Historical Figure
Peter Gabriel
b. 1950
British musician (born 1950)
Hear Their Voice
Original recordings and AI voice
"Internet Archive 25th Anniversary Message" — October 2021
Generated by Today in History
Talk to Peter Gabriel
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, songwriter, musician, and human rights activist. He came to prominence as the original frontman of the rock band Genesis. He left the band in 1975 and launched his solo career with a hit debut single entitled "Solsbury Hill". After Gabriel released four successful studio albums, his fifth studio album, So (1986), became his best-selling release; it is certified triple platinum in the UK and five times platinum in the US. The album's most successful single, "Sledgehammer", won a record nine MTV Awards at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards. A 2011 Time report said "Sledgehammer" was the most played music video of all time on MTV.
Timeline
The story of Peter Gabriel, told in moments.
Co-founded Genesis with schoolmates Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford. Gabriel's stage persona involved elaborate costumes. He'd shave the front of his head and dress as a flower or a fox.
Left Genesis. His daughter had been seriously ill. He wanted to be a full-time father. His first solo single, "Solsbury Hill," was about leaving the band.
Released So. "Sledgehammer" became the most-played music video in MTV history. The album sold over five million copies in the US alone.
Co-founded WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) and launched the human rights organization Witness, which gave video cameras to activists in conflict zones.
In Their Own Words (20)
The wretched desert takes its form, the jackal proud and tight.In search of you, I feel my way, through the slowest heaving night.Whatever fear invents, I swear it makes no sense.I reach through the border fence.Come down, come talk to me.
Come Talk to Me, 1992
And in this moment, I need to be needed.With this darkness all around me, I like to be liked.In this emptiness and fear, I want to be wanted.'Cause I love to be loved.I love to be loved.I love to be loved.Yes, I love to be loved.
Love to Be Loved, 1992
Shaking the Tree, written by Peter Gabriel and Youssou N'Dour
Translation: If we had known, if we only had known., 1990
There's nothing to gain when there's nothing to be lost.There's nothing to gain if you stay behind and count the cost.Make the decision that you can be who you can be,You can be.Tasting the fruit come to the Liberty Tree.
Shaking the Tree, 1990
Turning the tide, you are on the incoming wave.Turning the tide, you know you are nobody's slave.
Shaking the Tree, 1990
Artifacts (15)
More from the Postwar
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Peter Gabriel's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.