Musical Icon: Peter Gabriel

The next musical icon on my list. Is one of my favourite musicians of all time. A man who changed my outlook on music. A man who changed his own outlook on music with a brave, and bold solo career. That saw him embrace punk, post-punk, world music moving away from his progressive past.

Peter Gabriel. He first entered the public conscience with Genesis, which he fronted until 1975, before he announced he was leaving the band. Gabriel went on to release 7 solo albums, which spawned hit singles such as ‘Solsbury Hill’ and ‘Sledgehammer.’

He wanted to move away from, the prog sound he had become known for in Genesis, and through his change in sound he would do so much more. From playing with some of the best musicians of the time from Robert Fripp to Paul Weller to Phil Collins and even Kate Bush. 

His drum sounds made famous by his third solo album ‘Melt’ can be heard throughout the 80s biggest records from Bruce Springsteen to Phill Collins. It was a radical move for Gabriel, that saw the way a bands core instrument was used. Removing the need for ‘metal’ on a drum kit. No cymbals were used on ‘Melts’ tracks and it makes for an industrial heavy sounding record.

Lyrically Gabriel would write some of the most politically charged songs of the time. ‘Games Without Frontiers’ takes the subjects of nationalism, racism and political tension and wraps it around a comical game. ‘It’s a Knockout.’ It’s one of Peter Gabriel’s most loved tracks and a unique song in both sound and lyrical content. ‘Biko’ from the same album, would bring the story of Steven Biko to the forefront of western conscience and reveal the horrific events that were happening in South Africa. The song tells the story, with every gritty detail, and is backed up by haunting vocals and beautiful instrumentation. It would start a trend of political songs and boycotts about and towards the country.

Musically he was both brave and self-aware. Brave to write about sensitive subjects, that many of the 80s biggest stars chose to ignore but also self aware to understand what he was getting himself into. Understanding that he may face criticism, and also understanding he couldn't do it all on his own. 

His album ‘So’ is often perceived as his best work, and I’d have to agree. It’s also an album that changed my outlook on music. Songs like ‘Red Rain’ and ‘Don’t Give Up’ are breathtaking pieces of music and unlike anything heard before or since. It opened up doors for both me and Gabriel himself. The album is still critically well received and is a hit amongst fans. Me being included! The word masterpiece gets thrown around a lot but this album really is one. Sonically it's one of the best albums ever released an underrated classic from an era that gives us some of the best albums of all time. 9 songs with a run time of 46 minutes. It's an album that doesn't hang around. The impact is instant from the opener ‘Red Rain’ through to ‘In Your Eyes’ the songs are poetic and purposeful.

Gabriel has had a much bigger impact on wider music than just his solo career and Genesis though. He launched the World of Music Art and Dance festival. (WOMAD) which aims to celebrate music, art and dance from around the world. Giving artists from across the globe a chance. These musicians helped Gabriel on his records both in terms of being an influence and later helping in with the recording of songs and live shows. WOMAD was Gabriel giving something back. 

In 1986 he also opened Real World Studios in Bath. Which has gone to become the recording studio of choice for many of the worlds biggest artists, from Stereophonics to Amy Winehouse, to Kanye West and Harry Styles. The list of artists who have recorded there is staggering. http://realworldstudios.com/clients/

My dad introduced me to Peter Gabriel and I haven’t looked back since, his music is a cornerstone of my listening habits and record collection. After a discussion at work, with my friend Zoe
I also decided that if push comes to shove, ‘So’is my favourite album ever!

If you’ve never listened to any of his work. Give it a listen. He is a truly extraordinary man.

Thank you for reading