Brian Molko, the enigmatic frontman of Placebo, has revealed a fascinating insight into the late David Bowie's approach to fostering creativity and artistic growth. In an interview with John Kennedy from Radio X, Molko shared the profound question Bowie posed to all his musician friends and collaborators: 'Are you comfortable with what you're doing?' This seemingly simple inquiry, as Molko explains, was a catalyst for pushing boundaries and embracing risk. Bowie's wisdom was to challenge artists to step out of their comfort zones, a sentiment that resonates deeply with Molko and Placebo's artistic philosophy.
Molko's response to a listener's question about the risks taken in his career underscores the importance of this Bowie-inspired mindset. He emphasizes that Placebo's success lies in their willingness to take risks, even if it means walking out on stage in a dress, as they did in 1994. This bold move, he argues, is what makes good art; it's about embracing the unknown and challenging conventions.
The interview also delves into Molko's personal preferences, such as his admiration for filmmaker Jim Jarmusch and his tattoo of 'Only Love Is Left Alive.' When it comes to a biopic, Molko humorously suggests Yungblud could play him, despite potential accent challenges. However, his ultimate choice for the role remains Audrey Hepburn, a testament to his eclectic taste.
As Placebo prepares to celebrate their 30th anniversary with an extensive tour, Molko's reflections on Bowie's influence serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of artistic risk-taking. Bowie's question, 'Are you comfortable with what you're doing?' becomes a guiding principle for Molko and a call to action for all artists to embrace the unknown and create truly groundbreaking work.
