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Peter Gabriel

• Date September 14 , 2023
• Event Starts 8:00PM
• Doors All doors open at 7:00PM
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Event Information

Peter Gabriel has announced details for his long-awaited North American leg of i/o - The Tour, a 2023 run across Europe and North America this spring and fall. Produced by Live Nation, Peter Gabriel will stop at TD Garden on September 14, 2023.

i/o - The Tour will see Gabriel playing new material from his forthcoming album i/o, as well as delving into his peerless catalogue of music, with hits, fan favourites and the unexpected. For the shows, Gabriel will be joined by regular band-mates Tony Levin, David Rhodes and Manu Katché. Additionally, new music from the i/o album is being released on the full moon of each month. The March song release is called Playing For Time.

* Lineup subject to change without notice.

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Ticket Availability

Tickets are available online, at the TD Garden Box Office & all Ticketmaster outlets.

Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station

Experience a unique sense of comfort and style at the Courtyard Boston Downtown/North Station, located in the heart of downtown, steps away from the TD Garden and within walking distance to Boston’s Financial District, Government Center and North End neighborhood

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Peter Gabriel Reveals Details of i/o – The Tour North America Leg

12 Cities Added On Highly Anticipated Tour with More Cities and Shows to Be Announced Soon

Tickets available starting today with fan club presale, general onsale begins friday, march 10 at 10am local on  livenation.com.

Today,  Peter Gabriel  announces details for his long-awaited North American leg of  i/o – The Tour,  a 2023 run across Europe and North America this spring and fall. Produced by Live Nation, the newly announced dates will find Peter Gabriel performing in Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Fans should also stay tuned for future tour date announcements in Washington, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Denver, Austin, Dallas and Houston.

i/o – The Tour  will see Gabriel playing new material from his forthcoming album  i/o , as well as delving into his peerless catalogue of music, with hits, fan favourites and the unexpected. For the shows, Gabriel will be joined by regular band-mates Tony Levin, David Rhodes and Manu Katché. Additionally, new music from the  i/o album is being released on the full moon of each month. The March song release is called Playing For Time.

TICKETS:  The general onsale for  i/o – The Tour  North American leg will start Friday, March 10 at 10am Local Time on  LiveNation.com . Fans will have access to a special presale through Peter’s Fan Club mailing list, starting Tuesday, March 7. 

Citi is the official card of the  i/o – The Tour . Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning Wed. March 8 at 10am local time until Thursday, March 9 at 6pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit  www.citientertainment.com

In Canada, American Express® Cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday March 8 at 10am local time through Thursday, March 9 at 6pm local time. Visit  ticketmaster.ca/americanexpress  to purchase tickets.  Ticket limits & terms apply.

VIP:  Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the pre-show lounge, limited edition gift item & more. For more information, visit  vipnation.com .

Tickets for all European shows are available now at  petergabriel.com .

i/o – The Tour 

May 18                         Krakow, Poland                        TAURON Arena

May 20                        Verona, Italy                             Verona Arena

May 21                         Milan, Italy                                 Mediolanum Arena

May 23                        Paris, France                             Accor Arena

May 24                        Lille, France                              Stade Pierre-Mauroy

May 26                         Berlin, Germany                       Waldbuehne

May 28                        Munich, Germany                     Koenigsplatz

May 30                        Copenhagen, Denmark           Royal Arena

May 31                         Stockholm, Sweden                 Avicii Arena

June 2                         Bergen, Norway                       Koengen

June 5                         Amsterdam, Netherlands        Ziggo Dome

June 6                         Antwerp, Belgium                    Sportpaleis

June 8                         Zurich, Switzerland                  Hallenstadion

June 10                        Cologne, Germany                   Lanxess Arena

June 12                        Hamburg, Germany                 Barclays Arena

June 13                        Frankfurt, Germany                  Festhalle

June 15                        Bordeaux, France                     Arkea Arena

June 17                        Birmingham, UK                       Utilita Arena

June 19                        London, UK                               The O2

June 20                       Nottingham, UK                       Motorpoint Arena

June 22                       Glasgow, UK                             OVO Hydro

June 23                        Manchester, UK                        AO Arena

June 25                       Dublin, Ireland                          3Arena

September 8               Quebec City, Quebec             Videotron Centre 

September 9               Ottawa, Ontario                       Canadian Tire Centre

September 11               Toronto, Ontario                      Scotiabank Arena

September 13              Montreal, Quebec                   Bell Centre

September 14              Boston, Massachusetts           TD Garden

September 16              Philadelphia, Pennsylvania      Wells Fargo Center

September 18              New York, New York               Madison Square Garden

September 30             Chicago, Illinois                       United Center

October 7                    Vancouver, British Columbia   Rogers Arena

October 8                    Seattle, Washington                Climate Pledge Arena

October 11                   San Francisco, California         Chase Center

October 13                   Los Angeles, California           Kia Forum

For complete tour and ticket information, VIP Packages and more visit:   www.livenation.com  and   www.petergabriel.com .

About Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel  first came to international prominence with the success of Genesis, a band that he co-founded while still at school. Since leaving Genesis in 1975, his recording career has included eleven studio albums, film soundtracks for Alan Parker’s ‘Birdy’, Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ and Philip Noyce’s ‘Rabbit Proof Fence’ as well as numerous live albums. His wider musical career has included multiple Grammy Awards, the world-renowned Real World Studios, the formation of the Real World Records label, and in 1980 the creation of WOMAD, the festival that has launched the careers of many artists from around the world and has just celebrated its 40 th  anniversary.

