Placebo gearing up for O2 show

By Simon Hayes on December 4, 2009 2:17 PM |

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Their name is Latin for "I will please" and that's exactly what alt-rockers Placebo will be aiming to do when they arrive in North Greenwich next week.

The band, best known for hits like Nancy Boy and Pure Morning have been touring Europe to promote new album Battle For The Sun and arrive at The O2 on December 9.

The Wharf asked drummer Steve Forrest about life on the road since he joined the band last year, following the departure of previous incumbent Steve Hewitt in 2007.

Forrest, 23, said: "The tour is going very well so far. The tracks from the new album have been going down really well.

"The fans have taken them on board and are now making as much noise in anticipation of these new songs as they do with any of the old ones, which feels good."

The O2 gig will be Forrest's first visit to the world's most successful music venue and he's looking forward to it.

He said: "I was going to go see Michael Jackson play there before he died, which I'm sure would have been amazing.

"It's a fantastic place to play, and I am very curious to see what it sounds like and what it feels like. December 9 will be my first time ever in there so we'll have to wait and see."

Singer Brian Molko and bass player Stefan Olsdal formed Placebo in London in 1994 and have built up a loyal following since, although Molko's androgynous style and outspoken manner mean critical acclaim hasn't always been forthcoming.

That changed last month when they picked up an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Alternative, something Forrest admitted was a welcome recognition for the day job.

He said: "It's a nice bonus to what we do. We play music because we love it, and nothing else really makes sense as a career to us.

"Getting an award for doing that feels great and is something that I hope happens more often."

With Christmas looming the benefits of being part of a successful band start to become evident as Forrest explained.

He said: "I'm lucky to have two Christmases this year. I'll spend Christmas itself in London, then I'll be going back to California for a late but lovely Christmas with my family."

And will there be any rock'n'roll style Christmas festivities from the band? Forrest would only give the following hint: "Everything in moderation, including moderation."

The O2, Dec 9, 6.30pm, £26.50, 0844 856 0202, theo2.co.uk, Jubilee: North Greenwich