PLACEBO | LIVE REVIEW
Newport Centre, Mon 12 Dec
Placebo proved they have a lot of friends, indeed, playing to a packed out Newport Centre, despite it being a school night. With giant screens dominating the stage, the humble sports venue was virtually unrecognizable. After a touching tribute to Leonard Cohen – one of many legends who both inspired Placebo, and passed away in 2016 – the band opened their set with their music video for Every You Every Me and a 20-year birthday film, reminding the crowd it has been two decades since their eponymous album blasted its way into our lives and boy, are we richer for it.
And it’s finally on with the show with Pure Morning, which finally brings Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdal and co. to the stage, much to the audience’s delight. It’s hard not to feel this choice of opener isn’t a direct nod to their fans with its repetition of the line, “A friend in need’s a friend indeed”. The band is no doubt thanking the crowd for their continued dedication and support. The first hour or so, Brian mentions, is their “melancholic section”, and is full of slowed down hits (their eerie rendition of 36 Degrees is nothing short of spine-tingling) and a tearjerking video tribute to David Bowie, soundtracked by Without You I’m Nothing – Bowie having played this song live with Placebo back in the day.
Thereafter, it’s time for the old-school stuff: punchy, punky and raw Placebo, transporting much of the audience straight back to their youth. Stefan whips out his gay pride, rainbow-striped guitar and everyone cheers – queers rule here and it feels light-years away from the current political debacle looming at our door. In here it’s a safe space – no Trump supporters, no haters, just love, compassion and acceptance.
Following an explosive performance of The Bitter End, the band tease us by walking off stage only to return with Teenage Angst, Nancy Boy and Infrared. A second encore ensues and the band treat us to their breathtaking rendition of Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill: a tune freakishly apt for the West’s current bureaucratic climate, and one leaving us bruised, pristine, serene.
words ALICE PATTILLO photos JON HERRON