Peter Gabriel co-founded the human rights organization WITNESS (Witness.org) in 1992, the organization that pioneers the use of cameras and technology in human rights campaigning, and in 2007, alongside Sir Richard Branson, he founded The Elders (theelders.org) which was launched by Nelson Mandela.  In 2006, Peter Gabriel was awarded the prestigious Man of Peace title by The Nobel Peace Laureates and in 2008 was also included in the Time 100 list. He has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice. He remains engaged in a wide variety of tech-based businesses throughout a variety of creative industries.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit   www.livenationentertainment.com .

Media Contacts:

For Peter Gabriel, contact:

Kristen Foster (NA National Press) /  [email protected]

Scott Steele (UK national press, online) /  [email protected]

Rob Kerford (UK regional press) /  [email protected]  / 07882 882314

For Live Nation, contact 

Monique Sowinski /  [email protected]

Valeska Thomas /  [email protected]

Read more about

Peter Gabriel highlights new material in Boston TD Garden concert

BOSTON — While his days of dressing up like a giant sunflower and fronting Genesis are far behind him, the 73-year-old art-rock visionary Peter Gabriel showed Thursday night at the TD Garden that his flair for the dramatic hasn't diminished.

If anything it has grown, and his fans are better for it.

Time and again, Gabriel has proven himself a unique, talented and often uncompromising recording artist. But, it is on the live stage where he truly shines. And he shined in Boston, but with a few challenges.

Broken up into two, 10-song sets followed by two, one-song encores, Gabriel played roughly two hours and 45 minutes while showcasing 11 tracks off his yet-to-be-released 10 th album “i/o,” which stands for “input/output.” For some, "i/o" could have meant "in one ear, out the other."

While Gabriel treated the crowd to five hits from his 1986 commercial smash “So,” Gabriel was noticeably stingy when it came to earlier songs from his four self-titled solo releases from 1976 to 1982. Of these, the audience was only treated to two, “Solsbury Hill” and “Biko,” and both were near the end.

And while the audience was polite throughout the night, I bet that a majority would have rather heard "Shock the Monkey," "Lay Your Hands on Me" or "Games Without Frontiers" in place of any of the new, unfamiliar stuff.  

Opening with a stripped-down version of “Washing of the Water” off 1992’s “Us,” Gabriel and his longtime bassist Tony Levin sat around a faux fire in the center stage. As the seven remaining bandmates slowly embarked on the stage, they sat down in a semicircle onstage and played “Growing Up” from “Up” with their respective instruments.

Under a glowing image of a full moon on a crystal-clear circular screen, Gabriel took the listener on a metaphysical journey of the human life (and death) cycle, the lunar cycle and, in one instance, the laundry cycle.

After experiencing growing pains while sashaying along with world beat rhythms, Gabriel introduced the audience to his talented, eclectic band and his latest art project, his first album of new original material since 2002’s “Up”.

And what better way to do that than make a bad joke about artificial intelligence?

“So I grew up on a dairy farm and the only fellow who would be afraid by A.I. was the bull,” Gabriel quipped, “because A.I. stool for artificial insemination.”

Peter Gabriel, don’t quit your day job.

Then, Gabriel got philosophical, ponderous and a tad bit preachy for his heavy introduction to the new track “Panopticom.” Examining the wild notion of an artificial intelligence created to serve man by creating a new kind of health care that is “accessible, low cost and available everywhere,” Gabriel also envisions a global social network where one can share their personal story and life experiences, adding that when everything is visible, “a lot less (expletive) happens.”

Accompanied by gurgling synths and mournful cello and violin, Gabriel delved deeper into what it means to be human with the slow burning “Four Kinds of Horses.”

Early and throughout the set, Gabriel served up plenty of food for thought but, due to the unfamiliarity of the main course and most of its side dishes, the audience didn’t have enough time to fully savor and digest it. Still, Gabriel's voice sounded great and his band was tremendous.

Obliterating the notion of individuality, Gabriel pondered how we are all, in the end, a part of everything before us and after us on the title track “i/o.” Less dreary and dirgy than some of the previous tracks played from the new record, “i/o” was a lively and dynamic showcase for Gabriel and his talented band as well as a glorious celebration of how the human fabric is interconnected with the cosmos and nature.

After a trio of new tracks, Gabriel rewarded the audience for their patience with “Digging in the Dirt.” Not only was it the first song of the evening that got the complacent crowd out of their seats, it was the evening’s first showstopper.

As he tickled the ivories, Gabriel pondered the ticking clock of mortality on “Playing for Time.” Singing a metaphysical state of mind rather than a “New York State of Mind,” Gabriel sounded like an existentialist Billy Joel pontificating how mornings come and go, memories ebb and floor, and time waits for no one.

Near the tail-end of the first set, Gabriel found a sense of belonging on “This Is Home.” Here, the joys of suburbia are represented on the video screen as shiny, perfectly lined utensils; freshly percolated, piping hot coffee; clean laundry being tumble dried; a stuffed bookcase; and a sky roof.

Gabriel ended the first set with the MTV-era staple “Sledgehammer,” which is still a pop masterpiece. Gabriel pranced from one end of the stage to the other as he imagined his clenched fists turning into dueling sledgehammers that he used to strike both sides of his brain as if his head was a humongous bell. Not only did he get people on their feet for this number, Gabriel danced in unison with Levin and guitarist David Rhodes, both of whom have been with the artist for more than 40 years.

