Placebo in Seattle

Last night was Placebo's first Seattle concert in seven years. I don't think it sold out, but judging from the fan fervor, I'm pretty damn sure that everyone in attendance genuinely wanted to be there. No hangers-on, no one humoring their dates by shlepping along to the show.

The core trio augmented itself with three musicians -- a guy on guitar, another guy swapping between bass and keyboards, and a very comely blond girl on keyboards and violin. She had a mic set up, and the vocal lines she provided sounded good. But I guess they didn't trust her to cover Alison Mosshart's part in "Meds." Drummer Steve Forrest took that one, even though he was basically shouting the lines.

The band was tight, creating a palpably solid wall of sound. Brian Molko was in good singing voice; when he spoke to the crowd, he seemed to project a really blasé air, as if he was just talking to us to kill time while his drink was being mixed.

I staked out a good pole position near the stage, and got some great photos, but at the encore, I retreated to the back. Sound quality, it turned out, was much better there. I'll remember that.

SETLIST:
B3
For What It's Worth
Loud Like Love
Every You Every Me
Scene of the Crime
A Million Little Pieces
Twenty Years
Too Many Friends
Rob the Bank
Purify
One of a Kind
Exit Wounds
Meds
Song to Say Goodbye
Special K
The Bitter End

ENCORE:
Begin the End
Running Up That Hill
Post Blue
Infra-Red

Opening act was The Moth and the Flame, from L.A. A good melodic four-piece, with hints of the Bunnymen, Radiohead, and a touch of Joy Division in their sound ... yet all delivered with a light touch. Check 'em out if you haven't already.

Again, big thanks to Lon Palmer for covering my radio show last night.

No "Pure Morning?" That's a surprise.

I'd like to see Placebo play someday. I don't know when or if they've ever come to Austin.

> No "Pure Morning?" That's a surprise.

Oh yeah, I forgot: The band took the stage to a taped remixed overture of "Pure Morning."

I must say, the guys showed up with plenty of gear. Apart from Rick Nielsen, I can't remember ever seeing a guitarist who swapped out for a different axe after every song.

I've never listened to Placebo, but as long as no one tells me that whatever unidentified music I'm listening to isn't Placebo, then it basically feels like I'm listening to Placebo.

Wow ... Had I known about that, then theoretically, I might've gone to see a different band, and possibly enjoyed seeing them just as much, and for a cheaper ticket price. Live and learn.