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Matt chats in-depth with enigmatic Placebo frontman Brian Molko about his musical 'firsts', revealing the pivotal moments and songs that shaped his life and career.

Matt chats in-depth with enigmatic Placebo frontman Brian Molko about his musical 'firsts', revealing the pivotal moments and songs that shaped his life and career.

The Scottish-American musician, songwriter and actor burst onto the music scene as the frontman of one of the most exciting bands of the 1990s. With his distinctive vocals, aggressive guitar style and androgynous appearance Brian and the band won over a legion of devoted fans worldwide, including David Bowie who invited them to support him on tour.

Placebo founders Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal had both attended the American International School of Luxembourg, without speaking to each other, as they were part of different social circles. The two met by chance in 1994, in London. At the time, Stefan was taking guitar lessons and was on his way home when he met Molko at South Kensington tube station. Brian, observing that Stefan had a guitar strapped to his back, invited him to watch a gig. On the strength of Molko's performance, Stefan decided that they should start a band.

In October 1995 the band released "Bruise Pristine" and by 1996 Placebo were signed with Caroline Records. Their debut album, the self-titled Placebo, was released the same year. In 1997 they released "Nancy Boy" a song which openly discussed sexual allusions, mental health, and drug use. It peaked at number 4 in the UK singles.

Placebo have released seven studio albums, all of which have reached the Top 20 in the UK, and have sold around 11 million records worldwide. In this interview recorded in 2016, and never before aired, Brian talks about his first musical memories, working with Bowie, and the bands that have influenced his career.

1 hour

Last on

Sun 4 Jul 2021 13:00
BBC Radio 6 Music

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Music Played

  • Placebo

    Nancy Boy

    • Hut Music.

  • Placebo

    Infra-Red (Instrumental)

    • Infra-Red.
    • EMI Records Limited.
    • 2.

  • Andy Williams

    Happy Holiday

    • The Best Christmas Album In The World.
    • Virgin.

  • Claude François

    Alexandrie Alexandra

    • Le Top De La Disco.
    • 20.

  • David Bowie

    Ashes to Ashes

    • David Bowie - Best Of Bowie.
    • EMI.

  • Michael Jackson

    Beat It

    • (CD Single).
    • Epic.

  • Violent Femmes

    Blister In The Sun

    • Slash/London.

  • Pink Floyd

    Lucifer Sam

    • The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn.
    • EMI Records Limited.
    • 2.

  • Placebo

    Bruise Pristine

    • The Best Album.. In The World.. Ever! CD2.
    • Elevator Music.
    • 15.

  • The Velvet Underground

    I'll Be Your Mirror

    • The Best Of The Velvet Underground.
    • Polydor Limited.
    • 6.

  • Placebo

    Pure Morning

    • Columbia.

  • Placebo

    You Don't Care About Us - Manchester Academy 1998

  • Bob Dylan

    Masters of War

    • Biograph CD1.
    • Sony Music Entertainment UK Ltd.
    • 8.

  • Placebo

    Without You I'm Nothing (feat. David Bowie)

    • Once More With Feeling.
    • 8.

  • Sonic Youth

    Drunken Butterfly

    • Dirty.
    • Polydor Limited.
    • 4.

Broadcast

  • Sun 4 Jul 2021 13:00
    BBC Radio 6 Music

The first record I ever bought… by Noel Gallagher, Janelle Monae, Florence Welch, Thom Yorke, Elton John and many more

The first record I ever bought… by Noel Gallagher, Janelle Monae, Florence Welch, Thom Yorke, Elton John and many more

A selection of major artists reveal their first musical purchase.

Podcast

  • The First Time With...

    Interviews with major artists revealing the moments and songs that shaped their careers.