Placebo formed in 1994 when, by chance, Brian Molko bumped into Stefan Olsdal outside South Kensington Station in London. Brian and Stef had been in the same school when they were younger, but were far from friends. While Stef was well known for his athletic ability, Brian was far more into drama and acting. It was not long, however before Bri and Stef realised how much they had in common, and they got together and formed a band. Initially called "Ashtray Heart" after a Captain Beefheart song, they quickly changed to "Placebo" with Robert Schulzberg, one of Stef's old band collegues on drums. After playing only 5 gigs, record companies were queing up to get Placebo on their books. Placebo released their first, self titled album in 1996, with Hut records, which went down well with the public, with 3 top 40 hits, including "Nancy Boy" that reached No.4 in the UK charts. However the euphoria didnt last. One night, after a gig, Brian and Robert had a massive argument. This argument not only left Stefan in tears, but it also sealed Robert Schulzbergs fate. He "left" the band immendiately. Top of Brian's list of three possible candidates for the missing place in the line up was Steven Hewitt from Manchester, England. Steve played on the bands original demo recording sessions in 1995, but he not been able to join the band then because of other commitments, This time, however, he was eager to reprise his role as Placebo drummer. In two weeks, Steve had to learn the whole of the first L.P. before setting off on a four month tour. With a steady line-up, Placebo released their second album in 1998. "Without You I'm Nothing" was a massive success. With excellent reviews and a faultless tracklist, Placebo were getting the recognition they deserved. The first single off the album, "Pure Morning" went straight into the charts at number 4. With a well directed video, the "Friend with weed song" related to many teens, male and female alike. With follow up single "You dont care about us" flying high once more, and "Every You Every Me" featuring on the sountrack to the sexy hit movie "Cruel Intentions" After performing with David Bowie at his 50th birthday, "Ziggy Stardust" repayed them by dueting with them on "Without You I'm Nothing" and also performing a cover of T-Rex's "20th century boy" live at the Brits '99. Placebo were also offered a part in Todd Hayne's homage to glam rock "Velvet Goldmine" alongside Ewan McGregor and Eddie Izzard. Stef appeared in an unnamed band, but Brian and Steve both had speaking parts, as well as performing "20th century boy" as their fictional band "The Flaming Creatures" After much touring, the band returned to the studio to work on their third album. "Black Market Music" was released in the Autumn of 2000. Placebo played a much larger part in producing this album, and it has a much darker feel that its predecessors. The first single off the album "Taste in men" went in at the top end of the charts, and follow up "Slave to the wage" acheived a similar fate.