After at 15-minute break, Gabriel appeared behind a magic video screen that could turn transparent in places. Sporting a bowler hat that made him look like a ghoulish graverobber, Gabriel – whose voice was nerve-shattering one moment, soothing the next – menacingly slinked onstage as on the snarling, sinewy rocker “Darkness,” which resembled a Trent Reznor brood-fest.

With the magic video screen still shielding the musicians, Gabriel was able to make what appeared to be smoke signals on a backdrop of trickling rain during the tender ballad, “Love Can Heal.”

Gabriel’s combination cellist/background vocalist Ayanna Witter-Johnson received the loudest applause of the night (and rightfully so) when she mustered up her inner-Kate Bush and offered Gabriel soothing words to calm his rattled nerves on the evening’s standout “Don’t Give Up.”

While the socio-ecological, post-apocalyptical opus “Red Rain'' might have made naïve concert-goers at the TD Garden think Gabriel is moonlighting as a New England weatherman these days, that notion was soon obliterated. Sounding alarmist at best when it first came out in 1986, Gabriel's hopeless, agonizing cries over a ground too hot from being pulverized by fire-like rain hits too close to home in today’s day and age.

Gabriel tickled the keyboard’s ivory while pulling at the audience’s heartstrings during “And Still,” a beautiful song about the unshakable bond between a mother and son.

Before closing time, Gabriel got the people on their feet again with a funky, spirited version of “Big Time.”

After the well-intentioned, mantra-driven “Live And Let Live,” Gabriel received loud applause as soon as he alluded to memories of a nearby hill of his youth, which was the springboard to the introspective and inspiring “Solsbury Hill” that triumphantly closed out the second set.

The only thing that would have made the first encore “In Your Eyes” any better was it being blasted from the speakers of a giant boom box being held by a youthful John Cusack standing in the middle of the street in front of Ione Skye’s house, as Cusack did with the same song in “Say Anything.”

Gabriel closed out the evening with ``Biko,'' a rousing anthem to slain anti-apartheid South African activist Steven Biko.

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Thursday 14 September 2023

Peter Gabriel

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100 Legends Way 02114 Boston, MA, US (800) 653-8000 www.tdbanknorthgarden.com/

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Peter Gabriel Expands Upcoming Fall North American Tour

By Jon Blistein

Jon Blistein

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Peter Gabriel has announced 13 additional tour dates to his North American run in September and October. The musician, who recently shared another new song, “Playing For Time,” from his extremely long-awaited new album, i/o , will now hit cities like Cleveland, Dallas, and Denver.

Gabriel still hasn’t shared an official release date for i/o , which will be his first album of all new material since 2002’s Up (more recent releases, like Scratch My Back and New Blood , have featured cover songs and new orchestral versions of his own material). Despite that lack of a release date, however, Gabriel’s scheduled a full-fledged tour in support of i/o , starting with a European run in May.

“Playing for Time (Dark-Side Mix)” is a sweeping ballad that finds Gabriel, as he put it in a statement, meditating on “time, mortality and memories and the idea that each of us has a planet full of memories, which get stashed inside the brain.” The song features Tom Cawley on piano, while Ed Shearmur handled the orchestral arrangement, recording those parts with several players featured in Gabriel’s New Blood Orchestra. 

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Like Gabriel’s last two i/o releases — “Panopticon” and “The Court” — “Playing for Time” was released to coincide with the full moon. And also like those last two releases, Gabriel will release a couple of different mixes of “Playing for Time” later this month: The “Dark-Side” mix out today was handled by Tchad Blake, while Mark “Spike” Stent and Hans-Martin Buff helmed the “Bright-Side Mix” and “Atmos In-Side Mix,” respectively. 

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Peter Gabriel Announces ‘i/o’ North American Tour Dates, Drops New Single, ‘Playing for Time’

By Jem Aswad

Executive Editor, Music

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Produced by Live Nation, the newly announced dates will find Peter Gabriel performing in Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The announcement adds that “Fans should also stay tuned for future tour date announcements in Washington, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Denver, Austin, Dallas and Houston.”

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Of the new single, was written and produced by Gabriel, recorded at his Real World Studios in Wiltshire and The Beehive in London, and features Tom Cawley on piano. The orchestral arrangement, by Ed Shearmur, was recorded at British Grove Studios in London with a number of players who previously featured in the New Blood Orchestra.   ” ‘Playing For Time’ is a song that I have been working on for a long time and have performed live, without lyrics, so some people may be familiar with it. It’s been an important song for me. It’s about time, mortality and memories and the idea that each of us has a planet full of memories which get stashed inside the brain.   It is more of a personal song about how you assemble memories and whether we are prisoners of time or whether that is something that can actually free us. I do think it’s good to push yourself towards more bold or interesting experiences because then you will have richer memories to feed you when you get to my age. You also get taught by every meaningful experience that you go through.”  

