Biography
Brian Molko, the androgynous frontman and guitarist of Placebo, drew the bulk of British attention once the group broke through during the final years of the 1990s. Born on December 10, 1972, to an American mother and Scottish father—whether on U.S. or European soil remains unclear—Molko relocated repeatedly because his father worked as an international banker. Luxembourg became one of the more settled stops, where he attended an American private school. Intent on acting, he relocated to London against his parents’ objections to enroll in a drama program. Guitar-driven alternative acts such as Sonic Youth, Nirvana, and the Swans soon eclipsed that goal. There he crossed paths with former Luxembourg classmate Stefan Olsdal, who also favored those sounds and played bass. Together with drummer Steve Hewitt they began cutting early-’90s demos under the name Placebo. The recordings secured a contract with Hut Records (Caroline in the United States), yet Hewitt departed before the 1996 self-titled debut, which instead featured Robert Schultzberg. The record unexpectedly succeeded in Britain on the strength of singles “Nancy Boy” and “Bruise Pristine,” its Nirvana-inflected rock and Ziggy Stardust–era glam aesthetic—recalling Marc Bolan as well—resonating with listeners fatigued by prevailing Brit-pop. Once touring ended, Schultzberg exited and Hewitt returned permanently.
Seeking American traction, the trio delivered its Virgin debut, Without You I’m Nothing, in 1998. The album displayed tighter songcraft and greater cohesion than its predecessor. Extensive U.S. roadwork generated only cult-level alternative interest, although lead single “Pure Morning” received modest radio and MTV exposure. A longstanding admiration for David Bowie led to a duet version of the title track; Bowie also invited the band to his 1997 Madison Square Garden 50th-birthday concert and joined them onstage on several occasions. Molko and his bandmates further appeared in the film Velvet Goldmine, performing T. Rex’s “20th Century Boy.” Most of 1999 and the opening months of 2000 were devoted to writing and tracking Black Market Music, released in the U.K. in October 2000 and in the United States the following May. Through candid interviews and a flamboyant stage presence, Molko has carried the spirit of 1970s glam into the present day.
Seeking American traction, the trio delivered its Virgin debut, Without You I’m Nothing, in 1998. The album displayed tighter songcraft and greater cohesion than its predecessor. Extensive U.S. roadwork generated only cult-level alternative interest, although lead single “Pure Morning” received modest radio and MTV exposure. A longstanding admiration for David Bowie led to a duet version of the title track; Bowie also invited the band to his 1997 Madison Square Garden 50th-birthday concert and joined them onstage on several occasions. Molko and his bandmates further appeared in the film Velvet Goldmine, performing T. Rex’s “20th Century Boy.” Most of 1999 and the opening months of 2000 were devoted to writing and tracking Black Market Music, released in the U.K. in October 2000 and in the United States the following May. Through candid interviews and a flamboyant stage presence, Molko has carried the spirit of 1970s glam into the present day.