Placebo kick-off their UK tour with a polished performance at Portsmouth Guildhall in support of latest album “Never Let Me Go“.
Placebo – Wot No Hits?
Although if anyone was expecting a greatest-hits set this evening, they may well have gone home disappointed. However, aside from missing all the big numbers, Placebo live was as near perfect as you can imagine.
Before hitting the stage, a message from the band adorned the backdrop – asking the audience to refrain from taking any photos or video footage. It was nice to see this was duly respected and I completely get where Placebo are coming from. In fact it certainly made a nice change. Although maybe a polite request would have been sufficient, rather than a passive-aggressive 500-word essay.
That said, it left an audience (largely of a certain age group) with camera phones firmly left in pocket throughout. Eagerly awaiting original members Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal to arrive on stage – supported by a further 4 touring members.
Breaking the Rules? Placebo weren’t on stage and it’s a crap picture anyway!
Placebo – Portsmouth Guildhall, November 2022
As the first of several UK dates, take away the impressive visuals and it was clear the show was all about the new album. In fact, “Never Let me Go” was played out almost in its entirety, with little interaction with the crowd along the way. At least the new songs still sound like classic Placebo, albeit possibly with an even moodier edge.
In some ways, dare I say it but the likes of “Nancy Boy” and “Pure Morning” would have felt too upbeat and out of place. Whereas when the occasional old track did turn up (example: “the Bitter End“) they seemed rather appropriate, but there was still a chance of a few classics thrown in for the encore right?
Well, yes, but not those actually written by Placebo. The cover in “Shout” by Tears for Fears was certainly well received, along with the band’s haunting interpretation of “Running Down up That Hill“.
The latter in particular, Placebo have been covering for years. However, given the track’s recent cult-like notoriety due to the original Kate Bush version appearing on Netflix (Stranger Things), it wouldn’t surprise me if Molko decides to eventually drop it from the set altogether.
As for Placebo live at Portsmouth Guildhall, it made for a fitting last song, a beautiful finale that eventually left the pairing of Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal standing alone on stage. Ultimately this was a textbook performance and although “Never Let me Go” is the bands first album in over 8 years, tonight has certainly put Placebo back on my stereo.
