Peter Gabriel

Born in Chobham, Surrey in 1950, Peter Gabriel began his musical journey fronting the progressive rock band Genesis in the late 1960s. His theatrical flair and storytelling stagecraft—complete with costumes and audience‑sprinkled petals—became legendary. After the ambitious concept album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway in 1974, Gabriel departed Genesis in 1975 to pursue a solo career, releasing a string of self‑titled albums that showcased his evolving artistry. As a solo artist, Gabriel melded art rock, pop, soul, and the textures of world music. His early post‑Genesis single “Solsbury Hill” marked a spiritual turning point. He gained widespread acclaim with his 1986 album So—powered by the enduring hit “Sledgehammer,” whose groundbreaking video remains MTV’s most played, and the emotionally resonant duet “Don’t Give Up” with Kate Bush. Gabriel’s advocacy extended beyond music. He championed anti‑apartheid through the potent protest song “Biko,” co‑founded the WOMAD festival in 1982 and his Real World record label, and became a pioneer in digital music distribution with the OD2 online service. His humanitarian endeavors include co‑founding the human rights organisation Witness, helping launch The Elders, and earning accolades such as the Man of Peace award and the Polar Music Prize. Over decades, Gabriel has garnered numerous awards—Grammys, Brit Awards, MTV Video Music Awards—and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame both with Genesis and solo. His legacy endures in his genre‑defying creativity, multimedia innovation, and heartfelt commitment to global music and human rights, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike.