Review: Placebo at 02 Victoria Warehouse

“Dear Placebo fans” read A4 printouts dotted across the venue, “We would kindly ask you NOT to spend the concert filming or taking photos with your mobile phones.”

In the footsteps of Bob Dylan, Jack White and an increasing number of other artists (though stopping shy of actually locking your phone away in a bag) the duo of Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal are not shy in making their feelings known on the topic. The same message that encourages connection, communism and transcendence later appears emblazoned across the giant screens at the back of the stage before Brian also gives the message over the PA.

It’s a message that they’ve also made public to ticket holders via social media whilst on tour and one they’ve received a share of negative reactions to online and so it’s a pleasant moment when the crowd cheers Brian’s audio announcement.

Part of the negative response to their request comes in the form of criticism of the band and their engagement, or lack thereof, with the crowd. Something that from tonight's show seems unfounded and the request itself is impressively adhered to throughout the show.

Placebo at 02 Victoria Warehouse (© Vicky Pearson)

At the outset of their career the terms progressive or ahead of their time could all too easily be thrown about when talking about Placebo primarily due to their lyrical content and now some 28 years later there does seem to be a sense of time catching up with them - but not in a bad way.

From day one they have sang openly about sexual and gender identify, mental health struggles, drug use and they continue to commentate on those themes to this day, adding the tribulations of online relationships in one of the nights biggest sing-alongs Too Many Friends. A band that has always promoted the inclusivity of outsiders. Which all sounds very 2022.

It’s 2022’s Never Let Me Go in the spotlight once the band arrives on stage and it’s quintessentially Placebo. Apart from an increase in synths it’s incredible how consistent their sound has remained over time. Brian’s voice has always been unmistakable and it's immaculate tonight but there is more to that signature sound than his trademark vocals.

It’s a huge compliment to their latest album when you realise they can drop new tracks right alongside some of their biggest hits without them feeling out of place or like filler.

With half the set list dedicated to this year's album the other half features appearances from most of the band's discography with the slightly disappointing exception of Without You I'm Nothing and tests the audiences steel in terms of resisting videos with a huge final stretch of fan favourites and hits before finishing on their iconic cover of Running Up That Hill which predates the Stranger Things popularity by nearly 20 years.

Having watched far too many gigs through the phone screen of a taller gig-goer usually stood directly in front of us tonight really was proof that if an artist can ask in the right way, for the right reasons, a fan base will break their habits and oblige, all for better, and enjoy a screen-free experience.

Setlist

Forever Chemicals
Beautiful James
Scene of the Crime
Hugz
Happy Birthday in the Sky
Bionic
Twin Demons
Surrounded by Spies
Chemtrails
Sad White Reggae
Try Better Next Time
Too Many Friends
Went Missing
For What It's Worth
Slave to the Wage
Song to Say Goodbye
The Bitter End
Infra-red

Encore

Shout (Tears for Fears cover)
Fix Yourself
Running Up That Hill (Kate Bush cover)

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