I would first like to say that I am not a huge fan of Placebo: in fact I don't actually like them. In my opinion the band tend to attract more attention for their image than their music, which I think in
comparison, is quite dull.
I find Brian's voice although distinctive can become quite irritating similarly as their overuse of fast-paced guitars can become repetitive. Having said thatI was prepared to give them a fair chance.
The crowd was on the whole young, dressed in black with the odd dash of neon thrown in for good measure. At the gates we were required to disarm, removing any accessories involving spikes or metal.
THE FAINT got the crowd suitably warmed up playing sleazy electro-clash and jumping around the stage with boundless energy.
PLACEBO arrived on stage to a heated crowd, the cult following which has kept them going for going on ten years now, a commendable feat.
The set is surprisingly varied: well surprising to me anyway, the band seeming to have moved away from their punk influenced sound a little and now feature more ballad-esque songs.
The sound is full and well balanced, however the band do neglect to mention the three musicians backing them up left of stage. They play for a good ninety minutes, featuring a wide range of tunes from all four albums (noticeably missing out "Nancy Boy").
The mood dropped slightly during the middle of their set, only to be expected, though the crowd really give it their all through the first songs. Highlights were "Every You, Every Me" and their final
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song "Pure Morning" both receiving great responses
from the audience.
My high point of the night definitely had to be the encore when they played aninteresting version of "Teenage Angst", slowed down
very mellow and quite impressive and then a cover version of The Pixies' (my favourite band) "Where is My Mind". Which lead me to compare the song writing skills of both bands and realise that Placebo could never match up.
Through the gig I did warm to the band, I had a lot of fun, but how could I not? - jumping around and getting all sweaty.
But I still feel the songs lack something, and Brian will never compare to his idols Bolan and Bowie. Maybe he has realised this, his appearance has become somewhat toned down. The band in my eyes have become more grown up, mellowed out slightly and even become a little sad. Something to be expected from a band thathas been around almost ten years.
I would even say that Brian's voice has changed and is -by my own admission - less irritating (ouch that hurt).To finish, I'm certain that the fans had the time of their lives. The band played well and even I managed to have a really good time but I won't be running out and buying a pair of fishnets just yet.
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