Shirley Manson’s Rock Hall Exhibit: Spotlight on Women Breaking Boundaries!
Shirley Manson expresses delight at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recognizing her female music peers.
“As I’ve conveyed to the Hall’s team, it’s still sadly rare to witness women represented in national museums,” shares Manson, 57, exclusively with Us Weekly about the debut of “Revolutionary Women in Music: Left of Center.” The Garbage frontwoman attended the exhibit’s opening on March 8 in Cleveland, Ohio, where she marveled at the diverse talents showcased, spanning from the 1970s to the present day.
“To witness this array of female artistry is truly stirring,” Manson reflects. “I found myself unexpectedly moved by the experience, as were other visiting artists. It’s a remarkable occasion, one that left us all quite amazed.”
Manson expressed her appreciation for the inclusion of Alice Bag, a pioneering punk rocker from the 1970s who fronted The Bags, in the exhibit. “Earlier today, they showed a video of Alice, and both Jane [Wiedlin of the Go-Go’s] and I couldn’t contain our excitement,” Manson shared. “Alice has long been overlooked despite her significant impact on American punk music. It’s truly thrilling to see her finally getting the recognition she deserves.”
Many of the women featured in the exhibition yesterday were ones I anticipated seeing,” Manson remarked. “They’ve all left a substantial imprint on the music industry in various ways. I couldn’t contain my excitement as I moved from one artist to the next, genuinely thrilled by each one.
Manson acknowledges being “a staunch supporter of female artists,” emphasizing her commitment to amplifying their voices amidst the challenges they encounter in the music industry. “For women who defy easy categorization or conforming to societal expectations,” Manson explains to Us, “challenging the status quo is inherent. This exhibition reflects those ideals, which I deeply believe contribute to a vibrant society built on dialogue, debate, and the exchange of ideas.”
Manson once described performing as an act of rebellion, overcoming her inherent shyness to emerge as a global symbol of strength and intensity. Reflecting on the common thread among the artists featured in the “Revolutionary Women in Music” exhibit, Manson expressed a profound connection. “I can’t speak for everyone, as I’m not privy to their individual motivations,” she notes, “but for me, performing is a declaration of existence. As a woman, there are times when you feel invisible in society. It’s frustrating when women’s voices are suppressed. Performing allows us to defy that silence and censorship, offering a liberating sense of freedom that I deeply value.”
While some may point to the achievements of artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift as signs of progress, Manson highlights the ongoing challenges women face in a patriarchal society. “Convincing someone deeply entrenched in patriarchy of the ongoing struggles women endure is difficult,” she explains. “They might argue that women dominate the charts, but the reality is far more complex,” Manson adds. “While younger generations of women may benefit from the lessons of their predecessors, they are also more attuned to the systemic hurdles they must navigate. Unlike us, they’re not as naive, having more evidence of the obstacles they face.”
“The opportunity to educate oneself about music and the industry is far more accessible now than it was in my generation,” Manson notes, observing that the emerging female talents she encounters are “even more formidable than I ever was.” Additionally, Manson points to “the erosion of women’s rights in America,” specifically referencing the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court in 2022 and subsequent abortion bans in several states, as evidence that progress hasn’t been as substantial as desired.
It’s a frightening era where elderly men in politics presume they’re better equipped to decide on women’s health matters than the women themselves,” she expresses to Us. “This attitude undermines women and must cease. Exhibitions like this serve as poignant reminders of women’s inherent value in our culture; we deserve the same respect as our male counterparts. It’s crucial for a society to function healthily.
The “Revolutionary Women in Music: Left of Center” exhibit celebrates trailblazing female artists across various music genres. From Meg White’s iconic “Seven Nation Army” look to Christina Aguilera’s wardrobe from the Stripped tour, visitors can immerse themselves in musical history. Featuring instruments and outfits from artists like Brittany Howard, Lzzy Hale, Natalie Merchant, SZA, Björk, Rihanna, and more, the exhibit honors the diverse contributions of women in music. Manson, Weidlin, Loeb, and Moye inaugurated the exhibit in March, underscoring its significance amidst a history of institutional oversight of women performers.
I believe most artists experience a sense of being overlooked,” she expressed. “It’s a common sentiment among creatives; often, you feel your voice goes unheard. However, being recognized in a national museum holds immense significance, affirming a narrative that has shaped your entire life.
I had the opportunity to share this news with my dad, and his pride meant the world to me,” she shared. “It’s truly remarkable for so many diverse women to receive recognition in this way. I hope we continue to witness more of this inclusivity across all domains.” The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s “Revolutionary Women in Music: Left of Center” exhibit is now open for visitors. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through the venue’s website.
