The punk-rock queens were in the house as Cardiff Castle welcomed two formidable forces of nature to the stage. Supported by Du Blonde, who had the difficult task of warming up the crowd during an early evening downpour, the weather briefly threatened to dampen proceedings. Thankfully the rain soon passed and the stage was set for two of the most iconic frontwomen in British rock history to take over the Welsh capital.
This was a true double-header and first up were Skunk Anansie.
Let me start by saying this: Skin is an absolute force of nature.
At 58, she is still crowd surfing, sprinting around the stage and delivering every note with incredible power and precision. From the moment she appeared, she commanded the castle grounds with the same intensity that made Skunk Anansie one of the most important British bands of the 1990s.
The band sounded phenomenal. Tracks such as Because of You, Hedonism and Weak were met with huge singalongs from a crowd that clearly hadn’t forgotten a word. Skin threw herself into the performance completely, climbing barriers, interacting with fans and eventually launching herself into the audience to crowd surf. It was one of those moments that reminded everyone exactly why she remains one of rock’s greatest frontwomen.
As ever, she was never afraid to make her voice heard, speaking openly about issues she has championed throughout her career including racism, sexism and homophobia. Her passion and conviction remain every bit as powerful as her vocals.
Then it was time for Garbage.
As darkness settled over Cardiff Castle, Shirley Manson stepped onto the stage and immediately owned it. More than three decades into her career, she still possesses that unmistakable voice, effortless cool and commanding presence that helped define an era.
Backed by a band that remains one of alternative rock’s finest, Garbage delivered a set packed with classics. Songs such as Stupid Girl, I Think I’m Paranoid and ending with Only Happy When It Rains which sounded every bit as sharp and relevant as they did in their heyday.
Manson was in charge throughout. Witty, charismatic and fiercely authentic, albeit a slightly calmer set but they held the crowd in the palm of their hands while proving that Garbage’s catalogue has aged remarkably well. The band’s combination of industrial rock, electronic influences and huge choruses still feels unique today.
Seeing two pioneering women who helped shape modern rock music continue to perform at such an incredibly high level with the same fierce attitude that got them their really stood out. Neither set relied on nostalgia alone. Both bands sounded vital, energetic and completely engaged.
Two legendary frontwomen. Three phenomenal performances.
What a way to kick off another huge week of summer shows at Cardiff with the likes of Empire of the Sun, The Cure, Teddy Swims, McFly and ending with Metallica at the Principality Stadium- What a time to live in the city.
