The Musical Biography of Placebo: A Journey through Their Iconic Music

For more than two decades, Placebo has not just been a band but a cult phenomenon across Europe and the world. Famous for their gender-bending identity and haunting, emotionally charged songs, Placebo has always been a band that pushes the boundaries of traditional rock music. From their beginnings in the mid-90s to their latest album in 2016, this band has amassed a huge following through their unique style that instantly captivates anyone who listens. In this musical biography, we will take a journey through the band's history, most famous albums, and songs, and their influences on modern rock.

Placebo, founded in London by Brian Molko, Steve Hewitt and Stefan Olsdal in 1994, began by playing small venues as a trio. Their early music has electronic and punk rock elements, with their self-titled debut album showcasing a raw sound. But it was not until their second album, Without You I'm Nothing (1998) that they gained critical acclaim and hit the charts. This album, with songs like Pure Morning, Every You Every Me, and the iconic title track, established Placebo's musical trademark and established them as one of the most significant rock bands of the late 90s.

However, it was their third album, Black Market Music (2000), that showcased the band at their most adventurous, featuring themes of sexual taboos, drug addiction, and political commentary. The album also included one of their most well-known songs, Taste in Men. It was this album that solidified Placebo's reputation as a band not afraid to tackle sensitive topics.

The band's fourth album, Sleeping with Ghosts (2003), showcased the band's musical growth, moving away from their early raw sound and featuring more electronic sounds and a softer tone. However, the album still featured some of their most iconic tracks, including The Bitter End and Special Needs.

Placebo's fifth album, Meds (2006), marked a shift to a more mature sound, including collaborations with artists like Alison Mosshart and Michael Stipe. Songs like Meds and Infra-Red were undoubtedly some of the band's most emotive tracks to date. Their sixth album, Battle for the Sun (2009), showcased a more upbeat sound, especially with the title track, which became their first UK Top 40 single in years.

Despite the band parting with drummer Steve Hewitt in 2007, their music has remained just as powerful. Their latest album, Life's What You Make It (2016), was described as a reflection of the band's more adventurous approach, particularly evident in the lead single Jesus' Son.

For over 25 years, Placebo has maintained a reputation for their uniqueness in their sound and style, making them a favorite of alternative rock fans. Their iconic albums and songs have been the soundtrack for many, and their influence on the modern rock scene is undeniable. Whether it's the haunting lyrics or the distorted guitar riffs, Placebo's music has always been about pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms. If you haven't listened to them before, it's a perfect time to jump in and experience this cult phenomenon of the modern era.