Shirley Manson of Garbage spoke out against a tragic shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach during the band's concert at the Sydney Opera House. The attack, described as an act of antisemitic terrorism, left at least 11 people dead and dozens injured. Manson urged unity and love in the face of rising hate.
The Incident at Bondi Beach
On December 14, 2025, two gunmen opened fire on a gathering of over a thousand people celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Reports indicate at least 11 fatalities and 29 injuries, though some accounts suggest higher numbers. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as an 'act of evil antisemitism.' One gunman was killed in a shootout with authorities, while the other remains in critical condition after being taken into custody. An explosive device was discovered in one suspect's vehicle, heightening concerns about the targeted nature of the violence against the Jewish community.
An unarmed civilian briefly intervened, disarming one attacker before being shot and hospitalized. The incident unfolded just hours before Garbage's scheduled performance, casting a shadow over the evening.
Manson's On-Stage Response
During the band's set at the Sydney Opera House, Shirley Manson paused before performing 'Queer' to address the tragedy. 'This has become an astoundingly frightening, violent, hateful, intolerant world,' she told the crowd. 'And I think the only thing we can do really, as people who do not believe in all this separation and all this intolerance, all we can really do is really try and profess our love for one another.'
She emphasized Garbage's longstanding message of unity: 'We have been a band that have always believed that we are one people under one sun. It doesn’t matter what god you worship, or color of your skin, or what your gender is, or what your sexual orientation is... it’s all so fucking stupid, we have people in power telling us to really hate one another, and destroy one another.'
When an audience member shouted 'Free Palestine,' Manson responded inclusively: 'Of course. Free fucking Palestine too. Everybody deserves to live a life of love and have their children be safe.'
Band's Statement and Personal Connection
Garbage shared a statement on Instagram denouncing the 'horrific incident' and revealing that six family members had been at Bondi Beach mere hours before the shooting. 'What kind of world we’re living in right now? Innocent people were targeted while celebrating life and faith. This should never happen to anyone, anywhere,' the post read. 'Our hearts go out to the victims and their surviving families... Fuck all this vile antisemitism. Fuck Islamophobia. The killing has to stop.'
The band's words highlight a broader call against hatred, racism, and division, urging solidarity in the wake of tragedy.
