Garbage, the iconic Scottish-American alternative rock band, have announced an expanded run of European tour dates for 2026, delighting fans across the continent and reinforcing their enduring presence in modern rock history. The newly confirmed shows will take place from late May through mid-July, following their previously announced outdoor performances in the United Kingdom alongside longtime friends and fellow alt-rock heavyweights Skunk Anansie.
The additional European leg will see Garbage performing in major cultural hubs including Warsaw, Vienna, Prague, Hamburg, Utrecht, Mainz, and Belfast. Taking to social media, the band shared their enthusiasm with fans, stating: “In addition to our previously announced shows in the UK with our dear pals @officialskunkanansie and our date at Edinburgh Castle, we are pretty chuffed to announce some more dates coming up in Europe next year.” The message reflects both excitement and a sense of occasion, as the band continues what feels like a meaningful and possibly concluding era of their live career.
Tickets for all newly announced shows will go on general sale this Friday at 10 a.m. local time, giving fans the chance to secure their place at what promises to be a series of emotionally charged and musically powerful concerts. The full list of dates includes: May 30 at Progresja in Warsaw, June 8 at Arena Open Air in Vienna, June 9 at Lucerna Great Hall in Prague, June 11 at Stadtpark Open Air in Hamburg, June 14 at TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht, June 27 at Zitadelle in Mainz, and July 17 at the Waterfront Theater in Belfast.
Earlier this month, Garbage also confirmed a very special headlining performance at Edinburgh Castle, a venue steeped in history and symbolism. The band has suggested that this show is likely to be their final headline appearance in Scotland, adding a layer of emotional weight for both the group and their devoted home crowd. For a band that has always balanced global success with strong Scottish roots, the Edinburgh Castle concert stands as a landmark moment.
The European tour announcement follows Garbage’s recent run of shows in New Zealand and Australia, staged in support of their latest studio album, Let All That We Imagine Be The Light, released in May. The album has been praised for its introspective tone, emotional honesty, and renewed focus on themes of love, resilience, and imagination. During a standout performance at the Sydney Opera House, frontwoman Shirley Manson made international headlines when she addressed a tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, calling for compassion, unity, and tolerance in a world increasingly defined by division and violence. Her words resonated deeply, underscoring Garbage’s long-standing commitment to social awareness and humanity.
Manson has also attracted attention for her outspoken approach to concert etiquette and fan behavior. At the Good Things Festival in Melbourne, she famously stopped a performance to call out a concertgoer who repeatedly disrupted the band with a beach ball. While the moment sparked debate online, many fans applauded her insistence on respect and presence during live performances, seeing it as an extension of her authenticity and refusal to compromise her values.
Looking ahead, Garbage are also set to perform alongside Placebo at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust live series, curated by The Cure’s Robert Smith. This prestigious event further cements the band’s legacy and highlights their role within a generation of artists who have shaped alternative music over the past three decades. The show is part of what the band has hinted may be a broader farewell phase, following their most recent U.S. tour, during which they suggested they may not return to many cities again.
Beyond touring, Shirley Manson has been candid about the realities of today’s music industry. She has spoken openly about the financial pressures facing musicians, particularly emerging artists, and the increasing inequalities that make it difficult for those without privileged backgrounds to sustain creative careers. Her commentary reflects a broader concern for the future of music as an accessible art form.
Reflecting on the creative direction of Let All That We Imagine Be The Light, Manson has acknowledged a personal shift toward embracing love as a central theme—something she once felt others articulated better. Now, with decades of experience behind her, she speaks with confidence and clarity about authenticity, self-acceptance, and freedom from expectation. As she powerfully stated, “I don’t have to be young, I don’t have to be fast, I don’t have to be sexy… If you cancel me, you cancel me. I’ve had a fucking great career.”
With their 2026 European tour, Garbage are not simply revisiting past glories; they are affirming a legacy built on honesty, resilience, and fearless expression—qualities that continue to resonate with fans around the world.