In an interview for a French publication, when asked by a reporter if they still want to be among the best bands in the world, Brian Molko of Placebo said (Jokingly.Or not): “But we're already the best band in the world.”
I guess it is a matter of tastes, but truth be told, it really was a great show the one they played at Romexpo in Bucharest.
Unfortunately, I missed the previous gig they threw in Romania in 2006, so I have no term of comparison as to what went better or what went worse. From what I gathered from hearsay, the band experienced some technical problems. But if it was half as good and the crowd half as enthusiastic, no wonder they returned. Personally, I must admit I had a slight feeling of embarrassment when I discovered I did not know all the lines of the songs, like everyone else around seemed to. I got to feel what it is like being an outcast “in a convention of outcasts” (as Molko describes the group’s concerts).
To have the Placebo frontman shout “You’ve been a fucking amazing audience!” sounded great for the 6,000 who were present. On repeated occasions, there was a fleeting smile in the corner of his mouth. But the ultimate proof that he was in high spirits was when he lighted a cigarette onstage (actually, he did that a couple of times). The moments in which he visibly savored his smoke were moments of conversation. “I envy you,” he said. “In England, they are taking away our liberties little by little. Let's fill our lungs together!"
Tracks like “For What It’s Worth” and “Battle for the Sun” from the act’s newest album sat well with hits such as “Every You and Every Me,” “Taste in Men,” “Song to Say Goodbye” and “Black- Eyed.” During the 2006 “Meds” tour, Molko and Stefan Olsdal (bass guitar) met the 22 year-old Californian drummer Steven Forrest, who made a quick positive impression and was readily welcomed onboard, after Steven Hewitt had left the band. This must have injected a new vibe and fresh energy into the band, which shows in “Battle for the Sun,” a self- funded album which is more luminous than the claustrophobic “Meds.” In an exclusive interview for MTV Australia, Molko observed that “It was good writing a record without having Darth Vader in the room.”
Placebo’s fame rides on the wave of controversy. The band members were always very open about their sexuality (Molko is bisexual and Olsdal is gay) and have capitalized a great deal on their androgynous looks, sexual preferences and hedonistic lifestyle. Until now. But even this has long become a beaten track and an act has to throw in more sweat and guts to break through. You could just put a finger on the onstage chemistry, as Molko introduced Olsdal as “the Queen of Sweden and my partner in crime.” Olsdal returned the compliment calling him “my drama queen.” Oh, the insanity!
Photographs and video by Oana Trufasu
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