What band or Musician is most important to you? 

I listen to a lot of music and have my fair share of favourite bands, but without a doubt, the answer to this question is Placebo. 

For those who haven’t heard of this amazing three-man band, Placebo hails from the UK and was formed in London in 1994. Two original band members are Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal. They have had a few drummer changes, from Robert Schlutzberg to Steve Hewitt (who was the longest drummer in the band) before being replaced by Steve Forrest in 2008.

The band holds a very special meaning to me coz they helped me through a very difficult time in life. I go so far as to say that without Placebo, I might not be here right now. I was very depressed over personal problems back in 2009. I even contemplated suicide: that was how bad it was. Nothing people told me made me feel better. But then I found healing in music: in Placebo. Yes, it was late since they’ve been around since the 1990s. But late was better than never.

My first Placebo song was Burger Queen. I stumbled across it while surfing Youtube for music. It was like a sign. Molko’s feminine voice has a deep touch to it that touches it’s listeners, and the music really reaches out to you with it’s understanding of pain and life. I’m not exaggerating, but I wept after listening to that song. It was like opening a wound and letting the bad blood flow, so that I would have a chance to heal. It hurt, in a bittersweet way. But it was good.

I think Placebo had it’s best music in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with songs like Without You I’m Nothing, My Sweet Prince, Lady of the Flowers, Broken Promise.. the list goes on. They addressed real issues relating to real people and were in a way, the voice to the misfits, the lost and the wayward. Drug abuse, alcoholism, depression, sex, addiction, love.. these were some of the central themes in Placebo’s early songs. It was refreshing how raw and honest they were with their music and lyrics, unlike superficial stuff we hear in pop songs today.

But yeah. Placebo is a very important band to me. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. So thank you, Placebo. 🙂

Here’s one of my favourite Placebo songs: Lady of the Flowers.