Peter Gabriel

Peter Brian Gabriel was born on February 13, 1950, in Chobham, Surrey, England. He is the son of Ralph Parton Gabriel and Edith Irene. From an early age, Gabriel showed an interest in music, which eventually led him to pursue a career in the music industry. Best known for his time as the lead vocalist of the band Genesis, and later for his successful solo career, Gabriel's contributions to music have been significant, including innovations in music videos, live concerts, and music distribution.

In 1967, while attending Charterhouse School, Peter Gabriel co-founded the progressive rock band Genesis. Along alongside Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips, Mike Rutherford, and drummer Chris Stewart, the band's early efforts were shaped by their shared artistic ambitions. Genesis went on to achieve substantial success in the 1970s, particularly noted for their elaborate live shows and concept albums that combined Gabriel's theatrical vocals with complex musical compositions, solidifying his role as an innovative frontman.

In August 1975, Peter Gabriel decided to leave Genesis to pursue his own creative interests as a solo artist. His departure was the result of a growing sense of individuality and a desire to explore new musical directions unbound by the collective decisions of a band. Gabriel's exit marked the end of an era for Genesis, who would continue to evolve with a new lead vocalist, drummer Phil Collins. Gabriel's post-Genesis solo career was marked by innovative explorations in rock, world music, and beyond.

On May 23, 1980, Peter Gabriel released his third solo album, commonly referred to as 'Melt' due to its distinctive cover art depicting his melting face. This album marked a significant step forward in Gabriel's solo career, featuring a more experimental sound and the use of electronic music technology. It included the influential track 'Biko,' a tribute to anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, which raised awareness about apartheid injustices and became an anthem for human rights movements worldwide.

Peter Gabriel released his fifth studio album, 'So', on September 30, 1986. This album became his most commercially successful, featuring hit singles such as 'Sledgehammer', 'Big Time', and 'In Your Eyes'. 'So' was critically acclaimed and embraced by a large audience, helped earn Gabriel several Grammy nominations, and led to winning the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year. The album stands as a landmark of the 80s, showcasing Gabriel's masterful blending of pop, rock, and world music sounds.

Peter Gabriel's creative music video for 'Sledgehammer', released in 1986 from his album 'So', won a record nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987, including Video of the Year. The video, known for its innovative use of stop-motion animation and special effects, solidified Gabriel's reputation as a pioneer in the art of music videos. It remains one of MTV's most-played videos of all time, showcasing Gabriel's commitment to blending visual artistry with musical performance and influencing numerous artists thereafter.

On June 11, 1988, Peter Gabriel performed at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium, which was broadcast to over 600 million viewers in 67 countries. The concert was a massive event to celebrate Mandela's life and to call for his release from prison. Gabriel's participation, including performances of 'Biko', highlighted his longstanding commitment to social activism and human rights, and he used the platform to raise awareness about apartheid and political oppression in South Africa.

On October 2, 1989, Peter Gabriel co-founded the WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) festival with Thomas Brooman and others. WOMAD has since grown into an international arts festival, celebrating world music, arts, and dance. The festival was inspired by Gabriel's enthusiasm for world music and his desire to create an event that promoted cultural exchange and appreciation. It has successfully introduced diverse cultures and musical genres to wide audiences, underpinning Gabriel's vision of a more interconnected world through music.

Peter Gabriel released his sixth studio album, 'Us', on June 4, 1992. This album explored themes of relationships, identity, and mental health, showcasing a deeply personal side of Gabriel's songwriting. 'Us' included popular tracks such as 'Steam', 'Digging in the Dirt', and 'Blood of Eden'. The album received critical praise for its introspective lyrics and rich soundscapes. Gabriel continued his musical experimentation by incorporating a wide variety of world music elements, emphasizing his commitment to musical and cultural diversity.

Peter Gabriel was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist on May 7, 2014, in recognition of his pioneering contributions to music and culture. This accolade acknowledged Gabriel's influence as a performer, songwriter, and innovator in the music industry. His solo career, marked by experimental sounds, human rights advocacy, and unforgettable live performances, solidified his standing as a transformative figure in rock music. Gabriel had previously been inducted as a member of Genesis in 2010.