Garbage and Skunk Anansie kicked off Forest Live at Delamere Forest in a stunning setting for the event's 25th anniversary. The natural slope provided excellent views, with food stalls and bars creating a mini festival atmosphere.
Garbage's Set
Du Blonde warmed up the crowd before Garbage took the stage first. Shirley Manson, in a "Stop Killing Children" t-shirt, opened with "There's No Future in Optimism" from their latest album. Hits like "I Think I'm Paranoid" and "Stupid Girl" followed, with Manson walking among the crowd.
The show paused during "Vow" when an audience member fell ill. Manson praised security, saying, "Respect security, they're amazing thank you so much. I don't know what's wrong with me. You're all amazing for keeping everyone safe, you're f****** amazing."
After resuming with "Chinese Fire Horse," Manson thanked fans, noting this might be Garbage's last Delamere show as "they're too old." She called the crowd "beautiful mentalists" and led a sing-along of "Only Happy When It Rains." The set closed with "The Day That I Met God" to roaring applause.
Skunk Anansie's Performance
Skunk Anansie, led by the electrifying Skin, opened with "This Means War" and "Charlie Big Potato." Skin's vocal range was on full display, from whispers to screams. She dedicated "Shame" to "all of us who were kicked out of our homes."
The crowd cheered for "Hedonism" and "Weak," then Skin grabbed her "Skin cam" and joined the audience for "I Can Dream," forming a mosh pit. Classics "Yes It's F****** Political" and "Little Baby Swastikkka" sounded as relevant as ever.
With seven minutes left, Skin announced they'd skip the encore, jokingly pretending to leave before returning. A short rendition of AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" preceded the finale "Intellectualise My Blackness," ending a fantastic night.
