Placebo

How the hell did Placebo wind up on the high-profile Projekt Revolution tour alongside Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, HIM, Madina Lake, Saosin, Styles of Beyond, Taking Back Sunday and the Bled? The answer most likely involves word of mouth from the right boosters at the right time. The British...

By Michael Roberts

August 30, 2007

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How the hell did Placebo wind up on the high-profile Projekt Revolution tour alongside Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, HIM, Madina Lake, Saosin, Styles of Beyond, Taking Back Sunday and the Bled? The answer most likely involves word of mouth from the right boosters at the right time. The British trio, led by Brian Molko, has been around since 1994, with singles such as the edgy, melodramatic "Nancy Boy" making an infinitely bigger impression in the U.K. than in America. Over time, however, even British support started sagging, and so did the enthusiasm of the act's longtime label, Virgin; Meds, issued early last year, was to be Placebo's final disc under its Virgin contract. Around that time, however, members of groups such as My Chem began talking up Molko and company, prompting Virgin to reissue Meds in early 2007 — and after Placebo landed the Projekt Revolution slot, the label put out Extended Play '07, a mini best-of compilation intended to introduce the group to a new generation of listeners. What a Revolutionary idea.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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