The First Time With... Series 24 - 1. Brian Molko

THE FIRST TIME WITH... SERIES 24 - 1. BRIAN MOLKO (320kbs-m4a/131mb/58mins)
BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 4th July 2021

Matt chats in-depth with enigmatic Placebo frontman Brian Molko about his musical 'firsts', revealing the pivotal moments and songs that shaped his life and career.

The Scottish-American musician, songwriter and actor burst onto the music scene as the frontman of one of the most exciting bands of the 1990s. With his distinctive vocals, aggressive guitar style and androgynous appearance Brian and the band won over a legion of devoted fans worldwide, including David Bowie who invited them to support him on tour.

Placebo founders Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal had both attended the American International School of Luxembourg, without speaking to each other, as they were part of different social circles. The two met by chance in 1994, in London. At the time, Stefan was taking guitar lessons and was on his way home when he met Molko at South Kensington tube station. Brian, observing that Stefan had a guitar strapped to his back, invited him to watch a gig. On the strength of Molko's performance, Stefan decided that they should start a band.

In October 1995 the band released "Bruise Pristine" and by 1996 Placebo were signed with Caroline Records. Their debut album, the self-titled Placebo, was released the same year. In 1997 they released "Nancy Boy" a song which openly discussed sexual allusions, mental health, and drug use. It peaked at number 4 in the UK singles.

Placebo have released seven studio albums, all of which have reached the Top 20 in the UK, and have sold around 11 million records worldwide. In this interview recorded in 2016, and never before aired, Brian talks about his first musical memories, working with Bowie, and the bands that have influenced his career.

Placebo - Nancy Boy [Hut Music]
Placebo - Infra-Red (Instrumental) [EMI]
Andy Williams - Happy Holiday [Virgin]
Claude François - Alexandrie Alexandra
David Bowie - Ashes To Ashes [EMI]
Michael Jackson - Beat It [Epic]
Teléphone - Un Autre Monde
Violent Femmes - Blister In The Sun [Slash/London]
Pink Floyd - Lucifer Sam [EMI]
Placebo - Bruise Pristine [Elevator Music]
The Velvet Underground And Nico - I'll Be Your Mirror [Polydor]
Placebo - Pure Morning [Columbia]
Placebo - You Don't Care About Us (Manchester Academy 1998)
Bob Dylan - Masters Of War [Sony Music]
Placebo (Feat. David Bowie) - Without You I'm Nothing
Sonic Youth - Drunken Butterfly [Polydor]