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Placebo
artist

Placebo

Placebo is an alternative rock artist from United Kingdom formed in 1994. 41 releases are catalogued on Riffiter.

Alternative Rock · United Kingdom · Best alternative rock albums

4.0 /5
8 ratings
41
Releases
1996–2026
Active years
1994
Formed

Discography

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Meds cover4.5

Most popular

Meds

2006 · 13 tracks

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Singles & EPs

17

Live & compilations

13

Videos

4

Upcoming shows

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About

Placebo are a British alternative rock band from London. They were formed in 1994 by singer-guitarist Brian Molko and guitarist/bassist Stefan Olsdal. The band was soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and was replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008. They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content. To date, they have released six studio albums, all of which have reached the top 20 in the UK, and have sold over ten million records worldwide. Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal had both attended the American International School of Luxembourg, but didn't cross paths properly until 1994 in London, England. At the time, Olsdal was taking guitar lessons and was on his way home when he met Molko at the South Kensington tube station. Molko, observing that Olsdal had a guitar strapped to his back, invited Olsdal to watch him perform at a local bar. On the strength of Molko's performance, Olsdal decided that they should start a band. The two formed Ashtray Heart, a lo-fi duo, playing mostly on toy instruments.

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They wrote four songs, but decided to try out as a serious band and started to scout for a drummer. Originally, the two were unable to decide on a drummer. Molko had some experience playing with Steve Hewitt, making him the ideal choice. However, Hewitt had prior commitments to the London band Breed, and only had time to play on occasional demos with Molko and Olsdal. This led Robert Schultzberg to assume the position of drummer when the band signed its contract with Caroline Records. Schultzberg had known Olsdal from boarding school in Sigtuna, Sweden as well as from an earlier Swedish band, Elevating Addiction, which they had both been members of.

Placebo in brief

How many Placebo releases are on Riffiter?
41 releases are catalogued, spanning 1996 to 2026.
When was Placebo formed?
Placebo formed in 1994, in United Kingdom.
What genre is Placebo?
Placebo is catalogued under Alternative Rock.
What is the most recent Placebo release on Riffiter?
Bruise Pristine (RE:CREATED VERSION), released in 2026.

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