Brian Molko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brian Molko
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Molko in 2017
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| Born | 10 December 1972 Brussels, Belgium
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| Nationality | American, Scottish |
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| Years active | 1992–present |
| Children | 1 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres |
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| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, piano |
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Brian Molko was born on December 10, 1972. He is a Scottish-American musician. He is best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the band Placebo. People recognize him for his unique singing voice, his bold style, and his strong guitar playing.
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Early Life and Education
Molko was born in Brussels, Belgium. His father was American and his mother was Scottish. His family moved often because of his father's job as a banker. They lived in places like Dundee in Scotland, Liberia, and Lebanon. They also lived in the village of Longeau in Belgium, and finally settled in Sandweiler, Luxembourg.
Growing Up and School
Brian grew up in a strict home. His parents wanted him to become a banker, but he was interested in art and music. He showed his rebellious side by wearing nail polish, lipstick, and eyeliner. He also loved listening to punk rock music.
He first went to the European School of Luxembourg (ESL). However, he left because he was bullied there. He finished his high school education at the American International School of Luxembourg (AISL). After that, he went to Goldsmiths College in London to study drama.
Music Career with Placebo
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Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal are the co-founders of the band Placebo. They actually went to the same high school, the American International School of Luxembourg (AISL), but they were not friends back then. Later, when Molko was living in London, he met Olsdal by chance at a train station. Brian invited Stefan to a show he was playing with Steve Hewitt in a group called Ashtray Heart. This meeting led to the start of Placebo.
Acting and Instruments
Brian Molko also had a small role in the 1998 movie Velvet Goldmine. In the film, Placebo performed the T. Rex song "20th Century Boy". Brian played a character named Malcolm, who was the singer of a made-up glam rock band called "The Flaming Creatures."
During Placebo's live concerts, Brian plays many instruments. He plays the guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, harmonica, and even the saxophone.
Personal Life and Interests
Brian Molko has a son named Cody Molko, who was born in 2005. Cody is now an actor and has appeared in the TV series The Drowning.
Brian is fluent in two languages: French and English.
In December 2012, Brian received a special award from Goldsmiths College, University of London. It was an Honorary Fellowship, which is a big honor.
In March 2021, Brian was part of a fashion campaign for Marc Jacobs called "Heaven."
Musical Collaborations
Brian Molko has worked with many other artists. He has sung as a guest vocalist on their songs or performed with them. Some of these artists include:
- The Cure
- Justin Warfield
- Losers
- Asia Argento
- Alison Mosshart from The Kills
- Michael Stipe of R.E.M.
- Timo Maas
- Kristeen Young
- Dream City Film Club
- Jane Birkin
- T. Rex (with David Bowie)
- AC Acoustics
- Alpinestars
- Trash Palace
- Hotel Persona
- Indochine
- Prova Symphonica
- Westbam
- Fiona Brice
- Blackfield
- Tinlicker
Brian wrote the English words for "Pink Water 3," a song by the band Indochine. This song was released in 2005 on their album Alice & June.
Brian Molko was also good friends with the famous musician David Bowie. Bowie sang on Placebo's song "Without You I'm Nothing" and also on a live cover of "20th Century Boy."
Musical Equipment
Brian Molko uses different types of guitars for his music. He has played:
- Gibson SG guitars
- Fender Jaguar guitars
- Fender Thinline Telecaster guitars
- Fender Jazzmaster guitars
- Fender Bass VI guitars
- Gretsch Duo Jet guitars
- Fender Cyclone guitars
- Gibson Les Paul guitars
- Fender Toronado guitars
For his sound, he has used amplifiers like the Marshall 6100LM and the Fender Twin Reverb. In 2010, he started using Orange amplifiers.
He also uses various effects pedals to shape his guitar sound. These include pedals for tuning, reverb, phaser, distortion, delay, and chorus.
Filmography
- Velvet Goldmine (1998) – He played Malcolm of The Flaming Creatures.
- Sue's Last Ride (2001) – He was an executive producer for this film.
Images for kids
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Molko in 2017
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Soundwave Festival 2010
See also
In Spanish: Brian Molko para niños
