Skunk Anansie and Garbage Deliver an Unforgettable Double-Header at Cardiff Castle

Photo credit Dave Broome

Cardiff Castle, Cardiff - 22nd June 2026

WORDS / IMAGES DAVE BROOME

I have some trepidation attending an outdoor gig for a band who have a song called “Only Happy When It Rains”. Thankfully the band will have to find other things to make themselves happy as the weather this evening in Cardiff is dry and warm. The Cardiff Castle summer series of concerts is well under way and tonight we are in for a treat because we have a double-headliner. Garbage and Skunk Anansie are currently touring together and are divvying up the headline spot. Two of the most recognizable front women in alternative rock sharing a stage is enough for anyone to get excited about.

They alternate the actual headline slot and tonight we have Garbage closing out the night. But before either of them get going we have a support act to enjoy. Du Blonde kick-off proceedings with some energy. Beth Jeans Houghton, better known as Du Blonde is a talented musician/producer. The style of music is spot on for tonight, catchy tunes augmented by heavy guitars and thumping basslines. She stands front of stage with confidence and looks every bit the rock star with long blond hair, and pigtails. By the end of the eight or so strong set, the crowd are suitably won over and Houghton frequently thanks everyone for their generous support.

Hard core fans may know the names of all Skunk Anansie band members but for most, Skin IS the band. She delays her entrance until everyone else is in place and gets the biggest cheer by far as she arrives on stage. She has the ability to look at the whole audience and yet each one feel like she is looking directly at them. The band’s ability to engage with the audience is special and amazing to watch live.

The set is packed with songs on race, gender and politics and if to hammer home the point they start with “This Means War”. “This Means War” is screamed out and is a hard-hitting start to the show. It sets the tone for the evening; this is going to be aggressive and noisy. Then comes “Charlie Big Potato”, an honest track about self-discovery and a Skunk Anansie anthem. Skin is an incredible front woman. Her powerful, wide ranging soprano voice is stunning, and her stage presence is extraordinary.

The hits, “Weak” and “Hedonism” are still there of course but there are new tracks from the 2025 offering, The Painful Truth. “An Artist is an Artist” and “Shame” are the first newer songs we get. “Shame” is a departure from their other material and deals with the subject of alienation and indignity; it’s a very personal song and is dedicated to those who have been cast out of their community.

On a day where the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer resigned, there was much political rhetoric. Many of Skin’s interaction with the crowd dealt with human rights issues. She is articulate and convincing. It’s not all heavy subject matter though, at one point Skin explains that her trousers are heavy and too hot and is going to take them off. Obviously, this gets a reaction from the crowd. “Thankfully”, she says, she has underwear on this time. They finish as they started, noisily, like a band with a point to prove, but trust me, they have nothing to prove at all. The were immense.

SETLIST

1. This Means War

2. Charlie Big Potato

3. Because of You

4. An Artist Is an Artist

5. Love Someone Else

6. God Loves Only You

7. Shame

8. Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good)

9. Weak

10. Twisted (Everyday Hurts)

11. Cheers

12. I can Dream

13. Tear The Place Up

14. Yes It’s Fucking Political

15. Little Baby Swastikkka

It's golden hour at The Castle, the sun still peaking over the hill and Garbage take to the stage. The current line-up is as it has always been, Shirley Manson (vocals), Duke Erikson (guitar), Steve Marker (guitar) and Butch Vig (Drums). And yes, it is that Butch Vig. When he’s not producing some of the greatest albums of all time, he’s the drummer in Garbage.

It’s a brave start, as they open with two new songs from the 2025 album Let All That We Image Be the Light. The dark, electro-pumping, “There’s No Future in Optimism” and the equally pulsating “Hold”. Everyone is ready for something a little more well-known and it comes with “I Think I’m Paranoid” and “Stupid Girl”.

“Special” is dedicated to Manson’s best friend and explains, she would be here but she’s on holiday at the moment. The songs have studio precision but with everything cranked up for full effect. The guitar sounds that Duke created were amazing. From the record, I would never have guessed they were guitar effects. Skunk Anansie were a tough act to follow and even the band admitted it after the first few songs, “How do we follow that?” But they nail it. With a career-spanning mix of familiar songs and energetic performances, they win over a crowd and remind everyone why they remain one of the most creative forces in alternative music. “When I Grow Up”, “Push It” and “Only Happy When It Rains” get the crowd singing in full voice and the track that closes out the latest album, “The Day That I Met God”, closes out the set. They have a legacy unlike most other bands, but it’s not static, it’s still being built. Tonight was a reminder of just how strong that legacy is and what’s still to come.

SETLIST

1. There’s No Future in Optimism

2. Hold

3. Empty

4. I Think I'm Paranoid

5. Stupid Girl

6. Special

7. Have We Met (The Void)

8. Vow

9. Chinese Fire Horse

10. Control

11. When I Grow Up

12. Push It

13. Only Happy When It Rains

14. The Day That I Met God