Robbie Williams on the power of Placebo’s ‘Nancy Boy’: “We all need heroes to relate to”
Robbie Williams has opened up about the impact Placebo‘s ‘Nancy Boy’ had on him.
The 1997 track was the fourth single from their self-titled debut album. Using a homophobic insult as its title, it explored fluid sexuality and drugs, something Williams has now said “embraced the confusion” for him.
In a short clip taken from his appearance in the documentary film Placebo: This Search For Meaning, he reflected on the significance of the song. “The melodies, the voice, the lyrics, the meaning, the depth, the import,” he said. “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 [Molko].”
The film – directed by BAFTA winner Oscar Sansom and set for cinematic screenings throughout October – features revealing in-depth interviews with the band alongside CCTV-style contributions from celebrity fans including Benedict Cumberbatch, Yungblud, Garbage‘s Shirley Manson and IDLES’ Joe Talbot, alongside live performances of tracks from the band’s 2022 album ‘Never Let Me Go’.
As well as touching on the band’s history, it delves deeper into the meaning, purpose, philosophy and impact of Placebo over the band’s 30-year lifespan.
Last month, frontman Brian Molko and bassist–guitarist Stefan Olsdal appeared at the premiere of of the film to discuss its themes – which include addiction, mental health, gender politics and the film’s rare and unseen footage following the band’s relationship with David Bowie.
“Getting Benedict Cumberbatch to be in it was a real coup,” Molko said at the event. “That was somebody that we discovered through mutual friends was a big fan. So it’s great to be surprised that way.
“One of my favourite moments is when David Bowie asked the question, ‘What is it that motivates a musician to do this extremely asocial thing?’ He asked the question, and Robbie [Williams] answers the question. That is a good example of how we’re trying to do something which plays with the form.”
Recalling discussions around mental health in the early aughts, Molko reflected: “It just wasn’t a conversation at all,” adding: “It was just, ‘Get your shit together, get on stage’. What we do can make your mental health very, very fragile.”
Williams has made similar points throughout his career, most recently in the wake of the death of Liam Payne, having said “his trials and tribulations were very similar to mine”.
The former Take That member has previously opened up about his history of self-harm and depression and encouraged people to be more “careful” about the comments they make towards those in the public eye.
Placebo: This Search For Meaning is screening worldwide throughout November. Visit here for more information.
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Poppy Burton
NME
