A Review Of Placebo’s Secret MySpace Show

You might remember me mentioning the other day that Placebo were the latest band to perform a secret show for MySpacers. I wasn’t able to take MySpazz up on their kind offer to attend the gig as it was in Sydney and I couldn’t tear myself away from my beloved Melbourne, but I sent Crystal from Autostraddle in my place. Here is her review of how “shit” went “down”.

When your lovely editor asked me if I’d be interested in intrepidly reporting from Placebo’s Secret Myspace Show, I nearly exploded with joy & excitement. One of my favourite websites wanted me to go see one of my favourite bands, who were in town to play a sold-out show that I hadn’t been able to get tickets to [ED: when you put it that way, I am quite awesome!]. Was I dreaming? No, I was not, because I got that email at work rather than on a rainbowcloud. It was real life! I obviously said yes!

See, I’ve been a Placebo fan from the moment I heard “Pure Morning” on the Triple J Hottest 100 Vol. 6, an album I purchased to impress my 15 year-old Converse-wearing alt-rocking peers. It was love at first listen, and upon further research my eyes and ears were opened to a wonderful world of genderbending androgyny and sexual ambiguity and above all, feelings! So many feelings! It was like Livejournal set to music, but by people who’ve never used Livejournal.

The “secret” part of Myspace’s secret show was the fact that it was to be held at the Enmore Theatre, my favourite Sydney live music venue and coincidentally the very same place I first saw Placebo perform live, on 2003′s Sleeping With Ghosts tour. It was a great turn out, by 5pm a rather long queue of fringed, black-clad Placebo fans and look-a-likes had wrapped right around the block. I’m not mocking them. Brian Molko and I have been sporting very similar hairstyles since the mid-90s.

Once inside I was able to secure a spot front and centre up, crammed up against young boys who smelled like sweat, wax and Maybelline Great Lash™ mascara. I was front row and feeling fifteen again, which felt a lot better than when I actually was 15. After 45 minutes, a ripple went through the crowd when a member of the Placebo road crew walked out and placed a cup of hot tea next to Brian Molko’s microphone. Twinings, I believe. The boy to my right predicted that the band should take the stage any second now, as Brian wouldn’t want his tea to get cold. Good point, young man.

There are really only two kinds of boys that I’m interested in, a) boys that sparkle and b) boys that look like girls. Placebo pulled off both nicely, strolling onto the stage sharply dressed in black pant suits and dress shoes. Bassist Stefan Olsdal particularly, decked out in a gold tank top and sparkly single-breasted jacket.

The set opened acoustically with “For What It’s Worth”, the first single from their 2009 album Battle for the Sun. As expected, the opener was met with a thunderous applause. Not to mention shouts of “I just came!” Dirty buggers.

It was only a 25 – 30 minute set but very little was spared, the stage was fully rigged and at times up to 6 musicians were performing including a lovely girl on violin. Placebo ripped through a 5-song set list that favoured their 2006 album Meds -

“For What It’s Worth
“Because I Want You”
“Blind”
“Meds”
“Twenty Years”

Brian Molko was in his own world for the duration, staring straight ahead and only addressing us when it was time to say goodbye and walk off stage.

Coming back on for an encore, Molko broke the silence with “In the old days – in the 90s – this is how we used to write songs. Now we just pay a bunch of robots to do it.” That’s when he ripped into the piano-led rendition of “Teenage Angst” and it was beautiful. He said thank you, flashed a peace sign and walked off stage. It was over. Notably absent were many crowd favourites, including “Pure Morning”, “Every You Every Me” and “Nancy Boy.” Notably present was the cup of tea, untouched.

The show was short and sweet, but just long enough to give me a taste and make me want more. But I’m sure not complaining. MySpace, you’re a tease, and I have some concerns about some of your adolescent members. But I tip my hat to you for putting on such an amazing show.

Yes! Well done, MySpazz! I will try and get along to your next secret show, swears. And thanks to Crystal for attending the Placebo gig in my place and for writing such a delightful report for our reading pleasure!

WELL DONE, EVERYONE! THANKS, EVERYONE!