Citi is the official card of the i/o – The Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning Wed. March 8 at 10am local time until Thursday, March 9 at 6pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. In Canada, American Express Cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday March 8 at 10am local time through Thursday, March 9 at 6pm local time.

 i/o – The Tour

May 18                     Krakow, Poland                   TAURON Arena

May 20                     Verona, Italy                       Verona Arena

May 21                     Milan, Italy                          Mediolanum Arena

May 23                     Paris, France                       Accor Arena

May 24                     Lille, France                      Stade Pierre-Mauroy

May 26                     Berlin, Germany                  Waldbuehne

May 28                     Munich, Germany                 Koenigsplatz

May 30                     Copenhagen, Denmark         Royal Arena

May 31                     Stockholm, Sweden              Avicii Arena

June 2                     Bergen, Norway                  Koengen

June 5                     Amsterdam, Netherlands       Ziggo Dome

June 8                     Zurich, Switzerland               Hallenstadion

June 10                    Cologne, Germany                Lanxess Arena

June 12                    Hamburg, Germany              Barclays Arena

June 13                    Frankfurt, Germany              Festhalle

June 15                    Bordeaux, France                Arkea Arena

June 17                    Birmingham, UK                  Utilita Arena

June 19                    London, UK                         The O2

June 20                    Nottingham, UK                   Motorpoint Arena

June 22                    Glasgow, UK                       OVO Hydro

June 23                    Manchester, UK                    AO Arena

June 25                    Dublin, Ireland                    3Arena

September 8             Quebec City, Quebec            Videotron Centre

September 11           Toronto, Ontario                  Scotiabank Arena

September 13           Montreal, Quebec                 Bell Centre

September 14           Boston, Massachusetts          TD Garden

September 16           Philadelphia, Pennsylvania     Wells Fargo Center

September 18           New York, New York             Madison Square Garden

September 30           Chicago, Illinois                   United Center

October 7                 Vancouver, British Columbia  Rogers Arena

October 8                 Seattle, Washington             Climate Pledge Arena

October 11               San Francisco, California       Chase Center

October 13               Los Angeles, California          Kia Forum

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Peter Gabriel Adds U.S. Tour Dates

By Jazz Monroe

Peter Gabriel has added a new batch of U.S. dates to his I/O Tour of North America. The itinerary now includes shows in Washington, D.C., Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, Saint Paul, Palm Springs, Denver, Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Check out the full list below.

In recent months, Gabriel has shared a handful of new songs: “ Panopticom ,” “ The Court ,” and “ Playing for Time .” The European leg of his tour gets under way in May, marking his first shows in seven years. Gabriel is completing a new album, also called I/O , that he has supposedly been working for the better part of two decades. He is releasing tracks from the LP on the full moon of each month, according to a press release, so expect a new one on or around April 6.

Read Pitchfork’s Sunday Reviews of his landmark LP So and the 1980 album that Genesis made without him, Duke .

All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Peter Gabriel:

05-18 Krakow, Poland - Tauron Arena 05-20 Verona, Italy - Verona Arena 05-21 Milan, Italy - Mediolanum Arena 05-23 Paris, France - AccorHotels Arena 05-24 Lille, France - Stade Pierre-Mauroy 05-26 Berlin, Germany - Waldbuehne 05-28 Munich, Germany - Koenigsplatz 05-30 Copenhagen, Denmark - Royal Arena 05-31 Stockholm, Sweden - Avicii Arena 06-02 Bergen, Norway - Koengen 06-05 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Ziggo Dome 06-06 Antwerp, Belgium - Sportpaleis 06-08 Zurich, Switzerland - Hallenstadion 06-10 Cologne, Germany - Lanxess Arena 06-12 Hamburg, Germany - Barclays Arena 06-13 Frankfurt, Germany - Festhalle 06-15 Bordeaux, France - Arkea Arena 06-17 Birmingham, England - Utilita Arena 06-19 London, England - The O2 06-22 Glasgow, Scotland - OVO Hydro 06-23 Manchester, England - AO Arena 06-25 Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena 09-08 Quebec City, Quebec - Videotron Centre 09-09 Ottawa, Ontario - Canadian Tire Centre 09-11 Toronto, Ontario - Scotiabank Arena 09-13 Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre 09-14 Boston, Massachusetts - TD Garden 09-16 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Wells Fargo Center 09-18 New York, New York - Madison Square Garden 09-20 Washington, D.C -Capital One Arena 09-22 Buffalo, New York - KeyBank Center 09-23 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - PPG Paints Arena 09-25 Columbus, Ohio - Nationwide Arena 09-27 Cleveland, Ohio - Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse 09-29 Detroit, Michigan - Little Caesars Arena 09-30 Chicago, Illinois - United Center 10-02 Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Fiserv Forum 10-03 Saint Paul , Minnesota - Xcel Energy Center 10-07 Vancouver, British Columbia - Rogers Arena 10-08 Seattle, Washington - Climate Pledge Arena 10-11 San Francisco, California - Chase Center 10-13 Inglewood, California - Kia Forum 10-14 Palm Springs, California - Acrisure Arena 10-16 Denver , Colorado - Ball Arena 10-18 Austin, Texas - Moody Center 10-19 Dallas, Texas - American Airlines Center 10-21 Houston, Texas - Toyota Center

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By Matthew Strauss

By Nina Corcoran

Peter Gabriel’s I/O North American Tour at TD Garden, Boston – September 14th, 2023

• September 15, 2023

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For Peter Gabriel fans, the wait of seven years felt like an eternity. But as the English rock legend took the stage at Boston’s TD Garden on September 14th, it was clear that every second of anticipation had been worth it. This, his first tour in nearly a decade, is not just a return but an enthralling reminder of Gabriel’s unwavering power to connect with audiences both through his past classics and forthcoming numbers from his “I/O” album.

