misery guts on Fri Oct 30, 2015 6:39 am
Former frontman & songwriter in prog legends Genesis, he left in the mid-70's to better pursue his own musical journey. His first 4 solo albums all shared the same title - his name. He became synonymous with innovation in music videos, and supporting "world" music acts such as Youssou N'Dour. His 1986 solo effort "So" probably represents his creative and commercial zenith, but he continues to record. Here are a few of his own gems:
Solsbury Hill
He was also an inspiration for comic parodic creation Brian Pern as seen here:
A Life in Rock - series 1, part 1
Re: Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel: New Blood: Live in London
Almost 2 hours from 2 shows in March 2011, plugging his latest project in which he performs many of his songs with a full concert orchestra. Those expecting big numbers like 'Sledgehammer' or even 'Steam' were to be disappointed, though 'Solsbury Hill' seems more & more like his signature tune. 'Digging in the Dirt', 'Biko', and 'Don't Give Up' also all featured.
The Real World of Peter Gabriel
From 2009, a look at the work PG has done promoting acts generally lumped under the banner 'world music', bringing them to his Real World Studios etc Also his involvement with The Elders, a think tank of political statesmen (Mandela, Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter etc). And also a website witness.org which is used to upload footage of crimes and atrocities committed against the innocent etc A thoughtful man who has put his money & power to a range of good uses
Youssou N'Dour: The Voice of Africa
Useful biographic tale of a man who pipped Salif Keita and Baaba Maal to become Africa's biggest star. He had to move to Gambia to really get going, but remains rooted and respectful to Senegal. He wowed Peter Gabriel at a Parisian concert in 1984, and went on the Human Rights Now tour which opened his eyes to his social task. After being dropped by Virgin Records, he created the huge hit '7 Seconds' with Neneh Cherry. In recent years, he ran for President but was dubiously disqualified. But he was made Minister of Tourism & Culture instead, befitting a man who has done so much for his country (starting newspapers, radio & TV stations to give work to the community).
Peter Gabriel: Live at Athens 1987
From the end of his 'So' tour, at the Lycabettus amphitheatre, Gabriel did 16 songs, introducing the ones people would have known anyway (and they were all listed in the closing credits, thankfully). Youssou N'Dour came on in the encore. Gabriel's stage antics varied from song to song, but it seemed like a highly energetic show, and I enjoyed it.
Discovering: Peter Gabriel
Learned piano from his Mum. Helped form Genesis at Charterhouse public school. Developed a flamboyant sense of stagecraft to get the songs across, but left. Had distinctive solo album covers by Hipgnosis, to help differentiate him calling 4 of them by the same name. Began to develop a political sense and take in the influence of World music. The Sledgehammer video in 1986 changed the industry, and won 9 MTV Awards. He founded Womad, also Witness, and The Elders. His divorce fed into his 1992 album. He was an early pioneer of downloading, too.
Video Killed The Radio Star: Peter Gabriel
Directors Brian Grant and Kevin Godley, biographer Spencer Bright, and Aardman whizz David Sproxton discussed works like Shock The Monkey, Sledgehammer and Steam. He's always been one for innovation in videos, even at the personal cost of the time involved with things like stop-motion. The results have been award-winning and timeless.
misery guts on Mon Mar 25, 2019 8:11 am
Classic Albums - So
This one doesn't seem to get repeated as often as others, but worthwhile show from 2012. Peter Gabriel and Daniel Lanois had lots to say about Sledgehammer, Don't Give Up, Red Rain and Mercy Street. Various band members and production people spoke too, plus Sproxton and Lord from Aardman Animations to discuss the infamous Sledgehammer video and its pains-taking but unforgettable visuals.
misery guts on Fri Feb 14, 2020 8:12 am
He turned the big 7-0 yesterday
A mild cheat, but I don't expect to do a Kate Bush thread. This rarely shown 1979 special saw Pete duet with Kate on a song, and he also did Here Comes The Flood. An intriguing nod that their later duet on Don't Give Up wasn't entirely a random result.