Garbage formed in 1993 in Wisconsin, USA, at the now-legendary Smart Studios. At the core of the band were producers Butch Vig, Steve Marker, and Duke Erikson, with Vig already in the spotlight thanks to his production work on Nirvana’s “Nevermind”. Their goal was to create a band that would merge the raw energy of rock ’n’ roll with the aesthetic and textures of electronic music.
While searching for a distinctive female voice in 1994, they discovered Scottish singer Shirley Manson, who quickly became the band’s powerful frontwoman and iconic figure. With her unique vocal tone and commanding stage presence, Garbage forged an identity that seamlessly balanced alternative rock edge with with the accessibility of pop music.
Garbage’s eponymous debut album, released in 1995, was an immediate success, selling over four million copies worldwide and earning international acclaim through timeless songs such as “Stupid Girl,” “Only Happy When It Rains,” and “Queer.” The equally successful “Version 2.0” followed in 1998, earning Grammy nominations and firmly establishing Garbage as one of the most important acts of the era.
Despite stylistic shifts and the occasional hiatus, the band’s core line-up has remained intact to this day. With eight studio albums to their name and sales of over 17 million records worldwide, Garbage continue to preserve their signature sound, remaining one of the most recognisable and influential acts in alternative music.
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