Formed in London in 1994, Placebo has left an indelible mark on the alternative rock scene with their androgynous image, poignant lyrics, and distinctive musical style. Led by Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal, the band has been shaping the world of music with their unique sound and provocative themes for over three decades. But there’s more to this band than their music alone. Let’s discover 30 intriguing facts that unravel the enigma that is Placebo.
Formation: Placebo was formed in London in 1994 by Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal.
Band Name: The name “Placebo” was chosen because of its Latin translation: “I shall please.” The band liked the idea that the name could mean anything the listener wanted it to mean.
Schoolmates: Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal both attended the same school in Luxembourg, but they were not friends until they ran into each other at a London tube station.
Debut Album: The band released their self-titled debut album in 1996, which was a major success in the UK.
David Bowie: Legendary musician David Bowie was a major early supporter of the band and invited them to perform at his 50th birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden in 1997.
Sexuality: The band has been open about their sexuality, with Molko identifying as bisexual, which has been reflected in their androgynous image and diverse lyrical themes.
Drummer Changes: Placebo has undergone multiple drummer changes. Robert Schultzberg was their original drummer, who was replaced by Steve Hewitt in 1996. Hewitt was then replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. Forrest left the band in 2015.
“Without You I’m Nothing”: Their second album, released in 1998, brought the band international success and includes the hit singles “Pure Morning” and “Every You Every Me.”
“Nancy Boy”: This hit song from their debut album is about drug use and androgyny, which caused some controversy when it was released.
Musical Style: Placebo’s music is often classified as alternative rock, but they’ve incorporated various other genres into their sound over the years, including punk, pop, electronic, and glam rock.
Sunglasses: Molko is known for almost always wearing sunglasses, even during indoor performances and interviews.
Cover Songs: Placebo has released a number of cover songs throughout their career, including Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” which has become one of their most popular tracks.
Movie Soundtracks: Their music has been featured in several movie soundtracks, including “Cruel Intentions,” “A Lot Like Love,” and “The Vampire Diaries.”
Brian’s Voice: Molko’s distinctive nasal and high-pitched voice has become a trademark feature of the band’s music.
Battle of the Sun: This 2009 album marked a stylistic shift towards a more optimistic and lighter sound compared to their previous work.
Awards: The band has won numerous awards throughout their career, including an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Alternative Act.
Charity Work: Placebo has participated in numerous charity concerts and events, showing their commitment to various causes.
Solo Work: Apart from Placebo, members of the band have also worked on solo projects. Olsdal, for example, formed the band Hotel Persona.
“Loud Like Love”: This 2013 album was their first to be released on Universal Music.
20 Years of Placebo: In 2016, the band embarked on a world tour to celebrate their 20th anniversary, playing songs from across their entire discography.
“Meds”: Released in 2006, the band’s fifth album “Meds” dealt with themes of mental health and substance abuse, reflecting the band’s own personal experiences.
Stage Fright: Brian Molko has openly talked about his struggles with stage fright and his reliance on drugs and alcohol to manage it in the band’s early years.
Vocal Problems: In 2015, Molko suffered from serious throat issues that required surgery, forcing the band to cancel several shows.
Recognition: In 2009, Placebo received the MTV Europe Music Awards’ honour for being the “Best Alternative” band.
Fiona Brice: Violinist Fiona Brice has been a long-time collaborator with the band, contributing string arrangements and live performances since 2008.
French Connection: Brian Molko, born in Brussels to American parents, spent part of his childhood in Liberia and Lebanon before moving to Luxembourg and the UK. He is fluent in French and has released several songs in the language.
Cover Album: In 2003, the band released a full album of cover songs titled “Covers,” featuring songs from artists such as Kate Bush, Boney M, and T. Rex.
Black Market Music: The band’s third studio album, released in 2000, received critical acclaim and includes the notable tracks “Special K” and “Slave to the Wage.”
Collaborations: Placebo has collaborated with a number of notable artists, including David Bowie, Michael Stipe from R.E.M., and Alison Mosshart from The Kills.
“A Place for Us to Dream”: In 2016, to celebrate their 20th anniversary, Placebo released a retrospective album “A Place for Us to Dream” that includes a collection of their greatest hits and a new single, “Jesus’ Son.”
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