Robbie Williams has detailed his confusion after Placebo’s ‘gender-bending’ track Nancy Boy was released in 1997.
The singer, 50, made the confession when he made a shock appearance in the band’s new documentary This Search For Meaning.
In the new show, Robbie explained that the alternative band, made up of singer Brian Molko, 51, and bassist/guitarist Stefan Olsdal, 50, had a profound impact on him.
In a clip from the film, the Angels singer explained that the lyrics and depth of the song connected to a confusion he was experiencing at the time.
He added that he looked up to lead singer Brian – who played with gender identity – and saw him as a hero.
Robbie Williams has detailed his confusion in the after Placebo’s ‘gender-bending’ track Nancy Boy was released in 1997 in a clip from the band’s new documentary, This Search For Meaning
Robbie explained that the alternative band, made up of singer Brian Molko (left), bassist/guitarist Stefan Olsdal (centre) had a profound impact on him
The news of the documentary comes after the film premiered at the Vue Leicester Square, London on Thursday where Brian was joined by his actor son Cody, 19, (pictured)
Robbie pictured as a pop singer when he was in Take That back in 1992
The singer said: ‘When Nancy Boy happened, it was the nature of that song embraced the confusion for me.
‘The melodies, the voice, the lyrics, the meaning, the depth, the import.
‘You know we all need heroes to relate to and to aspire to and for many and for me that comes in the form of Brian.’
In the official trailer for the new documentary, Brian asks the camera: ‘What do you do when you feel like an outsider out of your own family?
‘You create a surrogate family. What do you do when you feel like you don’t belong in the world?
‘You create your own world.’
Elsewhere in the clip, Brian explained he was ‘trying to challenge homophobia through confusion’.
He would wear a dress and eyeliner on stage and his intention was to make homophobes question their attitudes because they would want to sleep with him.
The band’s second feature-length documentary has been described as an ‘intimate and enlightening film’ that explores the band’s songs, while ‘charting their evolution as a group and as human beings’.
Lead singer Brian walking the red carpet at the screening in London’s Leicester Square on Thursday
The androgynous singer (pictured in 1999) was famous for glamourising psycho-sexual fantasies in the 90s
Their official blurb bills the film as ‘fearless, truthful and forthright’ and explores Brian’s career which was known for his androgynous style
David Bowie is briefly spotted in the trailer where he declares his love for the 90s alternative rock band -the band supported the icon for five or six years
Brian explained in the trailer he was ‘trying to challenge homophobia through confusion’ when he cross-dressed in the 90s and straight men would fancy him
The Take That singer made the shocking confession in the band’s new documentary This Search For Meaning
Their official blurb bills the film as ‘fearless, truthful and forthright’ and includes clips of Placebo performing with David Bowie and appearing in front of adoring crowds.
Stars such as Benedict Cumberbatch talk about their love of the band in the film – with Placebo unaware he was even a fan.
The news of the documentary comes after the film premiered at the Vue Leicester Square, London.
Members of the band walked the red carpet along with the documentary’s director.
Brian arrived at the premiere with his son Cody who looked casual in a pair of patchwork jeans and a slouchy black sweatshirt.
The father and son duo looked in good spirits and later Brian posed with guitarist Stefan Olsdal who cut a stylish figure with a glittery jacket and skinny flared jeans with a zip detail.
He added dark sunglasses to his look as he posed next to director Oscar Sansom.
The creative mind behind the latest film opted for a black suit and open white shirt with a pair of platform, chunky loafers.
Placebo – This Search For Meaning is out in UK Cinemas through October – check the band website for screenings.
https://www.placeboworld.co.uk/pages/thissearchformeaning