Covering 25 cities across North America, this leg of the I/O tour brought with it the familiar faces of long-time bandmates: bass virtuoso Tony Levin, the impeccable drummer Manu Katche, and the ever-versatile guitarist David Rhodes. Each with a history of over 35 years accompanying Gabriel, their chemistry is the kind that can only be curated over decades of camaraderie. Complementing these veterans are the newer members – cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson, bass keyboardist Don-E, multi-instrumentalist Richard Evans, Josh Shpak on trumpet, french horn, keys, vocals and the entrancing Marina Moore. This blend of old and new proved to be a masterstroke, creating a sound that was at once nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.

Opening with the ethereal “Washing of the Water,” Gabriel’s voice permeated the hall, resonating with an emotional depth that hushed the audience into a trance. The tranquil start soon segued into a journey that encompassed his vast and varied discography, including sneak peeks from his eagerly awaited album “I/O.” Among these, “Love can heal,” “The Court,” and “Road to Joy” showcased Gabriel’s enduring knack for innovative soundscapes, with each track hinting at the masterpiece that the full album promises to be.

As the iconic beats of “Sledgehammer” filled the air, the energy in the room electrified. Fan-favorites like “Solsbury Hill” and “In Your Eyes” were greeted with sing-alongs so loud they rivaled the man himself. But it was the performances of “Red Rain,” a song that holds a unique place in the hearts of Gabriel enthusiasts, and the new number “Road to Joy” that truly stole the show. The latter featured the delightful ‘battle of the basses’ with Don-E’s bass keyboard going head to head with Levin’s Chapman Stick. It was an audacious blend of modern and traditional, reminding everyone of Gabriel’s persistent spirit of experimentation.

Another standout was “Don’t Give Up,” a song that has consistently provided solace to countless listeners over the years. Ayanna Witter-Johnson’s rendition of Kate Bush’s part was nothing short of breathtaking. As she harmonized with Gabriel, her voice soaring and dipping in tandem with the emotional ebbs and flows of the song, it felt as if time stood still. Witter-Johnson, with her prowess on the cello, added layers of depth and brought an unparalleled richness to the music.

The finale, however, was reserved for Gabriel’s human rights anthem, “Biko.” It wasn’t just a song, but a call to action, a poignant reminder of the struggle and sacrifice of Stephen Biko in the face of South African apartheid. As the last haunting notes played out, one could feel the weight of history, of Gabriel’s commitment to social justice, and the indelible mark his music has left on global activism. For many in the audience, it was a trip down memory lane, back to a time when music was the clarion call for change.

Peter Gabriel’s concert at the TD Garden wasn’t just a musical event, but an emotional journey. From the thrill of hearing classics to the curiosity of the new, it was a night of rediscovery. Rediscovery of Gabriel’s genius, of the power of music to heal, inspire, and ignite change. As the crowd left, there was an overwhelming sentiment shared by many: Peter Gabriel is back, and he’s as phenomenal as ever. The world awaits the release of “I/O” later this year with bated breath. It promises not only the magic of music but also the soulful storytelling that has been the hallmark of Gabriel’s illustrious career.

Jeff Dachowski

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Peter Gabriel: i/o - The Tour (Boston) | TD Garden

Peter Gabriel: i/o - The Tour is a highly anticipated concert event that will take place at TD Garden on September 14, 2023. This electrifying show promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience for music enthusiasts in Boston, MA. The address for Peter Gabriel: i/o - The Tour is 100 Legends Way, a location that will serve as the epicenter of this extraordinary event. Guests can expect to be mesmerized as Peter Gabriel takes the stage and performs a selection of his most iconic songs. From the soul-stirring melodies of "Washing of the Water" to the electrifying energy of "Sledgehammer," this concert is a journey through Peter Gabriel's incredible discography. Other hits like "In Your Eyes" and "Biko" are sure to captivate the audience with their powerful lyrics and unforgettable melodies. The tickets for Peter Gabriel: i/o - The Tour will be available for purchase from March 10, 2023, at 15:00 until September 15, 2023, at 01:00. Don't miss your chance to witness this legendary artist in action. Secure your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable night of music and memories at Peter Gabriel: i/o - The Tour.

Provided by ViceJackson | Published Sep 13, 2023

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Peter Gabriel announces North American tour dates and shares new single “Playing For Time”

Peter Gabriel has revealed details for his long-awaited North American leg of i/o – The Tour, a 2023 run across Europe and North America this spring and fall. Produced by Live Nation, the newly announced dates will find Peter Gabriel performing in Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Fans should also stay tuned for future tour date announcements in Washington, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Denver, Austin, Dallas and Houston.

i/o – The Tour will see Gabriel playing new material from his forthcoming album i/o, as well as delving into his peerless catalogue of music, with hits, fan favourites and the unexpected. For the shows, Gabriel will be joined by regular band-mates Tony Levin, David Rhodes and Manu Katché. Additionally, new music from the i/o album is being released on the full moon of each month. The March song release is called Playing For Time.

TICKETS: The general onsale for i/o – The Tour North American leg will start Friday, March 10 at 10am Local Time on LiveNation.com. Fans will have access to a special presale through Peter’s Fan Club mailing list, starting Tuesday, March 7.

