’ing Political‘ the band keep their fight against far right extremism front and centre. Skin introduces the next song stating that as a four year old, she saw a little nazi symbol scrawled on a wall. She later wrote her song ‘Little Baby Swastikka‘ about the harrowing experience.
Never one to shy away from her fans, Skin jumped into the crowd and got very close with some of the audience. Displayed on the special ‘Skin-Cam’ she now wears, this is a highlight of all their shows – no matter how big the venue, Skin will always head in and loves a mosh.
The biggest cheer of the evening goes to their epic timeless classic ‘Hedonism‘ or ‘Just Because It Feels Good’, as it’s more commonly known.
Phones are held in the air as the crowd sing along to the lyrics:
Just because you feel good
Doesn't make you right
Just because you feel good
Still want you here tonight
I wonder what you're doing now
I hope you're feeling happy now
Skunk Anansie refuse to stay quiet for long and burst into an incredible cover of ‘Highway to Hell’ by AC/DC – somehow Skin’s vocal range and Ace’s guitar hero skills make this sound even more insane live.
If you ever get the chance to see Skunk Anansie or Garbage, don’t think twice!
Both were absolutely incredible at the Southampton Summer Sessions.
Even in the blistering heat, this is a show which will live long in the memories of everyone who came.
Next at the Southampton Summer Sessions on Friday is Bowling For Soup – supported by local legend Mr Frank Turner.
Definitely another not to miss – click the link below to get your tickets: