Robbie Williams details his ‘confusion’ after Placebo’s ‘gender-bending’ track Nancy Boy was released in the 90s as he makes surprise appearance in band’s new documentary

Robbie Williams has detailed his confusion after Placebo’s gender-bending song Nancy Boy was released in 1997.

The 50-year-old singer made the admission as he made a shocking 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 an excerpt from the film, the Angels singer explained that the lyrics and depth of the song were related to a confusion he was experiencing at the time.

He added that he looked up to singer Brian – who played with gender identity – and saw him as a hero.

Robbie explained that the alternative band, consisting of singer Brian Molko (left) and bassist/guitarist Stefan Olsdal (middle), had a big impact on him

News of the documentary comes after the film premiered at London’s Vue Leicester Square on Thursday, where Brian was joined by his actor son Cody, 19, (pictured)

Robbie pictured as a pop singer when he starred in Take That in 1992

The singer said: “When Nancy Boy happened, it was the nature of that song that embraced the confusion for me.

‘The melodies, the voice, the lyrics, the meaning, the depth, the meaning.

“You know we all need heroes to hang out with and 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 outside 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 that he was trying to “challenge homophobia through confusion.”

He wore a dress and eyeliner on stage and his intention was to make homophobes question their attitude because they would want to sleep with him.

The band’s second feature-length documentary is described as an “intimate and illuminating film” that explores the band’s songs while “charting their evolution as a group and as people.”

Singer Brian walks the red carpet during the screening at Leicester Square in London on Thursday

The androgynous singer (pictured in 1999) was known in the 1990s for glorifying psychosexual fantasies

Their official blurb bills the film as “fearless, truthful and candid” and explores Brian’s career, which was known for his androgynous style.

David Bowie is briefly spotted in the trailer declaring his love for the ’90s alternative rock band – the band supported the icon for five or six years

Brian explained in the trailer that he tried to “challenge homophobia through confusion” when he dressed in drag in the 1990s and straight men liked 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 candid’ and includes clips of Placebo performing with David Bowie and appearing before an adoring audience.

Stars like Benedict Cumberbatch talk about their love for the band in the film, with Placebo not knowing he was even a fan.

News of the documentary comes after the film premiered at the Vue Leicester Square, London.

Members of the band walked the red carpet with the documentary’s director.

Brian arrived at the premiere with his son Cody, who looked casual in 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 in a glitter jacket and zip-up skinny flared jeans.

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 an open white shirt with a pair of chunky platform loafers.

Placebo – This Search For Meaning is in UK cinemas until October – check the band’s website for screenings.

https://www.placeboworld.co.uk/pages/thissearchformeaning