Gabriel has also released the 3rd track from the upcoming album titles “Playing For Time” which you can check out here:

Full tour dates with Europe/UK and North America below: 05-18 Krakow, Poland – Tauron Arena 05-20 Verona, Italy – Verona Arena 05-21 Milan, Italy – Mediolanum Arena 05-23 Paris, France – AccorHotels Arena 05-24 Lille, France – Stade Pierre-Mauroy 05-26 Berlin, Germany – Waldbuehne 05-28 Munich, Germany – Koenigsplatz 05-30 Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena 05-31 Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena 06-02 Bergen, Norway – Koengen 06-05 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome 06-06 Antwerp, Belgium – Sportpaleis 06-08 Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion 06-10 Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena 06-12 Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena 06-13 Frankfurt, Germany – Festhalle 06-15 Bordeaux, France – Arkea Arena 06-17 Birmingham, England – Utilita Arena 06-19 London, England – The O2 06-22 Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro 06-23 Manchester, England – AO Arena 06-25 Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena

North America 09-08 Quebec City, Quebec – Videotron Centre 09-09 Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Tire Centre 09-11 Toronto, Ontario – Scotiabank Arena 09-13 Montreal, Quebec – Bell Centre 09-14 Boston, Massachusetts – TD Garden 09-16 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Wells Fargo Center 09-18 New York, New York – Madison Square Garden 09-30 Chicago, Illinois – United Center 10-07 Vancouver, British Columbia – Rogers Arena 10-08 Seattle, Washington – Climate Pledge Arena 10-11 San Francisco, California – Chase Center 10-13 Inglewood, California – Kia Forum

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Peter Gabriel announces rare North American tour in support of new album “i/o”

Peter Gabriel today announced a North American tour — his first in more than a decade — in support of his forthcoming new studio album i/o , unveiling 12 dates in the U.S. and Canada this September and October with at least a dozen more shows to come.

The shows announced today follow Gabriel’s previously unveiled European tour this May and June, and begin Sept. 8 in Quebec and run through an Oct. 13 concert in Los Angeles, with stops in between in Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago and more.

See full dates below.

A presale for those shows begins at noon Eastern today, March 7 — with the general on-sale following at 10 a.m. local time Friday, March 10. See petergabriel.com for full ticketing details.

But there will be more North American shows. In email to fans, Gabriel’s team advises: “Stay tuned for future tour date announcements in Washington, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Denver, Austin, Dallas and Houston.”

The tour will find Gabriel joined by longtime bandmates Tony Levin, David Rhodes and Manu Katché.

Gabriel has not yet announced a release date for i/o , his first album of new music since 2002’s Up . But he has released several new songs, including “Panopticom,” “The Court” and — just this week — “Playing for Time.”

You can hear all three of those new tracks below.

Peter Gabriel 2023 tour dates

EUROPE May 18: Krakow, PL – Tauron Arena May 20: Verona, IT – Verona Arena May 21: Milan, IT – Mediolanum Arena May 23: Paris, FR – AccorHotels Arena May 24: Lille, FR – Stade Pierre-Mauroy May 26: Berlin, DE – Waldbuehne May 28: Munich, DE – Koenigsplatz May 30: Copenhagen, DK- Royal Arena May 31: Stockholm, SE – Avicii Arena June 2: Bergen, NO – Koengen June 5: Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome June 6: Antwerp, BE – Sportpaleis June 8: Zurich, CH – Hallenstadion June 10: Cologne, DE – Lanxess Arena June 12: Hamburg, DE – Barclays Arena June 13: Frankfurt, DE – Festhalle June 15: Bordeaux, FR – Arkea Arena June 17: Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena June 19: London, UK – The O2 June 22: Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro June 23: Manchester, UK – AO Arena June 25: Dublin, IE – 3Arena

NORTH AMERICA Sept. 8: Quebec City, QC – Videotron Centre Sept. 9: Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre Sept. 11: Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena Sept. 13: Montreal, QC – Bell Centre Sept. 14: Boston, MA – TD Garden Sept. 16: Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center Sept. 18: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden Sept. 30: Chicago, IL – United Center Oct. 7: Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena Oct. 8: Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena Oct. 11: San Francisco, CA – Chase Center Oct. 13: Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS

• Stream: Arcade Fire covers Peter Gabriel’s 1980 classic ‘Games Without Frontiers’
• Lloyd Dobler lives: John Cusack gives Peter Gabriel boombox during ‘In Your Eyes’
• Video: Peter Gabriel previews contents of ‘So’ 25th anniversary deluxe box set
• Video: Peter Gabriel teases ‘So’ reissue with clip of ‘Sledgehammer’ from ‘Live in Athens’
• Peter Gabriel’s 25th anniversary ‘So’ reissue to include 8-disc ‘Immersion’ box set

Presale codes anyone?

Found the Live Nation presale code for Thursday which is OPENER. Anyone have the mailing list code? I wasn’t able to join the email list as the signup confirmation emails are getting blocked.

can ya add a edmonton show ??

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• Gabriel, Peter
• November 25, 2002 Setlist

Peter Gabriel Setlist at Fleet Center, Boston, MA, USA

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• Here Comes the Flood Play Video
• Darkness Play Video
• Red Rain Play Video
• Secret World Play Video
• Sky Blue Play Video
• Downside Up Play Video
• The Barry Williams Show Play Video
• More Than This Play Video
• Mercy Street Play Video
• Digging in the Dirt Play Video
• Growing Up Play Video
• Animal Nation Play Video
• Solsbury Hill Play Video
• Sledgehammer Play Video
• Signal to Noise Play Video
• In Your Eyes Play Video
• Family Snapshot Play Video

Edits and Comments

5 activities (last edit by pieniek63 , 21 Jun 2011, 23:55 Etc/UTC )

Songs on Albums

• More Than This
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• The Barry Williams Show
• In Your Eyes
• Mercy Street
• Sledgehammer
• Here Comes the Flood
• Solsbury Hill
• Digging in the Dirt
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• Downside Up
• Family Snapshot

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Peter Gabriel's First Tour Since '14 is Thoughtful and Modern

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i/o The Tour announced

8th November, 2022

“It’s been a while and I am now surrounded by a whole lot of new songs and am excited to be taking them out on the road for a spin. Look forward to seeing you out there.”

Produced by Live Nation, the 22 shows in Europe will kick off in Krakow, Poland on 18 May 2023, with dates in Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and the UK before wrapping in Dublin, Ireland on 25 June 2023.

The tour will then continue in North America in the late summer/fall with dates and ticket information to follow.

i/o The Tour will see Peter playing new material from his forthcoming album i/o , as well as delving into his extensive catalogue of music, with hits, fan favourites and the unexpected. For the shows, Gabriel will be joined by regular band-mates Tony Levin, David Rhodes and Manu Katché. Full details on the i/o album will follow.

Tickets go on sale starting Friday 11 November 2022. See all the dates and buy tickets

If you are signed up to Peter’s Mailing List, you will be sent a link to access the early pre-order, starting Tuesday 8 November at 12 noon GMT / 13.00 CET. If not, sign up today here . Pre-sale ends on Thursday 10 November at 5pm GMT.

Peter Gabriel: SO, Back to Front Tour

The TD Garden arena in Boston hummed. It was quiet, as the fans filed into the stadium to wait for Peter Gabriel to commence the performance. Mumbled voices and music fans of all ages were present. There was a positive tension, an anticipation, as if we were waiting for the unveiling of an art piece. We were.

Peter's instrumentals from Passion Sources/Real World music were playing. The footage of apartheid was running. This tone of seriousness was highlighted with joy and respect for Peter Gabriel's music. "He's on my bucket list" said one fan. "I have the UP DVD" "I heard he does a great stage set." Even the event staff were talking about Mr. Gabriel's music history. "I loved Gabriel in Genesis, one of the best bands ever back then." A fan who's been to many concerts pointed out to me that often the crew wear the same color uniform scrubs so that Peter knows who they are against the crowd. This tour they were wearing purple. Last tour was bright orange. I've seen Peter Gabriel three times now. First, the original SO tour back when the record was released (NY), the Growing UP tour at the Meadowlands arena in NJ, and this SO anniversary tour in Boston. So much time in music and life has passed so quickly for all of us. Peter told Billboard and The Guardian that after this tour, he will take a holiday with his family, so these performances were special events in time to the listening audience, myself included.

"Change It" appeared on the video screen. Peter walked onto the stage without announcement to address the crowd. What is the first thing he said?

"Hi There!"

Did he mean to be reminiscent of the hit single, "Big Time"? 

He explained to us that Ane Brun was sick and the talented Jennie Abrahamson was going to perform tonight. This performance brought a cello and high notes, with piano picking up the tempo while the vocals floated sweetly above the first song, "In This Life to Live". Excited to be here tonight, for the first time in Boston, Jennie introduced, Amy Abrahamson. A first single off their album hailed tribute songs to those who struggle for a chance. "Hard to Come By" were the leading lyrics in this track.  They mentioned that the vocals were done exclusively for this show. Their presence reminded me of Alyssa Graham, a soul singer that we reviewed on this site earlier this year.  A cover song by Thom Yorke, "Atoms For Peace" was announced, and as the cellist started playing, something was dropped on the floor. It took a while to find it, but the show stayed on track with applause at the resolve. They closed the set with "Falling" from their latest album. Some slow steady cello work with spare piano ensued, which made this song all about the timing.  They took their bow together. A beautiful and interesting performance, they later joined Peter Gabriel and the band for the rest of the set.

The intermission was an interesting mix of Peter Gabriel covers. "Big Time" in soul version that could almost be compared to Louis Armstrong, had a fan singing by himself in the stairwell. "Talk To Me' a capella came through, while Peter and his crew were walking around during the last of the set up. Fans were making mock row boats in the aisles during "Mercy Street, " which is what he did for a stage set on the UP tour. These were serious Gabriel fans with the history of past tours in their experience. The stadium was slowly filling up, but the event staff said it was not sold out. Monday nights are hard to get people out to the stadium shows, they remarked.

The performance at the TD Garden, Boston was recorded in full, and can be purchased for viewing at www.petergabriel.com .

Photo Credit: Tony Levin

Tony Levin's Facebook Page with tour photos and other updates.

Peter came out to the stage and announced there would be three parts to the show. 1. Unfinished, acoustics. 2. "The electric bit.". 3. The entire SO album, uninterrupted.

For the unfinished, acoustic piece, he commented, "The process of making something, is just as interesting as the finished product."

Peter Gabriel Touring Band:

 The original band from the original SO tour was brought together for this anniversary. These members will have a (*) symbol next to their names.

