From shore to field, 50s and 90s
Garbage, Big Joanie
Arena Wien – Open Air presented by Arcadia Live and radio fm4, Austria 20260608
Right away after the wonderful Ankea Festival at a lake’s shore in Finland, it is time to return to the holy ground of Arena. 50 years of existence, it is mentioned in „kulturMONTAG“ on national TV, presenting the official book, next to „Drüben im Dritten“ on Glitzer & Grind.
After Patti Smith and Clueso, this Monday marks a very special Arena Open Air on the big stage outside. As support, the Black feminist punk band Big Joanie from London takes over the place. Straight riffs with clashing beats and strong vocals form the classic sound.
Giving nostalgic vibes already, Big Joanie appear as great support for what is about to come up next: Garbage were formed in the 90s. Singer, guitarist and front woman Shirley Manson belongs to the early icons of Rock alongside likes of Gwen Stefani (No Doubt) or Courtney Love (Hole).
On her back is another legendary name on drums: Butch Vig is known for producing records for likes of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, The Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, L7, Helmet and countless more. With Garbage, they set their own footprint in the Rock game, now for the first time live as headliners in Vienna and Austria.
With a glittery curtain in the back, they don’t need much more for a mighty-fine show. They even have new music with them from last year’s album „Let All That We Imagine Be the Light“. From the very beginning, they convince with songs like „Empty“, „I Think I’m Paranoid“ or „Stupid Girl“.
They thank Big Joanie for joining and traveling to Vienna at five o’clock in the morning. ‚Anyone who was ever cheated on will know „Have We Met (The Void)“.‘ Shirley Manson encourages the crowd ‚Don’t give in!‘ and „Push It“. Before the final hit „Only Happy When It Rains“, she gives probs to Arena as ‚antifascist anti violence antibullshit place‘.
So an evening with strong music and lots of swearwords comes to an end. The only thing missing is „The World Is Not Enough“ from the James Bond movie of the same name. But the summer at the field of Arena continues with Billy Talent, The Streets and more.