Peter Gabriel HHV Records 17 Items

A musical odyssey

Peter Gabriel was born in Surrey, England, in 1950. The visionary musician’s career spanned decades and he left an indelible mark on the landscape of progressive and world music. Influences ranged from the eclectic sounds of his father’s record collection to the avant-garde atmosphere of Charterhouse School, where he formed the legendary band Genesis with Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Anthony Phillips and Chris Stewart. Gabriel’s tenure with Genesis, which began in 1967, marked the beginning (pun intended) of his musical journey. As the band’s frontman and lyricist, Gabriel contributed significantly to the early albums, which are characterized by intricate compositions and complex narratives. His flamboyant stage presence, often in elaborate costumes, became his trademark. In 1975, however, Gabriel embarked on a solo career, driven by his desire for creative autonomy.

Gabriel’s early solo years (1977-1982)

Gabriel’s self-titled debut album from 1977 established his distinctive style, blending art rock with world music influences. Solsbury Hill, a standout track, hinted at his departure from the grandiose sound of Genesis and took a more personal and introspective approach. The success of the vinyl paved the way for his second work Peter Gabriel (1978), also known as Scratch. Here Gabriel experimented further by incorporating elements of punk, funk and electronic music. The third part of his solo work, often referred to as Melt (1980), shows Gabriel’s growing interest in synthesizers and innovative production techniques. Tracks such as Games Without Frontiers and Biko dealt with political and social issues and marked a shift towards a more social lyrical approach. With Security, Gabriel delved deeper into electronic and ambient sounds, pushing the boundaries of conventional rock. The album included the iconic Shock the Monkey, a hit that epitomized Gabriel’s ability to combine catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. At the same time, Gabriel’s live performances became known for their theatricality. His vinyl Plays Live (1983) captures the energy and innovation of his concerts and cemented his reputation as an electrifying artist. Gabriel’s fascination with world music became increasingly apparent in the mid-80s. Birdy (1985), a soundtrack album for the Alan Parker film, featured reinterpreted instrumental versions of his earlier works and demonstrated his ability to combine different musical elements. However, it was the release of So in 1986 that catapulted Gabriel into international stardom. The album contained hits such as Sledgehammer and In Your Eyes, the latter of which achieved cult status through its use in the movie Say Anything. So combined Gabriel’s experimental tendencies with a more accessible pop sensibility, earning him critical acclaim and commercial success. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 recognizes his lasting impact on the music industry. Whether through his groundbreaking work with Genesis, his groundbreaking solo career or his contributions to world music, Gabriel remains an artistic force whose legacy will live on for generations.

Gabriel’s influence and his later work

Aside from his chart success, Peter Gabriel’s impact on the music industry has been profound. His pioneering use of music videos, as in the seminal video for Sledgehammer, set new standards for visual storytelling in music. Gabriel’s commitment to social and humanitarian causes is exemplified by his involvement in the record label Real World, founded in 1989. The label aimed to promote and disseminate world music and provide a platform for artists from different cultural backgrounds. In the 1990s and 2000s, Gabriel continued to explore new sonic territories. Us (1992) dealt with personal themes, while Up (2002) showed a more experimental side. His involvement in film soundtracks, including the haunting score for The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), further illustrated his versatility. In 2010, Gabriel released New Blood, a collection of orchestral reinterpretations of his classic songs. The project underlines his commitment to developing his music further and even reinterpreting earlier works from new perspectives. Gabriel announced on January 9, 2023 that he would release a new single from the album i/o every full moon and that he would continue this release format if he had enough staying power. He also releases alternative mixes for each track to highlight the respective mixer. These are released on the respective new moons of the year. Gabriel said: “Rather than choosing just one of their mixes to release, I decided that people should be able to hear all the great work they both do. Mark ‘Spike’ Stent’s mixes are the light side, while Tchad Blake’s mixes are the dark side.”