Garbage has been doing a lot of traveling this year to support their third album “”Beautifulgarbage,”” released last year. Continuing their 2002 North American tour, which began in Toronto on April 19th, Garbage will wrap up in San Diego and Los Angeles before proceeding to Mexico City. They will then be heading to Spain to begin a summer-long world tour taking them through several European countries, as well as Russia, before ending the tour in Montreux, Switzerland. Garbage will be playing at the SDSU Open Air Theatre on Friday May 31st. Tickets are already sold out.

The band’s lead singer, Shirley Manson, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and can be characterized as a fiercely charismatic porcelain doll from hell. Her previous bands include Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie and Angelfish. Her mesmerizing stage presence and sultry vocals have kept Garbage’s CD sales up and fans hungry for more. Manson isn’t, however, just a pretty face — she also has a passion for charity work and was recently named spokesperson for the Viva Glam IV AIDS Fund.

Guitar and keyboard are provided by Duke Erikson and Steve Marker (whose beautiful electric guitars riffs are definitely not garbage). Their efforts provide just the right flavor for a delicious angst-ridden sound.

Garbage’s success can also be credited to their talented drummer and producer, Butch Vig. In the early ’90s, Vig became a big name in popular rock, working with such bands as U2, Depeche Mode, Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana. Vig is intimately involved in the mixing and recording process for all of the band’s music, paying meticulous attention its texture and feel.

Another reason for the band’s enduring popularity is hard work and pride in their music. When asked why the musical ability of many rock bands, particularly punk bands, is looked down upon, Vig stated, “”We love to be dysfunctional and we love to hate ourselves. In some ways, with bands that don’t practice, maybe that works to their benefit. They end up sounding inventive. But I appreciate working with musicians who take some pride in their craft.””

The new album is the first on which Shirley Manson wrote the lyrics. Some of its singles include “”Cherry Lips”” and “”Androgyny.”” Garbage’s new sound is much simpler and perhaps even a little watered down, but the concert will still feature plenty of the old favorites such as “”Stupid Girl”” and “”I Think I’m Paranoid”” to keep fans happy. If there’s one thing Garbage does well, it’s a live show, and fans have definitely come a running.