British rock band Placebo marks 30th anniversary in Riga with a 1990s feel
British alternative rock band Placebo played Riga's Xiaomi Arena on the evening of 16 October as part of its 30th anniversary tour. The setlist centred on its first two albums, and organisers asked the audience not to use phones.
British alternative rock band Placebo performed at Xiaomi Arena in Riga on the evening of Friday, 16 October, as part of its 30th anniversary tour. The show focused on songs from the start of the band's career. The band was formed in 1994, and the programme returned to the material that built its reputation in alternative rock.
The core of the set came from the first two albums: the self-titled "Placebo" released in 1996 and "Without You I'm Nothing" from 1998. These records helped the band establish itself in the alternative rock world.
Phones in pockets
Organisers asked the audience not to use phones or film during the concert. According to Jauns.lv, the crowd largely complied, with few exceptions. During a slower song, lighter flames appeared in the audience's hands again.
Songs and the band's path
The tour highlights songs that stood out for their directness and provocative subjects. Among the best-known hits listed are "Nancy Boy", "Teenage Angst", "36 Degrees", "Every You Every Me", "Pure Morning", "You Don't Care About Us" and "Without You I'm Nothing". In the mid-1990s, when Britpop dominated British music, the band stood out with a different sound, an androgynous look and lyrics about sexuality, mental health, drugs and the contradictions of youth. Frontman Brian Molko challenged ideas about gender roles with "Nancy Boy" and his stage persona.
Anniversary edition
For the anniversary the band released a special edition of its debut album, "Placebo RE". It reworks all ten songs from the original and adds two bonus tracks. The band has described it as a kind of director's cut: a return to the original tapes, enriched with thirty years of live experience.
The band was founded in 1994 by Brian Molko and guitarist and keyboardist Stefan Olsdal, who remain its core. Overall, Placebo has sold about 14 million records. All eight of its studio albums reached the top 20 of the UK albums chart, and 15 singles made at least the top 40.
