Since their formation in 1993, the band rose to popularity after their debut self-titled album ‘Garbage’, which sold over 4 million copies worldwide. They have an impressive chart profile, with their hit song ‘Stupid girl’ which reached great heights, peaking at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart. Being in the public eye in the 90s, Manson has opened up about how she was perceived in the media at the time, stating that coverage was often “really degrading or sexual in nature, or just nasty shit”. 

The singer is still seemingly receiving this treatment in the media. The band have posted several promo pictures in the run-up to the album’s release, which has caught media attention. In a scathing article from The Daily Mail, Manson was described as “unrecognisable” in album promo. The singer clapped back unflinchingly in an Instagram post, screenshotting the headline and bringing glory to the beauty and natural process of aging. She proclaims “I will continue to age as I am. I will continue to wrinkle and flub”, ending the caption with the promise “I will always – and forever – rock HARDER than most”.

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    Manson’s response is not unexpected, being vocal about the image of older women in the music industry. Fans continue to share her past words of wisdom in interviews, praising her ability to speak out and inspire.

@femunity_collective Shirley Manson, born on August 26, 1966, in Edinburgh, Scotland, is best known as the lead singer of the rock band Garbage, which gained worldwide fame in the 1990s. Her powerful voice and rebellious persona quickly made her a standout in the music world. With Garbage, she released hits like “Stupid Girl” and “Only Happy When It Rains,” propelling the band to the top of the rock charts and establishing Shirley as a charismatic and unique artist. Beyond her music, Shirley Manson is a powerful role model for women of all ages. Known for her authenticity, she speaks her mind and resists societal norms, particularly in her fight against ageism—the prejudice against people based on age. Shirley is unafraid to talk openly about aging and sees it as a strength, not a weakness. She demonstrates that one can be bold and relevant beyond youth, inspiring not only younger but also older women. Shirley is also deeply committed to women’s rights and gender equality, which she reflects in her public statements and her art. She uses her platform to address issues affecting women and advocates for greater visibility and respect for women in the music industry and beyond. Her openness, courage, and determination make her a powerful role model for women worldwide who value authenticity, self-acceptance, and equality. #shirleymanson #garbage #uk #ageism #empowerment #femunitycollective ♬ Originalton – Femunity

The band are set to release their new album ‘Let All That We Imagine Be The Light’ on 30 May. Approaching this release date, the band have shared the album’s opening track ‘There’s No Future in Optimism’, inspired by George Floyd’s murder at the hands of a white policeman in 2020. The singer states in an interview with NME that the album as a whole is “about what it means to be alive, and about what it means to face your imminent destruction,”. 

Garbage’s new album will surely be accepted with open arms, and Manson’s vulnerability and empowerment will make for an exciting release. 

Adam Clayton is a fucking spenk. My “girly stuff” shits on what you do. pic.twitter.com/DrCDdsiKwf

— Nadine Shah (@nadineshah) December 4, 2021

In the actual body of the tweet, Shah also said that “Adam Clayton is a fucking spenk. My “girly stuff” shits on what you do.” The comments on the post seem to be in general agreement, noting certain female bass players who helped bring about some of the best pop music of the last century (notably Carol Kaye of Pet Sounds and Spector fame as well as Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads).

Shah has been particularly concerned with how women are treated in society recently, especially after being sexually assaulted last September, sustaining some scratches and bruising.  Posting and then deleting photos on social media, she reposted them after being verbally assaulted the month after. The singer took to Instagram to say “Call out your mates, don’t defend your friend or husbands of their foul behaviour. Call them out. Tonight I relived the abuse all over again and I wasn’t believed again. It fucking hurts. I’m lucky in that I have access to this platform where I can speak to thousands of you. Thousands of women dont [sic] #belivewomen”.

Here’s me a month ago after being sexually assaulted by four random men in the street. Tonight a man verbally abused me and it brought back all that fear again, so much so I’m gonna leave my new home of Ramsgate. I’m so fucking tired. Leave women the fuck alone! pic.twitter.com/akiOyvDmof — Nadine Shah (@nadineshah) October 3, 2021

Aside from these unfortunate incidents, Shah has also made sexism one of the topics of her latest 2020 album Kitchen Sink, with songs like “Buckfast“ and “Trad“, and has also been seen supporting artist rights as streaming services are accused of underpaying musicians. Back in 2020, she told a government committee looking into the matter that she was still struggling to pay rent, despite her success as an artist.

If you’re interested in watching the documentary where the offending comments were made, or you’re just a big fan of Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott: Songs For While I’m Away can be seen here today, or any day for the next 11 months whilst it’s still on the iPlayer. As for Nadine, if you’re interested in buying her latest album, or catching up on any upcoming performances, you can look here.