Placebo is a band that rose to prominence in the 1990s with their unique blend of alternative rock and gothic influences. Their music has been described as dark and melancholic, with an undercurrent of pop hooks. The band's lyrics often deal with themes of love, loss, and addiction. Placebo was formed in London, England in 1994 by singer/guitarist Brian Molko and bassist Stefan Olsdal. The two had met while attending the European School in Luxembourg; Olsdal was there on a scholarship, and Molko's family had moved there because of his father's job. The pair bonded over their shared love of music, and they began writing songs together. They were soon joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who had also attended the European School. The trio took their name from the Latin word for "I shall please," and they began playing gigs around London. They quickly developed a following among the city's alternative music scene. In 1996, they released their self-titled debut album. The album was a critical and commercial success, spawning the hit single "Nancy Boy." Placebo's follow-up album, Without You I'm Nothing, was released in 1998. The album featured the singles "Pure Morning" and "You Don't Care About Us." It cemented the band's reputation as one of the leading names in alternative rock. In 2000, Placebo released their third album, Black Market Music. The album was another success, reaching the top 10 in several countries. It featured the singles "Taste in Men" and "Slave to the Wage." 2002's Sleeping with Ghosts was Placebo's fourth album. It was another commercial and critical success, reaching the top 10 in several countries. The singles "The Bitter End" and "Special K" were both hits. In 2004, Placebo released their fifth album, Meds. The album was another success, reaching the top 5 in several countries. It featured the singles "Infra-Red" and "Drag." Placebo's sixth album, Battle for the Sun, was released in 2009. The album was another critical and commercial success, reaching the top 5 in several countries. It featured the singles "For What It's Worth" and "The Never-Ending Why." Placebo's seventh album, Loud Like Love, was released in 2013. The album was another critical and commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries. It featured the singles "Too Many Friends" and "Loud Like Love."