Boston, October 12, 2025
News Summary
At a recent Garbage concert in Boston, lead singer Shirley Manson’s political remarks about Palestine and violence against children divided audience reactions. While some cheered, others booed, and complaints arose about the overshadowing of music by political content. The concert, part of the ‘Happy Endings’ tour, saw attendees experiencing a mix of anticipation for music and discontent over the political commentary present throughout the event.
Boston — A Garbage concert at Roadrunner Boston on September 18 became the focus of debate after the band’s lead singer, Shirley Manson, made political remarks during the performance that included expressions of support for Palestine and condemnation of violence against children. Audience response was mixed, with both boos and cheers, and at least one attendee reported feeling disillusioned that political commentary overshadowed the musical event.
What happened at the concert
The show, part of Garbage’s “Happy Endings” tour, opened with the band Starcrawler, whose set proceeded without incident. During Garbage’s performance, lead singer Shirley Manson made political statements about the situation in Gaza and about protecting children from violence. The reaction in the crowd varied, and the political remarks prompted some attendees to consider leaving while others remained. One attendee stayed for the duration of the concert but later described dissatisfaction that political messages had taken precedence over the music.
Immediate reactions and atmosphere
Attendees noted a diverse audience in terms of age, including older concert-goers. The attendee who later reported disillusionment had anticipated the concert as a respite from political issues. They bypassed a table for Oxfam at the venue entrance that featured a poster with a QR code about famine in Gaza, saying they wanted to avoid confrontation. A young woman near the attendee wore an Arafat scarf, which the attendee described as evoking strong negative feelings related to perceived hostility toward Jewish people. After the show, the attendee discussed the political content with their father, who shared concerns about bringing political commentary into music events.
Attendee background and lead-up to the show
The attendee identified as a concert enthusiast and credited their father for fostering an appreciation of live music. An ad for Garbage’s “Happy Endings” tour appeared on Instagram in March, which prompted the attendee to buy a ticket in August for the September 18 show. The ticket purchase used the attendee’s father’s T-Mobile account to obtain a discount. The attendee had last seen Garbage perform in 2002 on No Doubt’s Rock Steady Tour and noted buying a new leather outfit at a clothing swap store in anticipation of the concert.
The attendee also reported undergoing weight loss surgery in June 2023, which they said improved comfort and energy at concerts. They expected the Roadrunner show to provide an escape from political conversations but found politics present at the venue entrance and on stage.
Additional context and community reactions
The attendee compared the political atmosphere experienced at the concert and in nearby neighborhoods. They described a contrast between the political climate of South Boston, which they characterized as more locally focused and supportive, and Somerville, where they said anti-Israel sentiment appears more frequently and more visibly in local culture. The attendee also expressed disappointment with Garbage’s social media presence following the event, feeling the band emphasized political positions over music.
After the concert, the attendee attended a comedy show by Adam Sandler, which they described as a return to entertainment without political commentary. The sequence of events — encountering the Oxfam table, observing political symbols in the audience, hearing political remarks from the stage, and comparing neighborhood attitudes — shaped the attendee’s overall impression that political messaging had intruded into an event they had expected to be primarily musical.
Venue and performance details
- Event: Garbage concert, part of Garbage’s “Happy Endings” tour
- Date: September 18
- Venue: Roadrunner Boston
- Opening act: Starcrawler
- Lead singer noted: Shirley Manson, age 59, observed by attendees as fit and well-preserved
Takeaway
The concert highlighted tensions that can arise when artists address international political issues during live performances. For some attendees, such statements create a divisive experience at events they attend to enjoy music; for others, they represent an artist exercising a public platform. The September 18 performance at Roadrunner Boston illustrates how political commentary during concerts can prompt immediate, varied audience reactions and lingering discussion afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the concert part of Garbage’s “Happy Endings” tour?
Yes. The show at Roadrunner Boston on September 18 was part of Garbage’s “Happy Endings” tour.
Where did the concert take place?
The concert took place at Roadrunner Boston.
When was the concert attended?
The concert was attended on September 18.
Who performed as the opening act?
The opening act was Starcrawler.
What political statements were made during the concert?
During the concert, Shirley Manson expressed support for Palestine and condemned violence against children. Audience reaction included both boos and cheers.
What was at the venue entrance that some attendees noticed?
A table for Oxfam was present at the entrance, featuring a poster with a QR code regarding famine in Gaza.
Did an attendee report any recent surgery relevant to the concert experience?
Yes. The attendee reported undergoing weight loss surgery in June 2023, which they said improved their comfort and energy at concerts.
How did the attendee describe neighborhood political climates?
The attendee contrasted South Boston as more locally focused and supportive with Somerville, where they said anti-Israel sentiment appears more frequently and visibly.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Garbage concert, part of Garbage’s “Happy Endings” tour |
| Date | September 18 |
| Venue | Roadrunner Boston |
| Opening act | Starcrawler |
| Lead singer | Shirley Manson (aged 59) |
| Pre-show ad | An ad for Garbage’s “Happy Endings” tour appeared on Instagram in March |
| Ticket purchase | Ticket bought in August using the father’s T-Mobile account for a discount |
| Venue table noticed | Table for Oxfam with a poster and QR code regarding famine in Gaza |
| Attendee prior concert | Last saw Garbage perform in 2002 at No Doubt’s Rock Steady Tour |
| Attendee health note | Underwent weight loss surgery in June 2023 |
| Follow-up entertainment | Attended a comedy show by Adam Sandler after the concert |
| Neighborhoods compared | South Boston and Somerville |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Pitchfork: Garbage Announce North American Tour
- Billboard: Garbage’s 2025 North American Tour
- Brooklyn Vegan: Garbage’s Last North American Headline Tour
- JamBase: Garbage Tour Dates for 2025
- MLive: My Chemical Romance 2025 Tour Announcement
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
