“People are always telling women to shut up” — why Garbage star Shirley Manson refuses to be silenced
7 March 2018
As frontwoman of Garbage, Shirley Manson is known for her stage swagger and outspoken, rebellious attitude.
But, as she revealed on The First Time With…, the Edinburgh-born star was plagued by self-doubt during the band’s early years.
“I didn’t ever feel like I got success on my own merit” she said.
“I was given an incredible leg-up.
“I joined a band with someone [former Nirvana producer Butch Vig] who was extraordinarily talented – a god of music production – and I was intimidated by that.
“I thought, ‘Anyone could be sitting on this saddle right now and be doing as good a job’. I know that’s not the case now but at the time I was like, ‘I’m not worthy’.
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Woman’s Hour
Garbage’s Shirley Manson on returning to the music industry.
Always outspoken
Twenty three years on from the release of their first album, Shirley remains as forthright as ever and insists she’s happy to be known as outspoken.
“I’d rather that than be the gagged one. I like living free and I don’t want to impinge my natural exuberance because people don’t like me talking.
“People are always telling women to shut up. I don’t necessarily listen to them.
“I realise how rare it is for a woman to be 51, in a band, making records and touring the world. I’m one of very few women who’ve managed to do it and I feel really privileged.”
The programme in full
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The First Time With...
Shirley Manson talks Matt Everitt through the key musical firsts of her life, including her earliest musical memories, influences, live experiences and the formation of her band Garbage.
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