Musician Peter Gabriel needs no introduction. The English pioneer has been captivating audiences for over five decades and has left a memorable mark on music history. Despite Gabriel’s immense popularity and influence, there are still many interesting facts about the legend that only true fans know. In this article, we will explore 10 interesting facts about the icon Peter Gabriel. Let’s dive into it!
1. Peter Gabriel was the Founder of Genesis
Peter Gabriel co-founded the progressive rock band in 1967, along with Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Anthony Phillips, and Chris Stewart. The band would later famously acquire then-drummer Phil Collins and guitarist Steve Hackett. Gabriel was the band’s lead singer and flutist.
2. He was Known as an Eccentric Frontman
With Genesis, Gabriel was known for his theatrical stage performances. He adopted stage personas like ‘The Fox’ and ‘Slipperman’, accompanied by elaborate costumes and makeup. Some members of the band, especially Phil Collins, weren’t a fan of Gabriel’s personas.
3. His Debut Solo Single was Solsbury Hill
In 1975 Peter Gabriel left Genesis. He felt creatively suppressed and desired to explore his own artistic ideas. In 1977, Gabriel released his debut solo single “Solsbury Hill”. The song delves into Gabriel’s decision to leave Genesis and embark on a solo career. The single was a commercial success and established Peter Gabriel as a solo artist.
4. Gabriel is a Pioneer of World Music
Peter Gabriel is widely acclaimed for his impact on world music, a genre that blends musical styles and influences from cultures around the world. On Gabriel’s famous “In Your Eyes”, for instance, he worked together with Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour. The song is based on the African idea of ‘having an ambiguous love song that can be human love, man to woman, or man to God’. Other popular examples are songs like “Biko” and “San Jacinto”.
5. Gabriel Self-Titled His First 4 Albums
Peter Gabriel’s first four solo albums were all self-titled, but are often referred to by their cover artwork. The first album, released in 1977, is commonly known as “Car”. The second album, released in 1978, is often referred to as “Scratch”. The third album, released in 1980, is commonly known as “Melt”. And the fourth album, released in 1982, is often referred to as “Security”. Gabriel’s first titled album was the groundbreaking “So”.
6. So Made Gabriel a Star
Gabriel’s 1986 release “So” made him a star. The album features some of his most iconic songs, such as “Sledgehammer”, “In Your Eyes”, “Red Rain”, and “Don’t Give Up”. The songs (especially “Sledgehammer”) received heavy MTV airplay. The album would eventually sell over 5 million copies in the US.
7. Gabriel’s Only US Number 1 Hit Dethroned Genesis’ Only US number 1 Hit
In 1986 “Sledgehammer” reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Gabriel’s first and only #1 hit in the US. The song is accompanied by an iconic music video, which featured stop-motion animation and innovative visual effects, which helped to popularize the song. Peculiarly, “Sledgehammer” knocked Genesis’ song “Invisible Touch” out of the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, dethroning his former band’s only chart-topping single in the US.
8. Gabriel Wanted a Duet with Dolly Parton
Peter Gabriel originally intended to duet with Dolly Parton on his classic “Don’t Give Up”. The song was inspired by the Great Depression in America, and thus, Gabriel desired to sing the song together with an American artist. But Dolly Parton turned down Gabriel’s invitation. It led him to friend and former collaborator Kate Bush. It turned out to be a phenomenal replacement, because Bush elevated the song to a new level.
9. Peter Gabriel is a Film Composer
In addition to his work as a popular musician, Peter Gabriel is also a prolific film composer. His first major score was for the 1984 movie “Birdy”. To this day, Gabriel has composed 5 scores.
10. Gabriel is the Founder of WOMAD
Peter Gabriel is the founder of the WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) Festival. The annual event celebrates music, arts, and dance from around the world. Gabriel founded the festival in 1980 with the aim of promoting cultural exchange and understanding. The worldwide festival is still held to this day.
Did you know all of these Peter Gabriel facts? Or did some of them come as a surprise to you? Do you know other fascinating facts about the icon that are note-worthy? Let me know in the comments down below!
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Fun fact! When my sister and I were in college in the 70’s, we used to have Little Peter concerts in our living room. We had a record player (yes! Poor college students.) that we likened to the kid’s toy, the Close ‘n’ Play. We didn’t have much, but those Little Peter concerts are among my favorite memories. Thanks to Mr Gabriel.