He might look like a glam rock queen, but Brian Molko's brand of grungy pop metal can often sound plodding and predictable. Placebo's biggest hit, Nancy Boy, was one of the few exceptions to the lumpen-rock rule, capturing Molko's twisted, androgynous vision with panache.
Unsurprisingly, the diminutive, lip-glossed rocker has befriended one D. Bowie, and Placebo held pride of place at the Dame's 50th birthday celebrations a couple of years ago. The alliance continues this month with the band's new single, a re-recorded version of Without You I'm Nothing, featuring the Thin One on guest vocals. Placebo have always looked more interesting than they've sounded, but somehow they've managed to keep up the appearance and stay in the game. Friday night's concert in the Olympia is a warm-up for their Slane Castle slot on Saturday.
