Robert Schultzberg is known to music fans as the original drummer for the 1994 line up of Placebo. In their short time together the original formation recorded a hugely successful demo attracting the attention of influential musicians and labels alike. The trio then went on to record Placebo's self-titled debut album. However the stars were not aligned for Schultzberg and Placebo, which saw them part ways in late 1996.
Nevertheless, life does not end after Placebo; the music will always go on. Read our exclusive Q&A with Rob to hear his thoughts on being a part of such a rapidly ascending band and find out what he is up to with his current band, Steakhouse.
What are some of the positives you have taken away from being in a band such as Placebo? Is there a favourite gig or a moment that you can recall?
The best part is having been able to touch people through that first record. It’s a privilege to have been able to do that.
Placebo’s rise was nothing short of surreal. Over a very short period of time we were doing shows with the Foo Fighters (first incarnation), The Sex Pistols, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Echo and the Bunnymen (under the name Electrafixion at the time), amongst others, so it was pretty nuts. We were catapulted into the limelight.
The best time in the band was playing a number of shows with David Bowie. Having him as a fan was an incredible honor as he took us on tour having only heard our demo tape, before we even had an album out. I can’t specifically recall a favourite gig as we were pretty much on fire most times we played, though for sheer awe factor, I guess playing those Bowie arena shows was it.
How soon after Placebo did you return to music and in what capacity?
Pretty much immediately afterwards, playing drums in many bands, though none that had any lasting impact! I also got into making my own music shortly after Placebo and still do that today. No plans for any releases as such, but you never know, that could change.
Is Steakhouse the first fully-fledged band you've played with since?
No, since Placebo I've been in loads of other bands, some as session work, some with friends. I was in a band from 2001 to early 2004 with Paul Epworth (of Adele/Florence and the Machine production fame) called Lomax (I think you can hear tracks on youtube as the album is hard to find). We were a post punk band and had a lot of fun and put out a record through 93 Feet East, a popular East London club/venue at the time. His career as a producer took off around 2004 so the band pretty much fizzled out.
When did you make the move from the United Kingdom to the United States and what prompted you to do so?
I moved out here in January 2011 with my girlfriend (now wife) who is from San Francisco. She had to move from London back to the States as her work visa expired, so I decided to move with her. An easy choice after 16 years in London.
Would you be interested in performing in Europe again?
For sure.
You re-entered the Placebo-world when you were asked to write a small insert for the 10th anniversary release of the band’s debut album - at this point in time, or any other, was there a curiosity to listen to the newer Placebo tracks? If so, did you recognise any tunes that originated from those early Placebo days?
I’ve heard many Placebo songs over the years. The only songs that I recognized from my time in the band were “Allergic” (to Thoughts of Mother Earth) which we used to jam towards the end of my time in the band, though in its embryonic stages, without lyrics. Also, I remember Brian used to often play the opening chords of “Without you I’m Nothing”, so that song was germinating whilst I was still in the band, though became fully fledged after my departure.
Not every fledgling band can get an endorsement from David Bowie. What role do you think the internet & social media has to play with smaller bands today?
The internet and social media are obviously crucial for bands to get noticed these days. I don’t even know how the industry works anymore as it’s changed pretty radically with the advent of music becoming a free commodity. I think you’re expected to do a lot of the legwork as a new band. If you’re able to do a whole load of profile building yourself, there’s a chance a label will be willing to invest some money and help front costs for touring and recording but they’re far more reluctant to help develop acts as they once were. The internet, however, allows you to do things on your own terms and reach your audience directly.
For those who are unfamiliar with your current band, Steakhouse, tell us a little bit about them and what you do...
Steakhouse is a five piece band from San Francisco. We make a sound that has been loosely described as a “country Joy Division”. People can go here to get an indication of what we’re doing: steakhouserock.com. The demos up on the site are Mark’s, the singer’s. We are putting the finishing touches to our first recordings as a band at the moment and should have stuff to listen to in the next couple of months. I met the other guys in the band through an ad on Craigslist (a listings website) back in October 2011. A couple of people have come and gone in that time, with the current line-up having been around for about the past six months.
Could I ask Placebo fans to please “like” us at facebook.com/steakhouserock as this will help us get better shows etc. Thanks!
To finish off, could you tell us some of your favourite bands & tracks right now...
There’s not much new stuff that I find super exiting though have to give a shout out to Marnie Stern who makes a wildly eclectic, beautiful psychedelic noise. Check her out here. She has a new album out at the moment.
For more information:
Website: http://www.steakhouserock.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steakhouserock
Sources: Placeboforum.uk / http://bit.ly/1Svakfj
