Placebo is a British alternative rock band that was formed in London in 1994 by vocalist-guitarist Brian Molko and bassist-guitarist Stefan Olsdal. Molko was born in Belgium, while Olsdal and drummer Robert Schultzberg are both from Sweden. Molko and Olsdal grew up in Luxembourg before moving separately to London, where they met and formed the band. The band's sound and image stood out in the Britpop scene of the time due to their androgynous appearance and lyrical content that openly discussed sexuality, mental health, and drug use.
Placebo gained attention in 1997 after the release of their single "Nancy Boy," which became a hit in the UK despite its controversial gender-bending theme. The band's eponymous debut album, released the previous year, had already garnered them a following thanks to a demo and split single.
Schultzberg left the band in 1996, shortly after the debut album's release, due to conflicts with Molko. He was replaced by Steve Hewitt later that year. Hewitt remained with the band until 2007, when he departed due to personal and musical differences. He was replaced in 2008 by Steve Forrest, who remained with the band until 2015. Since then, Placebo has officially been a duo consisting of Molko and Olsdal, although they have occasionally been joined by additional musicians during live performances and recording sessions.
Placebo has collaborated with several notable artists over the years, including David Bowie, Michael Stipe, and Alison Mosshart. They have released eight studio albums to date, all of which have reached the top 20 in the UK charts and have sold around 14 million records worldwide. The band's music has been praised for its honesty, emotional depth, and Molko's unique vocal style, which has become a signature of their sound. Despite their longevity, Placebo remains a relevant and influential force in the alternative rock scene, with a dedicated fanbase that continues to grow.
