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Having seen Placebo many a time
over their years, the last time being the Main Stage at the
Carling Weekend in Reading, I admit to wait in anticpation as
to what Brixton Academy would bring.
It's 9:11 PM on 2nd March as I look at my watch on the second
night of their 'SOLD OUT' Brixton Academy gig. I look back to
a sea of loyal 'Placebo-ites', some having been here the night
before and dying for a second dose - I wait and anticipate the
imminent hysteria.
The house lights go out as a silk screen drops with teasing
silhouettes of the band and flashing imagery projected introducing
a surreal setting - all this accompanied by their the instrumental
'Bulletproof Cupid' taken from their 2003's million seller Sleeping
with Ghosts - this heralds the opening of the show. The screen
drops to reveal Brian Molko, Stef Olsdal and Steve Hewitt -
there is an explosive welcome, the screaming pitch almost drowning
the band, the front barriers lined with frenzied female fans
going ballistic, instamatic cameras flashing the stage and picture
phones raised to capture souvenir snaps - you could tell the
fans weren't going to let the band forget tonight!!!.
An explosive welcome and fever
pitched hysteria greet the band
Placebo have been on their world
tour for a year and their sculptured set and polished performance
locked the atmosphere and this didn't go unrewarded. Live classics
included 'Every You Every Me', 'Protect Me', 'Bitter End', their
current single 'English Summer Rain', Placebo classics 'Special
K' and 'Pure Morning' and The Pixie's cover 'Where Is My Mind'
joined by the adoration of hypnotic choral voices from an already
tranced audience just added to emotion - I was moved!!.
Energies certainly connected tonight from the feeling to the
enthusiasm by the band and adoring fans, this marriage was perfect.
Steve Hewitt roots down the powering
elements overseen by drum tech Mark
Credit has to be given to the
hidden members of the band the soundman and lighting crew -
what a great job!!
Placebo have no doubt reached iconic status - they move on to
cover their final leg of the tour in Australia before taking
a well deserved break.
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Placebo deliver a polished performance at Brixton Academy
There is a noted passion in performance
from drummer Steve Hewitt, from the powering elements to the
sensitive treatment given to the songs he roots down the rhythmics.
HHX and HH are his main choice of cymbals and the blend can
only be described as complete (check out Steve's cymbal set-up
below). The warmth and tonal projection is so evident that you
really have to experience the band 'live' to appreciate the
statement.
Talking to drum tech Mark, these cymbals have been toured worldwide
and Steve is still using virtually the same set of cymbals as
he did a year ago with no loss in tonal quality - impressed!!.
There's a noted passion in Steve's performance...
Look out for their full blown
concert committed to DVD and recorded in Bercy in Paris, 'Placebo
- 'Soulmates Never Die - Live In Paris 2003' - release date
March 15th. 'Die hard' fans will relish in the 'behind the scenes/on
the road' footage throughout their 2003 world tour.
Knowing Steve throughout the years there is a heartfelt respect
and pride watching him grow not forgetting his treasured friendship.
A recent review described Placebo as "........ a fine wine,
getting better with age and growing smoother in taste!" - I
couldn't put it better myself and what can I say about this
memorable gig, there is no antidote.
Steve Hewitt's 'live' Sabian Cymbal Set-Up:
- 14" HH Rock Hats
- 13" AA Regular Hats
- 20" HHX Dry Ride
- 16" HHX Stage Crash
- 18* HHX Stage Crash
- 16" AAX Chinese
- 10" HHX Splash
- 12" HHX Splash
For more information: www.placeboworld.co.uk
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Main Support: 'Colour
Of Fire'...
Additionally, I would like to welcome
drummer Matthew Lunn from a new band soon to hit our eyes and
ears 'Colour Of Fire'. This band had the main support slot to
Placebo and I witnessed them during soundcheck and was impressed
with their material. Matthew was using a full set of SABIAN cymbals
and his choice was AAX. He purchased his cymbals through his local
dealer Electro Music Services in Doncaster, North Yorkshire and
through the help of drum manager Paul Munday got his new SABIAN's.
Matthew Lunn (Colour Of Fire) during
soundcheck - Sabian AAX... a great choice!!
I grabbed the band's powerful
performance and their offering will have impressed and opened
a few eyes and minds in the industry. To be given the opportunity
and put in the position to be judged by a Placebo audience must
be quite daunting but it also has to be an honour and the experience
is priceless.
A new breed of drummer rising from new depths
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Colour Of Fire - One to watch in 2004!
Overall, drummer Matthew Lunn
has great chops, technique and his great choice in cymbal model
blended his drum sound projecting power and solidness. His on
stage performance executed with fire and attitude and it was
enough to convince me of his talent and potential - nice to
see a new breed of drummer rising from new depths.
'Colour Of Fire' have their present interest in Japan and continue
on the road to success - one to watch for 2004!!!
Matthew Lunn's Sabian Cymbal
Set-Up:
- 14" AAX Fast Hats
- 17" AAX Stage Crash
- 18" AAX Stage Crash
- 20" AAX Stage Ride
- 17" AAXtreme Chinese
For more information:
www.colouroffire.com
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