In 1999, Garbage redefined the sound of a cinematic icon, delivering a Bond theme that was both seductive and undeniably their own. Shirley Manson’s voice, a smoky and powerful force, became inextricably linked with Pierce Brosnan’s 007 in “The World Is Not Enough.” Now, as speculation swirls around the next chapter of the legendary franchise, Manson has a clear vision for its musical future.
Her choice? Lana Del Rey. “I still don’t understand why they haven’t asked Lana Del Rey,” Manson declared, her conviction unwavering. “It seems to me an absolute no-brainer.” She envisions Del Rey’s haunting vocals seamlessly joining the ranks of Bond legends like Shirley Bassey and Adele, a natural fit for the franchise’s inherent glamour and danger.
Manson doesn’t simply admire Del Rey’s voice; she champions her artistry. “She’s glamorous, she’s dangerous, and she’s super intelligent,” Manson praised. “She’s one of the world’s greatest songwriters.” It’s a recognition of a fellow artist’s depth and talent, a testament to Del Rey’s unique power.
Interestingly, Del Rey herself has a Bond song hidden in her past. Her track “24” was originally conceived as a theme for a 007 film, potentially for “Spectre,” but ultimately wasn’t selected. The modern trend of artists writing their own Bond themes wasn’t always the norm, however. Garbage’s iconic track was crafted by composer David Arnold and lyricist Don Black, a collaboration that proved both challenging and ultimately rewarding.
The band faced criticism for attempting to fuse their distinctive sound with the traditional Bond aesthetic, but Manson acknowledges the inevitable backlash. “Fans can be savage,” she admitted, recalling the initial reaction. “It’s par for the course that you’ll be torn apart over it.” Yet, time has a way of shifting perspectives.
“Then time passes and people forget that they want to hate on you,” Manson reflected. “Then the song stands on its own two feet and suddenly we’re always in the top 10 of favourite Bond songs. It’s silly.” Ranked eighth out of 24 by Classic FM, and even higher by others, “The World Is Not Enough” has cemented its place in Bond history, a testament to Manson’s unforgettable performance.
Beyond the next Bond theme, Manson playfully considered a Garbage biopic, immediately naming her ideal star: Emma Stone. “Emma Stone!” she exclaimed without hesitation. “She’d be perfect.” A touch of self-deprecating humor followed, acknowledging Stone might be surprised by the suggestion.
Manson’s distinctive style and presence are undeniable, yet she remains grounded. She recounted a humorous wedding day encounter with another bride eager for a photograph, momentarily fearing the image would reveal her secret nuptials to her father. Thankfully, her father was delighted by the news, and the surprise remained intact.
Despite her enduring influence, Manson playfully describes herself as “decidedly uncool,” recalling a memorable encounter with Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins. She confessed to being utterly starstruck, even bursting into tears upon meeting Patti Smith. The thought of meeting Robert Smith of The Cure fills her with a similar mix of excitement and trepidation.
Smith, the legendary frontman of The Cure, curated a special concert series for the Teenage Cancer Trust, inviting Garbage to perform. Manson admitted to being unsure how she’d react to finally meeting her long-time idol, hoping to maintain a composure she lacked when encountering Smith’s musical forebear.
Garbage will take the stage at the Royal Albert Hall on March 28th as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series, joining a lineup that includes Elbow, Wolf Alice, and My Bloody Valentine. The event promises a night of incredible music, all in support of a vital cause.
The concerts aim to raise funds for specialist care for teenagers battling cancer, having already generated a record-breaking £2,050,000 last year. Manson concluded with heartfelt gratitude, expressing the band’s honor to contribute to such a meaningful endeavor. “We really are honoured to be invited to play this show, and we are grateful to be an instrument to raise funds for teenagers all over Britain who really, really need our help.”
