Placebo

Placebo are a London-based alternative rock group formed in 1994 by Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal. The band is associated with alternative rock, indie rock, pop rock and rock, and is also linked to the Britpop scene that it stands out from because of its androgynous image and more openly confessional subject matter.

Formation and membership

Molko and Olsdal both grow up in Luxembourg before separately moving to London, where they form Placebo. Molko is born in Belgium and Olsdal in Sweden. Drummer Robert Schultzberg joins later in 1994 and appears on the band’s self-titled debut album before leaving in 1996 after conflicts with Molko. Steve Hewitt then replaces him in the same year. Hewitt leaves in 2007 because of personal and musical differences, and Steve Forrest joins the following year. Forrest appears on two albums before leaving in 2015. Since then, Placebo continue as an official duo, with additional musicians supporting them.

Early release and breakthrough

After a demo, a split single and the debut album Placebo, the band gains wider attention in 1997 with the single “Nancy Boy”. The song becomes notable in the UK for its gender-bending content. Molko’s voice and lyrics also become defining features of the group, with songs addressing sexuality, mental health and drug use.

Records and collaborations

Placebo have eight studio albums, all reaching the Top 20 in the United Kingdom: Placebo, Without You I’m Nothing, Black Market Music, Sleeping with Ghosts, Meds, Battle for the Sun, Loud Like Love and Never Let Me Go. The band sells around 14 million records worldwide. Over the years, Placebo collaborate with David Bowie, Justin Warfield, Michael Stipe and Alison Mosshart. They are associated with Elevator Music and SO Recordings.