Concert Review By: Pennie

"Placebo" is addictive.
The outstanding band, "Placebo", played at The Palace theater in Hollywood, California, on Tuesday, May 15th, 2001 -- an event I will never forget -- ever, ever, ever. I -- as a lucky and always avid fan of the talented group -- had anticipated this particular show for over two years. That's just how amazing the band is.

Waiting was part of the "Placebo" experience. First, I had to wait a long, long time for the musicians to play in my local area, then I had to wait in a long, long line to get in. When my excited party and I arrived at The Palace, we couldn't believe the masses of like-minded fans desperate to see and hear the show -- which was "sold out", of course. The restless crowd was anxious, antsy to get into the theater and maneuver for premium viewing territory. A few crafty individuals tried every "trick in the book" to weasel their way ahead of the rest of us in the maze-like line. I couldn't openly blame any one of their lame excuses, feeble stories, and all-out lies, because "Placebo" is well worth the efforts. But, hey, fair is fair. They had to wait with the "unconnected" line-squatters like yours truly and the scores of other ready-to-party partiers.

Finally, mercifully, our tireless team of "Placebo-ites" did make way inside. The awful tedium of getting to that point was faded by the sheer energy of enjoying the moment. I was highly entertained. Two bands opened the event. The first band was called "Tape". They were good and helped take the edge off of the nearly-uncontrollable impatience for "Placebo" to play. The second band performed, named "Idylwild", and they were simply terrific. "Idylwild" is definitely the makings of a superb band and made an impressive show an even better one.

As the opening bands' sets drew to a close, I began unexplainable shivering. My heart raced. Almost as though in slow motion actions, yet, in high-speed over-drive of emotions, I had a "too-real" realization that: "in a few minutes 'Placebo' was going to be on stage!!!" I couldn't believe it! My mind wouldn't accept the over-stimulus. The endless amount of time I had fantasized over, dreamt about, wished for, laid out good money toward, and, at that instant, "THE" moment approached. All of a sudden, whooshing over me like a accidental fire, I couldn't recognize where I was and that the experience was real. Well, the "moment of truth" arrived. The lights dimmed. From the stage wings, "Placebo" entered.

"Placebo" members are: Brian Molko, Stephan Olsdal and Steve Hewitt. Pandemonium erupted. I ran as fast as I could to the front lip of the stage to see the band up close. Waves of appreciation filled me. From the exhilarating opening song, "Haemoglobin", from their new album, "Black Market Music", the beat and lyrics took over my body. If you have had the pleasure of hearing "Placebo", you know how the rhythmic music, no matter where you are or what you're doing, hypnotizes your mind -- you are helplessly transfixed under Brian's spell, experiencing emotionally the exact mood, event, or poetic subject in what he is describing with his music. There's no escaping. You are transported to another time and place, lead to wherever Brian wishes. And that's precisely what happened at the "Placebo" performance to me and my merry group of musical afficianodos. Every song was as powerful as the one before. Brian's beautiful and haunting voice and the all-to-real penetrating lyrics melted into the surreal. I found myself out of breath and utterly consumed by every word Brian sang. I was gladly held captive for the entire evening. Brian's piercing voice was sheer brilliance, truly authoritative live and, I think, even better than when heard from a recording. Have I mention how incredible Steve and Stephan are? Their playing is to die for and what a way to go!

To my surprise, my favorite songs weren't overlooked: the first, "My Sweet Prince", from "Without You I'm Nothing" (the title track), and the second, "Peeping Tom", from "Black Market Music", and, of course, the crowd went crazy when they played one of their most popular songs, "Pure Morning". Everyone screamed.When these songs were played, I found myself praising the band on my hands and knees and joyfully crying.

Yet, those were not the only songs which brought tears to my eyes, my friends. I admit it freely. I cried throughout their whole set, gasping for air, because I could not believe the concert was so good -- it was witnessing an artistic achievement firsthand -- and the band came to L.A. to play for us, especially for ME! Pure ecstasy! The audience worshipped them, hanging on their every note, and was left begging for more. Like me, the cult-of-"Placebo" crowd couldn't get enough. So, my favorite and sweetest band, "Placebo", graced us with several encores.

To say the least, the "Placebo" concert was -- by far -- the most amazing show I have ever been to. The tickets were only $17.50, plus charges. I can't remember paying that little for a show and experiencing that much entertainment.

I believe the audience traveled similar journeys together, all of us entranced, caught up in "Placebo's" creative web until, alas, returning us to the hallowed ground we share, untangled from their grasp, only to bid us ado -- richer having heard them play. The Palace will always be a sacred space for me now and I can only hope that "Placebo" will return, "Sooner Never Later". Sooner is not soon enough for me. If you don't know who this band is, then, please, do yourself a favor, and go now to get one -- or all -- of their CD's. They are an all-around beautiful band and you'll be glad you did. You can thank me later.

Whenever their return, I'll wait. That's just part of the pain/release dynamics of "Placebo" fan experience...and it's addictive.
WebSite: www.thebsh.com/intro.htm