By Ralf Kuhling
The British alternative pop band Placebo gave a concert in Berlin on Thursday evening.
Fans had to wait nine long years for a creative sign of life from Placebo. A few months ago the time had finally come, the British alternative pop heroes presented them with “Never Let Me Go”, a really successful, exciting comeback album, certainly not the worst work of their rather checkered career.
And what about Placebo’s live qualities in 2022? They were allowed to be checked on Thursday evening in the almost full Mercedes-Benz Arena. The band relied on their latest creations and played a lot, a lot from the new album. “Forever Chemicals”, “Beautiful James” or “Happy Birthday in the Sky”, everything new blended harmoniously into a live trip that quickly kindled its pull, gently got into your legs and went straight to your heart. These songs were relaxation despite the noise, and live even more intense than in the studio versions.
Most of the fans, they were no longer the very young, the generation around 50 seemed to be in the majority. No wonder the placebo sound is still 90’s and early 2000’s despite some refreshments over the years.
And these fans, they mostly didn’t freak out with enthusiasm, no, they just let themselves be drawn into a frenzy. But there was no stopping the big anthems like “The Bitter End” because collective madness reigned for a moment.
Singer Brian Molko is actually a guy who has a lot to say. Says next to nothing that evening, seeks contact with the music, not with the people. That could be seen as detached, even arrogant, but actually it was exactly right. A “so nice to be in Berlin” or even larger political statements would have been inappropriate, would have only led to the intoxication interruption.
Molko’s unmistakable voice, that high, nasal, creaky voice, she was only allowed to sing. And gave the songs a very special, intensive touch.
Placebo opened the encore part with an impressive cover version of “Shout”. The synth pop heroes Tears for Fears, responsible for the original, should be very satisfied with this homage. Just like Kate Bush with the version of their classic “Running Up That Hill”, which the band also gave a placebo guise. It was sensual, it was magical, it was in no way inferior to the original. Not everyone can keep up with Kate Bush.