Placebo / The Piece Hall / Halifax

Jul 4

Jul 4 Placebo / The Piece Hall / Halifax

A long trip up the A1 and along the M62 and into West Yorkshire to Halifax for our first experience of live outdoor music at the Piece Hall in the heart of the city. Descending into the city down Bank Top, you can’t miss the Piece Hall, a large square building dominating the skyline. Built in 1779, as a Cloth Hall for the trading of ‘pieces’ of cloth produced on a handloom. Once you’re down on the street level, it’s strangely hidden from the main road, but once inside….. wow, the architecture is magnificent, something that wouldn’t be out of place in Venice or Florence. A square courtyard with buildings all round, the stage is set up in one corner.

Taking the opportunity to move around the venue during the support set, I was struck by how exceptionally good the sound was. It was crisp and clear wherever you stood. A very impressive live music venue if the weathers right !

An incredible spectacle, and we’re looking forward to a great night !

First up, in support we have Friedberg, the London based all-female band centred around Austrian singer/guitarist Anna F (Friedberg). Their music is a blend of post-punk and alt-rock with a pop sensibility to it. There’s something familiar to it, but somehow, they’re unlike any band you’ve heard before, maybe because of the array of cowbells in front of Anna lol.

A thoroughly enjoyable support set, with Anna interacting easily with the crowd throughout, and the crowd were enthusiastically dancing along. Providing the driving bass is Cheryl Pinero, who gave the tracks a silky smooth feel and Emily Linden added depth on guitar and entertained roving round the stage, and at one point picking up some sticks and helping out on drums.

Perhaps not that well known my many here tonight, but I think they certainly left their mark. Their infectious sound gripped the audience and served up the perfect set up for what was to come.

As we waited in the cool summer evening air for Placebo to take to the stage, the unmistakable tones of Brian Molko’s voice rang out from the PA system, with a plea for the audience to leave their phones off and in pockets. No filming, no phones. Brian explained that it can be a distraction for the band and their aim is to deliver a performance to remember, and that we are all here together tonight to experience something unique, never to happen again, and we should all embrace and live the moment. The crowd roared their approval in return.

And with that, Brian Molko (vocals & guitar) and Stefan Olsdal (bass) stride out into the spotlight to huge cheers from the eager crowd and they dive straight into Taste in Men from 2000’s “Black Market Music” with its icon bass intro, joined by the drums the crowd go wild !

The set was a career spanning hitlist although we didn’t hear the likes of Special K, Bruise Pristine or Pure Morning. But in a way I quite liked it. Yeah sure there were big hits in here, but I like a band not afraid to move on and perform new material too, and there was plenty on display with the likes of Beautiful James, Try Better Next Time and Happy Birthday in the Sky all from 2022’s album “Never Let Me Go”.

Placebo are one of those bands with a mystique to them, an aura even. Partly created through image but also in their sound, and a band that has been a heavy influence on many that have followed. They delivered a powerful set, each song special to someone in the crowd. Every You Every Me is an absolute belter and crowd favourite that had everyone dancing along.

As the set drew to a close we ended with The Bitter End and finally their iconic Nancy Boy from their self titled 1996 debut album. If the atmosphere was at ten, this tipped it over to Spinal Tap level 11 !

After a short break, they were back out for a short two song encore, starting with Infra-red from 2006’s “Meds” and ending on their incredible version of Kate Bush’s hit single Running Up That Hill the opening track on their 2003 “Covers” album. Its an incredible version, taking a well known hit and giving it a completely different vibe – and delivered superbly tonight.

Brian and Stefan delivered a stunning performance tonight at the Piece Hall, an equally stunning venue. The sound was incredible and each and every song was a bangin’ hit. The audience took the advice and kept the phones out of sight and there was a genuinely special feel to the night. There’s something about Placebo – their sound can be raw and yet balanced with an incredible emotional texture to it, and a sensual beauty.

A very enjoyable night. I really enjoyed Friedberg and Placebo didn’t disappoint, delivering an incredible performance. One of those nights that you couldn’t forget and will relive time and time again.

Setlist

Taste in Men

Beautiful James

Scene of the Crime

Happy Birthday in the Sky

Bionic

Surrounded by Spies

Soulmates

Every You Every Me

Sad White Reggae

Try Better Next Time

Too Many Friends