Attending a Placebo concert is an experience that lingers in your memory, blending raw emotion with an intense musical journey. The band, known for their unique sound and deeply introspective lyrics, brings a compelling performance to the stage that captivates both long-time fans and newcomers alike. On Friday night, the collective anticipation within Bristol’s harbourside Amphitheatre was almost tangible, setting the stage for a night of musical transcendence. Friedberg opened the show, with Porridge Radio as support, setting up for it to be an unforgettable evening of class acts. For those that aren’t aware, the show is a no-phone zone, meaning that the performance can be experienced, without watching through the screen of someone’s mobile phone in front of you, something that is so rare these days, meaning the audience was truly engaged, and connected with every moment of the concert.
Placebo opened with Taste In Men, and already this live performance is nothing short of mesmerising. Brian Molko’s distinctive voice, both haunting and powerful, pierces through the air, delivering each lyric with heartfelt intensity, accompanied by Stefan Olsdal’s bass lines, which add depth and richness to the sound. The setlist was a well-curated mix of classic hits and newer material, an unquestionable career-spanning set. Tracks like Every Me And Every You and Nancy Boy received roaring approval from the crowd, their choruses turning into communal sing-alongs. Newer songs such as Beautiful James and Happy Birthday To The Sky blend seamlessly throughout the show, demonstrating the band’s evolution while maintaining the essence that makes Placebo’s sound, truly theirs.
Placebo ended the encore of their set with a cover of Kate Bush’s, Running Up That Hill. Everyone in the audience belts out the words, it is a cathartic experience and ensures that every person feels like they’ve shared a universally relatable moment. Placebo’s ability to communicate with the audience, though often understated, carried a genuine sense of connection that is sometimes hard to find with newer artists. Overall, Placebo put on an enthralling sold out show for Bristol Sounds, one that will be remembered for years to come.
📝 Jon Evans
📸 Scram Sister Media
Cheyenne Jayne-Manning @scramsistermedia
Role: Photographer
I’m a professional photographer, and I love to shoot festivals, events, and gig-goers. I’m also an editor, specialising in music videos.
Qualification: BA (hons) in Documentary Film Making from the University of Newport.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: One of the first gigs I ever went to on my own was Chase & Status in 2008. My mates and I covered ourselves in glow paint, only to sweat it off jumping and dancing. It was the start of my never-ending gig list.
First gig shot: Technically the first band I ever shot would have been my dad’s, at the age of 9! My mum gave me this giant tape camcorder and I filmed the entire thing. Since then, I’ve shot plenty of friends’ bands whilst co-managing the live music venue, Le Pub in Newport, and I haven’t stopped since.
Dream gig: CASisDEAD, Slow Club, Enter Shikari, Dizzee Rascal (in the Boy In The Corner era), Turnstile, and The Prodigy.
