Watch Placebo’s Brian Molko join dEUS to celebrate songs

2 hours ago7 min read1 comments

In a moment that felt less like a guest appearance and more like a homecoming, Placebo's iconic frontman Brian Molko stepped into the spotlight with Belgian art-rock stalwarts dEUS for a truly memorable performance, celebrating the enduring anthems 'Hotellounge (Be the Enemy)' and 'Roses' at a packed show in Paris. This wasn't a random collaboration but the latest chapter in a rich, cross-channel musical dialogue that first began in 1997, when a then-rising dEUS provided support for Placebo on their seminal UK tour.That initial run forged a bond between Molko and dEUS’s charismatic leader Tom Barman, a connection built on a shared appreciation for sonic adventure and lyrical depth that has simmered for nearly three decades. Seeing Molko, with his unmistakable androgynous snarl and razor-sharp guitar work, weave his way through the intricate, jazz-inflected architecture of 'Hotellounge' was to witness a perfect fusion of styles; his vulnerable, needlepoint delivery provided a thrilling counterpoint to Barman’s more theatrical, spoken-word swagger, creating a new, hybrid energy that electrified the audience.For long-time followers of both bands, the performance was a poignant reminder of the late 90s alternative scene, a time when genre boundaries were fluid and artistic curiosity trumped commercial calculation. This collaboration speaks volumes about the enduring power of these specific songs—'Roses' with its melancholic beauty and 'Hotellounge' with its sprawling, cinematic tension—which have not merely aged but have matured like fine wine, their complexities revealing new facets to both the artists and their audiences over time.In an era of fleeting digital trends, this was a powerful testament to the lasting legacy of authentic, guitar-driven art-rock and the deep, personal networks that sustain the music industry behind the headlines. It was more than a concert; it was a living archive, a celebration of a shared history that continues to inspire, proving that the most compelling music often emerges not from solo genius, but from the fertile ground of long-nurtured creative kinship.

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#Placebo

#dEUS

#Brian Molko

#Tom Barman

#live performance

#collaboration

#music festival