Brian Molko facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brian Molko
Molko in 2017
Born	(1972-12-10) 10 December 1972 (age 52) Brussels, Belgium
Nationality	American, British
Occupation	Singer musician songwriter
Years active	1992–present
Children	1
Musical career
Genres	Alternative rock post-punk glam punk experimental rock
Instruments	Vocals guitar keyboards
Labels	EMI Virgin Hut Caroline PIAS

Brian Molko was born on December 10, 1972. He is a British-American musician. He is best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the band Placebo. People recognize him for his unique voice and his energetic guitar playing style.

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, Lebanon, and Longeau in Belgium. They finally settled in Sandweiler, Luxembourg.

Even though his family wanted him to become a banker, Brian was interested in art and music. He liked punk music and developed his own unique style. He first went to the European School of Luxembourg (ESL). He later finished his high school education at the American International School of Luxembourg (AISL). After that, he studied drama at Goldsmiths College in London.

Music Career Highlights

Placebo performing at Soundwave Festival in 2010

Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal, who also helped start Placebo, went to the same high school (AISL). However, they were not close friends back then. Later, when Molko was living in London, he met Olsdal by chance. Molko then invited Olsdal to see him play music with Steve Hewitt in a group called Ashtray Heart. This meeting led to the formation of Placebo.

In 1998, Molko and the band Placebo appeared in the film Velvet Goldmine. In the movie, Placebo performed the T. Rex song "20th Century Boy". Brian played a character named Malcolm, who was a singer in a fictional glam rock band.

During Placebo's live shows, Brian Molko plays many instruments. These include guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, harmonica, and saxophone. He has written many lyrics for Placebo's songs. A collection of his lyrics was published in a book called "Selected" in 2014, with a second edition released in 2024.

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 television series The Drowning.

Brian Molko can speak two languages: French and English. In December 2012, he received a special award called an Honorary Fellowship from Goldsmiths College, University of London. In March 2021, he was part of a fashion campaign for Marc Jacobs' "Heaven" collection.

Musical Collaborations

Brian Molko has worked with many other artists as a guest singer or musician. He has also collaborated on songs for Placebo's albums. Here are some of the artists he has worked with:

• The Cure – "If Only Tonight We Could Sleep" (live)
• Justin Warfield – "Spite & Malice"
• Losers – "Summertime Rolls"
• Asia Argento – "Je T'aime, Moi Non Plus" (a cover of a song by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin)
• Alison Mosshart from The Kills – "Meds"
• Michael Stipe of R.E.M. – "Broken Promise"
• Faultline & Françoise Hardy – "Requiem for a Jerk" (a cover of a Serge Gainsbourg song)
• Timo Maas – "Pictures", "Like Siamese", "First Day", "College 84"
• Kristeen Young – "No Other God" on X
• Dream City Film Club – "Some", "Billy Chic"
• Jane Birkin – "Smile"
• T. Rex – "20th Century Boy" (live cover, with David Bowie), "Without You I'm Nothing"
• AC Acoustics – "Crush"
• Alpinestars – "Carbon Kid"
• Trash Palace – "The Metric System"
• Hotel Persona – "Modern Kids"
• Indochine – "Pink Water 3"
• Prova Symphonica conducted by Michel Bisceglia – "Across the Universe" (a The Beatles cover), "Ne me quitte pas" (a Jacques Brel cover, both live)
• Westbam – "Sick"
• Fiona Brice – "West End Girls" (a Pet Shop Boys cover)
• Trash Palace – "Can't Get You Out of My Head" (a Kylie Minogue cover, live)
• Blackfield – "Under My Skin" (Sirens Remix)
• Tinlicker – "Nowhere to go"

Molko 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 friends with the famous musician David Bowie. Bowie sang on Placebo's song "Without You I'm Nothing" and on a live cover of "20th Century Boy."

Musical Instruments and Gear

Brian Molko uses different types of guitars when he performs.

• During the Sleeping With Ghosts album era, he used Gibson SG guitars for songs like "The Bitter End" and "Every You Every Me". He also used Fender Jaguars for songs like "Allergic" and "Bionic." Other guitars included a Fender Thinline Telecaster and a Fender Jazzmaster. For sound, he used a Marshall 6100LM amplifier.
• For the Meds tour, he often played Gretsch Duo Jet guitars for songs such as "Infra-Red" and "Because I Want You". He continued to use Gibson SGs and Fender Jaguars. His amplifier was a Fender Twin Reverb.
• On the Battle for the Sun tour, he used Gretsch Duo Jets, a Gibson SG, and a Fender Cyclone. He also played a Gibson Les Paul for songs like "For What It's Worth" and a Fender Telecaster Thinline. His pedalboard, which changes the sound of his guitar, included various effects like a Boss tuner, Electro Harmonix reverb and distortion, and a MXR Phase 90 phaser.
• In 2010, he started using Orange amplifiers.

Film Appearances

• Velvet Goldmine (1998) – He played Malcolm, a character in the film.
• Sue's Last Ride (2001) – He was an executive producer for this film.

See also

In Spanish: Brian Molko para niños