Alt-rock veterans Garbage have dropped a bombshell on longtime fans: the band’s upcoming 2025 “Happy Endings” tour may be their last-ever U.S. headline tour.

In a heartfelt statement shared via their official Instagram, the band confirmed the fall leg of the tour, set to begin on September 3rd in Orlando, Florida, will mark a potential farewell to extensive touring in North America.

“Yesterday saw the commencement of rehearsals for our last North American headline tour. We haven’t played an extensive headline tour like this one in the States for almost a decade. If the truth be told, it is unlikely we will play many of the cities on this tour ever again,” the band posted.

The message hit fans hard, especially those in smaller markets where opportunities to see Garbage live may now be limited—possibly forever.

From Grunge to Goodbye: A Band That Helped Define a Generation

Formed in 1993, Garbage quickly became icons of ‘90s and early-2000s alternative rock with hits like “Stupid Girl”, “Only Happy When It Rains”, and “I Think I’m Paranoid.” Fronted by the ever-intense Shirley Manson, the band combined gritty rock with electronic edge, carving out a sound that influenced countless acts to follow.

Now, three decades into their career, the band is closing a chapter—but they’re not doing it quietly.

30 Shows, 2.5 Months, 1 Final Run?

The “Happy Endings” tour will include 30 shows across the U.S. over two and a half months—a significant effort for a group that hasn’t mounted a headline run of this scale in the States for almost ten years.

Though the band didn’t use the word “retirement,” the post suggests that touring at this level is no longer sustainable or aligned with where they are creatively and personally.

“We are going out in style and we hope you will join us,” they wrote.
“That’s life my friends. Nothing stays the same forever. Everything must change. All beautiful things come to an end. We love you.”

Starcrawler to Open: A Nod to the Next Generation

In their announcement, Garbage gave high praise to their supporting act, Starcrawler, a rising punk rock band known for their raw energy and theatrical performances.

“Our support act Starcrawler are quite frankly spectacular and their lead singer Arrow de Wilde is one of the most exciting front people of her generation.”

This co-sign from a legendary act like Garbage is no small gesture—and fans can expect a multi-generational rock showcase every night on the tour.

Why Now? Shirley Manson’s Recovery and the Road to 2025

The decision to scale back touring likely stems, in part, from health concerns. In 2024, the band was forced to cancel the remaining dates of that year’s tour when Shirley Manson suffered an undisclosed injury that required surgery and rehabilitation.

Though she has since recovered and is preparing for the 2025 shows, the ordeal likely influenced the band’s decision to make this run their last at this scale in the U.S.

Fans React: “Don’t Say Goodbye Yet”

Across social media, the band’s announcement was met with an outpouring of gratitude, nostalgia, and heartbreak.

• “Garbage was the soundtrack to my teenage years. Please don’t stop,” one fan wrote.
• Another commented, “If this is the end, you’ve earned it. But I’ll be front row in Chicago screaming every word.”

For fans who’ve followed the band from the 90s into 2025, this tour isn’t just another set of gigs—it’s a potential farewell to a band that has shaped their lives and soundtracked their memories.

Final Thoughts: Endings, Yes—But Maybe Not Goodbye

While the band’s post hinted at the end of U.S. headlining tours, it stopped short of saying they’d never perform again.

There’s always the chance of one-off shows, festival slots, or international appearances. But for fans hoping to see Garbage on a full-blown American tour again, this could be the last opportunity.

In their own words:

“Nothing stays the same forever. Everything must change. All beautiful things come to an end.”

If that’s the case, then Garbage are making sure to end things on their own terms—with heart, energy, and a celebration of the legacy they’ve built.