Placebo Reflects on David Bowie’s Influence in New Documentary
As Placebo celebrates their 30-year career, the release of the documentary This Search for Meaning highlights the significant impact of David Bowie on the band’s trajectory. The film features rare archival footage and candid moments, detailing Bowie’s mentorship to frontman Brian Molko during their early years. Molko recalls, “You’re a young, arrogant, sarcastic individual,” recognizing the profound opportunity Bowie provided, reports BritPanorama.
The relationship between Placebo and Bowie is central to the documentary, showcasing their five-year collaboration and shared performances, including a rendition of T-Rex’s “20th Century Boy” at the 1999 Brit Awards. The film captures the camaraderie between them, revealing Bowie’s engaging personality, with Molko reflecting on their conversations that lasted “for hours and hours.” He describes Bowie as genuinely curious and approachable, contrasting with rock star stereotypes.
Molko expresses poignant feelings regarding Bowie’s passing, admitting he did not fully grasp Bowie’s impact on him until it was too late. He states, “It hit me hard,” highlighting the enduring influence Bowie had on both his personal growth and artistic evolution.
Throughout the documentary, the narrative reveals why Bowie was initially drawn to Placebo. The band, characterized by their *gothic* blend of glam and grunge, stands out for their fearless exploration of themes such as isolation, abuse, and queerness. Their androgynous aesthetics and boundary-pushing performances did not merely challenge conventional norms but ignited both adoration and animosity within audiences.
Molko recalls how success emboldened the band, leading to three Top 10 singles between 1997 and 1998. “What was important to us was that it was a reaction, whether it was adoration or hatred,” he says, emphasizing that their provocative approach was an intentional strategy to elicit strong responses from the crowd.
During the height of Britpop, Placebo stood out against a backdrop of mainstream British culture. Their performance of “Nancy Boy” on *Top of the Pops* in January 1997 was revolutionary, with Molko stating, “We certainly didn’t set out to be the antithesis to Britpop.” He noted the media framed their identity within that context, while they were largely indifferent to prevailing trends.
Molko reflected on their provocative reputation, admitting bravado colored many of his past statements. He expressed a desire for his younger self to have demonstrated greater restraint, acknowledging, “It’s a situation where it’s almost irresistible to not be outrageous.” As he approaches his mid-50s, Molko has adopted a more measured demeanor, although he remains embroiled in controversy, recently facing defamation charges in Italy over comments made during a concert.
The documentary also touches on his past struggles with addiction, emphasizing transparency regarding the darker facets of his life. Molko had to step out during a particularly uncomfortable section of the film highlighting his past excess, citing the need for “brutal honesty” about their past lifestyles.
While Molko and bandmate Stefan Olsdal are united by their unconventional journey, they also navigate personal challenges within their partnership. Molko admits there have been times when both questioned the band’s future, but they now appreciate their evolving relationship. “As we’ve grown older, I think we appreciate each other as people more,” he notes.
As they prepare to mark the 30th anniversary of their debut album next year, Placebo continues to resonate with fans and fellow musicians alike. With a recent resurgence featuring their album Never Let Me Go reaching No 3 in the UK charts, Molko remarks, “I don’t question it. I like the mystery, and I like the romance of it. To find that kind of songwriting partner, one hopes that it’s in the lineage of people like Morrissey and Marr.”
This Search for Meaning is out now on Blu-ray, DVD and CD
