Garbage
Support: Starcrawler
The Palladium – Hollywood, CA
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025
Review/Pics: Manuel Gay
Garbage’s Final U.S. Show at the Hollywood Palladium
November 5th, 2025, marked a truly special night for Garbage fans. The legendary alt-rock band played their final U.S. show at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, wrapping up their aptly named Happy Endings Tour. Earlier this year, Garbage announced that this would be their last full tour, citing the increasing financial and logistical challenges of touring in today’s music industry.
However, fans still have reasons for hope — the band hasn’t ruled out one-off concerts or festival appearances in the future. Fittingly, this bittersweet night also coincided with a milestone: the 30th anniversary of Garbage’s very first U.S. show, which took place on November 5th, 1995, just months after the release of their self-titled debut album.
Starcrawler: High-Voltage Energy
Who better to warm up an L.A. crowd than local rock sensation Starcrawler. Over the past few years, the band has built a reputation for their explosive live performances and raw charisma. I’ll admit — the last time I saw them live, I found the sound mix overwhelming, with guitars and bass blurring together and Arrow De Wilde’s vocals getting lost in the noise.
This time, though, those worries disappeared instantly. The mix was crisp and balanced, allowing Starcrawler’s fierce stage presence to shine through. They kicked things off with the infectious “Goodtime Girl,” and from the very first note, Arrow De Wilde owned the stage. Her wild, Mick Jagger–inspired moves captivated the audience, while guitarist Henri Cash unleashed a storm of energy, swinging his guitar like Leatherface’s chainsaw and tearing through electrifying solos.
On the other side of the stage, Tim Franco (bass) and Bill Cash (rhythm guitar) locked into a rock-solid groove. The setlist featured fan favorites like “I Love L.A.”, “Roadkill,” and a fierce cover of The Ramones’ “Pet Sematary.”
If you’ve never seen Starcrawler live, make it a priority — their shows are a pure adrenaline rush. The finale was unforgettable: Henri dashed backstage, climbed the stairs, and reappeared on the Palladium balcony, shredding a solo on the edge of the railing before walking off, leaving his battered guitar hanging from the barricade.
Garbage Delivers a Triumphant and Emotional Farewell
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for — Garbage stepping into the spotlight for what could be their final U.S. performance. The crowd erupted as the first notes of “There’s No Future In Optimism” rang out, the opening track from their 2024 album Let All That We Imagine Be the Light.
Shirley Manson commanded the stage with her trademark mix of grace and fire. Between songs, she spoke candidly about global issues, from the conflict in Gaza to the importance of inclusivity and self-acceptance — messages that resonated deeply with the diverse audience gathered at the Palladium.
The setlist seamlessly bridged three decades of music, taking fans on a nostalgic journey through Garbage’s discography. The band powered through classics like “I Think I’m Paranoid” (Version 2.0, 1998) and “Vow” from their 1995 debut.
Onstage, Duke Erikson exuded effortless cool behind his signature hat and sunglasses, while Butch Vig’s drum kit — adorned with the new album’s octopus artwork — was a perfect visual metaphor for his multi-limbed energy. Steve Marker roamed the stage with contagious enthusiasm, and Nicole Fiorentino anchored the sound with elegant precision on bass.
Three Decades of Garbage
Garbage’s performance featured songs from six of their eight studio albums, ensuring every fan heard something they loved. Highlights included “Hammering In My Head,” a personal favorite that hit with full intensity, and anthems like “Special,” “#1 Crush,” and of course, “Stupid Girl,” which had the entire crowd singing along.
Shirley Manson introduced “Queer” with a touching reflection on its enduring relevance, before turning “Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)” into a euphoric dance party.
The night concluded with a three-song encore, ending with “Only Happy When It Rains.” The moment felt transcendent, as the audience sang every word, basking in both nostalgia and gratitude.
Goodbye — For Now
Seeing Garbage live on such a meaningful night felt like witnessing rock history. It was both a celebration and a farewell — a reminder of why this band continues to inspire, three decades on. As the lights dimmed at the Hollywood Palladium, fans left floating on a cloud, hoping this “ending” won’t be the last.
Until the next time, we’ll keep spinning Garbage’s legendary discography and keeping an eye out for whatever special appearances might come next.
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