Known on the underground Rock scene as a cult producer it was some surprise when Butch Vig (real name Bryan Vig) burst out of the realms of studio anonymity to make a huge impression upon the mainstream with one of the classiest acts to emerge in the post Grunge scene. Wisconsin based Vig had previously busied himself with SPOONER and FIRE TOWN although his own endeavours until GARBAGE were put in the shade by his production credits for the likes of SMASHING PUMPKINS, U2, NINE INCH NAILS and NIRVANA.

SPOONER had debuted in 1978 first committing themselves to vinyl the following year with the 'Cruel School' EP for Boat Records. SPOONER worked their way through through a string of EPs and albums before disbanding. Vig would then create FIRE TOWN roping in guitarist Steve Marker bassist Duke Erikson as co-collaborator for the Atlantic singles 'Carry The Torch' and 'Rain On You' in 1986. SPOONER, with Erikson in tow, made a one off resurrection record 'The Fugitive Dance'. However, Vig's own musical outings were constantly overshadowed by his much in demand production work.

Shirley Manson, previously a member of GOODBYE MR. MACKENZIE, had been spotted by Vig whilst fronting ANGELFISH. With GOODBYE MR. MACKENZIE Manson (her real name) had shared lead vocals with Martin Metcalfe in a career spanning 1984 to 1994. The band, which included former EXPLOITED guitarist and NIRVANA stand in 'Big' John Duncan, had achieved moderate British chart success. The band evolved into ANGELFISH for a 1994 album in order to promote Manson to lead vocalist status.

Manson proved to be a perfect foil for the deliberate anonymity of of the American trio bringing a feistiness to both the group's image and necessary media exercises. Her striking looks were also the perfect catalyst for numerous adventurous videos.

GARBAGE contributed an exclusive track, a cover of THE JAM's 'The Butterfly Collection', to the XFM Radio compilation album in 1995.

The debut GARBAGE album went on to sell four million copies by the time its follow up 'Version 2:0' emerged. GARBAGE opened up promotion for the album with a British headline tour before an appearance at the Scottish 'T In The Park' festival. The band also scored a major hit in the UK with the James Bond movie theme tune 'The World Is Not Enough' in November 0f 1999.

A lengthy term of absence was broken in September of 2001 with the 'Beautifulgarbage' album. GARBAGE lost a degree of their Rock edge with this release but maintained their fanbase as they steered into a slicker Pop direction. Taking on some drum roles for the album would be Matt Chamberlain of the TORI AMOS band, Vig suffering from an ear condition which apparently caused the drummer severe pain when subjected to noise. Japanese versions, issued by Sony, would be released a month earlier during August and hosted the the debut GARBAGE single for Japan in 'Androgony'. Limited edition UK variants came housed in the expected elaborate sleeve design, this time as an intricate fold out rose pattern. The album charted well world-wide with singles 'Androgyny', 'Breaking The Girl' and 'Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)' all breaking high into radio playlists too. The band would donate a significant portion of proceeds from the January 2002 single 'Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)' to the International Red Cross.

Other studio activity found the band appearing amongst a genuine all star cast donating their take of 'I Just Want To Have Something To Do' to the 2002 Joey Ramone and ROB ZOMBIE assembled RAMONES tribute album 'We're A Happy Family'. Touring in America would bring about a reoccurrence of Vig's ear infection and, once again, Matt Chamberlain stepped in to take over the drum stool whilst the GARBAGE drummer took time out to recover.

GARBAGE ensconced themselves in the studio in early 2004 to record their fourth album. Guesting on the track 'Bad Boyfriend' would be the NIRVANA, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and FOO FIGHTERS man Dave Grohl. Shirley Manson would also lend guest vocals to QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE recordings in August.