"Twenty Years" was a song recorded to coincide with the 2004 best-of compilation release by Placebo

Placebo (band)

Placebo are a British rock band from London, England, formed in 1994 by singer and guitarist Brian Molko and bass guitarist Stefan Olsdal. The band was joined by drummer Robert Schultzberg, who was later replaced by Steve Hewitt after conflicts with Molko. Hewitt left the band in October 2007 and...

. It was the only new single to be added to the disc, and was fully equipped with a video, radio play, and CD single distribution. Furthermore, the song was showcased at Placebo's set during the Live 8

Live 8

Live 8 was a string of benefit concerts that took place on 2 July 2005, in the G8 states and in South Africa. They were timed to precede the G8 Conference and summit held at the Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, Scotland from 6–8 July 2005; they also coincided with the 20th anniversary of Live Aid...

 benefit concert.

In the UK, it peaked at number 18 in the UK Singles Chart

UK Singles Chart

The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...

. In Australia, the song was ranked #95 on Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2004

Triple J Hottest 100, 2004

The 2004 Triple J Hottest 100 was announced on 26 January 2005. It was the twelfth such countdown of the most popular songs of the year, according to listeners of the Australian radio station Triple J....

.

When played live, the song often has an extra middle eight section added on.

Track listing

CD

1. "Twenty Years" – 4:19
2. "Twenty Years" (Fathom remix) – 3:45

7"

• Side A - "Twenty Years" – 4:19
• Side B - "Detox Five" – 2:51

Enhanced CD

1. "Twenty Years" – 4:19
2. "Detox Five" – 2:51
3. "Twenty Years" (Osymyso's Birthday mix) – 6:04
4. "Twenty Years" (video) – 3:21