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Garbage

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Band Timeline

1993

Formation of Garbage

Garbage was formed in 1993 in Madison, Wisconsin, by Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, and Butch Vig, who had previously collaborated in bands and production work. Seeking to create a band with a remix sensibility applied to a traditional band setup, they recruited Scottish vocalist Shirley Manson in 1994, completing the lineup. The band was named Garbage, inspired by studio journal reflections on turning 'garbage into something beautiful.' This core lineup has remarkably remained unchanged throughout their career.
1995

Debut Album 'Garbage' Released and Breakthrough Success

Garbage released their self-titled debut album in 1995 to critical acclaim and commercial success. The album showcased their unique blend of alternative rock with electronic and industrial elements. It sold over four million copies worldwide and achieved double platinum certification in the US, UK, and Australia. Singles like 'Stupid Girl' and 'Only Happy When It Rains' became hits, establishing Garbage as a major act in the alternative music scene of the mid-1990s.
1998

Release of Second Album 'Version 2.0' and Recognition

In 1998, Garbage released their second studio album, 'Version 2.0', which continued their success and innovation in blending rock and electronic music. The album topped the UK Albums Chart and earned two Grammy Award nominations. With singles that enjoyed widespread airplay, Garbage solidified their position as a leading alternative rock band. The album's sound laid the groundwork for their continued experimental approach and maintained their commercial momentum.
1999

Contribution to James Bond Film 'The World Is Not Enough' Theme

Garbage performed and co-produced the theme song for the 19th James Bond film, 'The World Is Not Enough', released in 1999. This notable contribution expanded their reach beyond album releases, associating the band with a major international cultural franchise. It highlighted their versatility and ability to produce cinematic music, further raising their profile in the global music industry.
2001

Release of Third Album 'Beautiful Garbage'

Their third album, 'Beautiful Garbage', was released in 2001 and received critical praise, though it did not match the commercial success of their previous albums. Despite this, the album sold over a million copies in its first three months. The work reflected a more mature and introspective sound, blending alternative rock with darker themes. The album's reception demonstrated the band's commitment to evolving artistically even as commercial trends shifted.
2005

Challenging Production and Release of Fourth Album 'Bleed Like Me'

After a troubled production period, Garbage quietly disbanded in late 2003 but regrouped to complete their fourth studio album, 'Bleed Like Me', released in 2005. This album peaked at number four on the US Billboard 200, marking a career-high chart position for the band. However, they cut their supporting tour short and announced an indefinite hiatus, signaling a pause in their collective activity as members pursued individual interests.
2007

Release of Greatest Hits Album 'Absolute Garbage' and Brief Activity

In 2007, Garbage briefly reconvened to record new tracks for their greatest hits compilation 'Absolute Garbage'. This album served as a retrospective celebrating their career highlights and sustained their presence in the music scene during their hiatus. The release kept fan interest alive and maintained the band's legacy as they prepared for future endeavors.
2011

Reunion and Release of Fifth Album 'Not Your Kind of People'

Garbage reunited fully in 2011 and self-released their fifth studio album, 'Not Your Kind of People', in 2012 via their own label, Stunvolume. The album received positive reviews, marking a successful comeback with a fresh sound that balanced their signature style and contemporary influences. This independent release reflected the changing music industry landscape and the band’s desire for creative control.
2016

Release of Sixth Album 'Strange Little Birds'

Continuing their renewed momentum, Garbage released their sixth album, 'Strange Little Birds', in 2016. The album was praised for its atmospheric and intense soundscapes, showcasing the band's willingness to explore deeper and more complex musical and lyrical themes. This release reinforced their status as a creative and enduring force in alternative rock.
2021

Seventh Album 'No Gods No Masters' Released

In 2021, Garbage released their seventh studio album, 'No Gods No Masters'. The album featured singles like 'The Men Who Rule the World' and was noted for its politically charged lyrics and social commentary. This album demonstrated Garbage's engagement with contemporary issues and their evolution as artists committed to reflective and meaningful music in the modern era.
2022

Compilation Release: Greatest Hits 'Anthology' and Covers Collection 'Copy/Paste'

Garbage celebrated three decades of their career in 2022 with the release of their third greatest hits album, 'Anthology', featuring 35 remastered tracks. Later that year, they released 'Copy/Paste', their first cover album, showcasing classic songs interpreted by the band over nearly 30 years. These projects celebrated their extensive catalog and influence while engaging both longtime fans and new audiences.
2025

Release of Eighth Studio Album 'Let All That We Imagine Be the Light'

Garbage announced and released their eighth studio album, 'Let All That We Imagine Be the Light', on May 30, 2025. This latest work continued the band's tradition of blending genres and experimenting with sound, highlighting their longevity and relevance in the music industry over more than three decades. The album's release marked a significant milestone and a testament to the band's enduring creative spirit.

Albums

garbage_1st_album
Garbage
12 tracks
1995
garbage_2nd_album
Version 2.0
14 tracks
1998
garbage_3rd_album
beautifulgarbage
15 tracks
2001
garbage_4th_album
Bleed Like Me
11 tracks
2005
garbage_5th_album
Not Your Kind of People
11 tracks
2012
garbage_6th_album
Strange Little Birds
8 tracks
2016
garbage_7th_album
No Gods No Masters
11 tracks
2021
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Duke Erikson

1993

Keyboard

Bass guitar

Guitar

Butch Vig

1993

Drums (drum set)

Steve Marker

1993

Guitar

Shirley Manson

1994

Lead vocals

Story of Garbage

Garbage: A Rock Band Story

Garbage, a formidable force in the alternative rock scene, emerged in 1993 from the unlikely pairing of Scottish singer Shirley Manson and American musicians Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, and Butch Vig. This dynamic quartet, each contributing to songwriting and production, has remained intact since their inception, solidifying their unique blend of dark, angular pop and electronic influences.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 1995, was a critical and commercial smash, selling over four million copies worldwide. This success was fueled by a string of chart-topping singles, including the iconic "Stupid Girl" and the haunting "Only Happy When It Rains". The album achieved double platinum status in the UK, US, and Australia, firmly establishing Garbage as a force to be reckoned with.

Following the success of their debut, Garbage continued to push boundaries with their sophomore effort, "Version 2.0", released in 1998. This album, a testament to their commitment to sonic experimentation, topped the UK Albums Chart and garnered two Grammy Award nominations. The band further cemented their status by contributing the theme song to the 1999 James Bond film "The World Is Not Enough".

While their third album, "Beautiful Garbage", received critical acclaim, it didn't quite reach the commercial heights of its predecessors, despite selling over a million copies in its first three months. The band faced internal struggles during the production of their fourth album, "Bleed Like Me", leading to a brief disbandment. However, they ultimately reunited and released the album in 2005, achieving their highest US chart position with a number four debut.

Despite the success of "Bleed Like Me," Garbage abruptly cut short their tour and announced an indefinite hiatus. They emphasized that they weren't disbanding but rather seeking individual creative pursuits. Despite their hiatus, Garbage has continued to leave an enduring legacy on the rock music landscape, inspiring generations of artists with their innovative sound and undeniable talent. Their impact on the music industry is undeniable, and their devoted fanbase eagerly awaits their return.

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