Shirley Manson, the lead singer of the band Garbage, has spoken out following a horrific shooting that targeted the Jewish community in Australia. The incident occurred on Sunday, December 14, when two gunmen attacked a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and injuries to 29 others. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as an act of antisemitic terrorism.

During Garbage's concert at the Sydney Opera House on the evening of the attack, Shirley Manson addressed the tragedy before performing the band's 1995 song “Queer.” She reflected on the current state of the world, describing it as “an astoundingly frightening, violent, hateful, intolerant world.” Manson emphasized the importance of love and unity, stating, “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.”

Manson reiterated Garbage's long-held belief in universal human connection: “We have been a band that have always believed that we are one people under one sun.” She articulated that differences in worship, skin color, gender, sexual orientation, food preferences, clothing, or personal choices are ultimately insignificant, calling them “so f—king stupid.” She also criticized those in power for fostering division: “we have people in power telling us to really hate one another, to destroy one another.”

When an audience member shouted “Free Palestine,” Manson responded affirmatively, saying, “Of course. Free f—king Palestine too. Everybody deserves to live a life of love and have their children be safe.” She apologized for bringing down the mood but felt it was crucial to acknowledge the day's events.

The attack took place as hundreds gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. Authorities reported that one gunman was fatally shot by police, while the second was arrested and remains in critical condition. An explosive device was also discovered in one of the suspect’s cars.

Garbage further denounced the “vile” attack on social media, revealing that six of the band's family members had been at Bondi Beach just hours before the incident. In their Instagram post, the band questioned, “What kind of world we’re living in right now?” They expressed profound sorrow for the victims, the injured, and the affected families, asserting, “Innocent people were targeted while celebrating life and faith. This should never happen to anyone, anywhere. My heart is with the Jewish community in Bondi, with the victims, the injured, and the families whose lives are forever changed.” The band concluded their message by standing against “Hatred. Racism. Division. Violence in all its forms,” urging for unity and shared humanity in the face of such brutality.