Placebo O2 Academy Leeds

Placebo are one of the bands I loved as a teenager. Their music has that perfect combination of melancholy and heaviness that I absolutely love.

Yes, you could say I’m a bit of an emo.

When I was 17, I was DEFINITELY AN EMO.

While I’m not familiar with much of their music after 2006, their early albums were the soundtrack to my teenage years. Songs like “Every You Every Me,” “Special K,” and “The Bitter End” were on constant repeat.

On Tuesday night, they were playing at the O2 in Leeds. I went with my housemate, Christine.

We had a few pre-drinks at home, then met up with some others in Almost Famous bar and had a cheeky beer. Then headed to the venue.

We were on the guest list, so went in through a different entrance – which was much easier than expected. We skipped the support band to have more drinks and arrived about 10 minutes before Placebo were due on stage.

Venue Position

We started right at the back. The O2 Academy Leeds isn’t huge, so even the back view wasn’t terrible. When Christine went to the toilet, she spotted a gap closer to the front, so we moved to a better side-on angle for the rest of the show.

How Placebo Sound Live

Placebo live are fantastic. Brian Molko has such a distinctive voice – that slightly androgynous, high-pitched tone that’s instantly recognisable. I wasn’t sure how it would translate in a live setting, but they sounded incredible. Exactly like the studio recordings, just with more energy and rawness.

The band were tight, the sound quality was excellent, and Brian’s vocals were spot-on. No backing tracks needed, no auto-tune safety net – just pure live performance.

The Placebo Live Setlist

They played a brilliant mix of material, heavily weighted towards the older albums – which was perfect for me since I wouldn’t have known many songs after 2006. Hearing “Every You Every Me,” “Special K,” and “The Bitter End” live was everything teenage me would have dreamed of.

The set list:

• B3
• For What It’s Worth
• Loud Like Love
• Every You Every Me
• Scene of the Crime
• A Million Little Pieces
• Rob the Bank
• Purify
• Special Needs
• Too Many Friends
• Space Monkey
• Exit Wounds
• I Know
• Meds
• Song to Say Goodbye
• Special K
• The Bitter End

Encore:

• Begin the End
• Running Up That Hill
• Post Blue
• Infra-red

Encore Rant

About encores. I just don’t see the point in them. They’re mostly planned and everyone does them. Do any bands actually spontaneously play extra songs anymore? Why not just have an interval and then be done. Life is weird.

Crowd Atmosphere

The crowd at the O2 Academy was brilliant – proper fans who knew every word. There’s something special about being in a room full of people who grew up on the same music as you. Everyone singing along to “Every You Every Me” was one of those perfect gig moments.

Encores aside, it was a brilliant night.

I’m now listening to Placebo on repeat. My teenage love for them completely renewed. There’s something about seeing a band you loved as a teenager that takes you right back – in the best possible way.

Final Thoughts

Seeing Placebo live at the O2 Academy Leeds was everything I’d hoped for. If you loved them as a teenager (or still love them now), catch them on tour if you can. Brian Molko’s voice is genuinely as good live as it is on record, and they put on a properly brilliant show. Just don’t get me started on encores.

Placebo Live – Frequently Asked Questions

Are Placebo good live?

Yes, Placebo are excellent live. Brian Molko’s distinctive voice sounds just as good in person as on the albums, and the band’s performance is tight and energetic. They play a good mix of old and new material.

How long is a Placebo concert?

Including the encore, Placebo played 21 songs over approximately 90 minutes. Most Placebo live shows run between 90-120 minutes.

What is Placebo’s biggest hit?

“Every You Every Me” is probably their most well-known song, featured on the Cruel Intentions soundtrack. Other popular tracks include “The Bitter End,” “Special K,” and “Running Up That Hill” (Kate Bush cover).

Does Placebo still tour?

Yes, Placebo continues to tour regularly. Check their official website for current tour dates and locations.