*Peter Gabriel- Vocals, Piano

*Manu Katche' "from the sheik-est part of France"- Drums, Percussion

*David Sanchez- Accordion, Keys

*David Rhodes- Guitar

Jennie Abrahamson- Vocals

Linnea Olsson- Vocals

*And of course, Tony Levin- Bass

Peter Gabriel's "Back To Front" Tour Performance Review, TD Garden, Boston September 24, 2012

This is an unfinished new song played by Tony Levin and Peter Gabriel. It was a deeply soulful vocal from Gabriel with some traditional piano arrangements. A great opener, it helped the crowd settle in for what was to come, and was an honor to hear something new from Gabriel.  

"Come Talk To Me"

From one of my favorite albums, US , the reaching out of the communicator, with stretched phone rings and cords, was tempered from the Secret World Live tour, to a bright rolling version with this Back To Front series. Although not as intense as the US recording, the Back To Front rendition yielded light and hope, a resolution of sorts.

Following Gabriel throughout his career, many fans know the US album was recorded during a very difficult time in his life. Written for his daughter, who later sang it with him during the UP tour, there is a sense of relief in the Back To Front performance, a joy in the passing of time with positive outcomes. The moment has broken out through the silence.

"Shock The Monkey"

The stage set showed a video of beginning life, "It began like this." The "evolution" speaks. A fan yells out "PETER!" and "Shock the Monkey" begins. This was a deep soul, almost jazz, version of the award winning block buster hit that swept the 1980's with song and video. 

Mainstream fans know Peter Gabriel for this household iconic song, but cult fans find this just one chapter in his vast catalog. I'm a cult fan for sure. The backup vocalists did a great job of emitting "SHOCK" at the right times, with audience lead clapping, there was a standing ovation at the end.

"Family Snapshot"

This song is a masterpiece. This one track could be turned into a film. Peter Gabriel never turns away from real life content and his in depth exploration of the human condition brought him to explore the inner world of a political assassin. It is documented that Peter got the inspiration of the song by reading  Arthur Bremmer's book, "An Assassins Diary" ( www.songfacts.com ). His lyrics tell the thoughts of the killer moment by moment, including the motives which are not hate or political issues, but just to be noticed, famous, timed to be remembered - on the evening news. "I don't really hate you, I don't care what you do, we were made for each other, me and you ... I want to be somebody, you are like that too ... if you don't get given you learn to take, and I will take you." My favorite part of this song is when Peter bellows, "And I let the bullet fly ...." On the recorded track, Peter's voice is the launched bullet and the ping tonations of the music afterwards project the object into mid-air.

When Peter Gabriel played "Family Snapshot" on the Back To Front Tour, Tony Levin commanded a red bass and brown cloak, while Peter played the scene from his piano. I watched him do this on the UP tour as well. The song remains powerful this way, and although Peter's vocal range did not release that historic bullet, the performance was powerful nonetheless, and the target was hit, straight on.

"Digging In The Dirt"

This 'electric bit' started off as just that. Floating lights gave the arena space an eerie effect. As in the rest of the US album, the power is given to the people and they seemed to follow the lights as if in a trance. The set beckoned Gabriel every time he jumped, it changed. Tony Levin, the master, had full control over the pace of things, while strobes and angular lights continued to bend the visuals. This gave me an idea for another article, IMPACT. The IMPACT of Peter Gabriel, but that is for another post.

"For each one of us, there is a secret world." - Peter Gabriel at the TD Garden, Boston. So, Back To Front Tour.

"Secret World"

Imagine Tony Levin spinning with his brown cloak wrapped around him like a sage's dream-coat. Mandela lights are spinning and Peter joins him in a duet, the lights slow down into a pattern, then the moon tambourine comes out. The bass solo was so intense, it dominated as Levine hung low over the crowd from the stage. The Abrahamson's provided back-up, which added a lovely sound to the vocals.

"The Family And The Fishing Net"

"An interpretation of marriage" - Peter Gabriel at the TD Garden, Boston, So, Back To Front Tour.

With the lights pulsing like a raw heartbeat, this was all David Rhodes' guitar and Peter Gabriel's piano.  Rhodes scratched out the artful notes that provided the content for the framed pictures that Peter painted in his vocals. It was fragmented and intense, "the body and the flesh" was delivered in such a way that the stadium was a bit off guard, as should be, after the depth of un-nerving that this song brings.

"No Self Control"

Photo credit: www.Bluebirdreviews.com

Glittering backgrounds and Peter at the piano set a fantasy mood as faces appeared and disappeared on the screen while Peter let out a progressive howl. Back into the Genesis and the days of 'melting'. Brilliant.

"Solsbury Hill"

During the UP tour, Peter was riding a bicycle around the circular stage for this song of joy. The crowd leads the chant of the heartbeat, 'Boom Boom Boom.' Here in Boston on the Back to Front SO tour, the circular theme remained, however, Mr. Gabriel seemed to be a storyteller this go around. He motioned, acted out many of the lyrics with his hands. "Which connection I should 'cut' ... he made a hand chop with his arm, 'liberty she pirouettes' and he spun around ... He seemed to be more focused on the message of the song this tour.

This made sense to me, given that the song was written as a declaration of independence and remains so, now that he is taking a break from touring. There was a determination of assertion in Peter's statement, 'You can KEEP my things, they've come to take me home ..." Circles seem to be a constant in the presentation, Peter walked in circles, the band caught on and he was joined by Tony Levin and David Rhodes, circling, engaging the crowd, as they played their instruments. There was joy in the ending, as the trio skipped in circular formation with the crowd cheering, light as air, with all intentions, back to front - independent.

Bravo, Mr. Gabriel!

"Solsbury Hill" was the first single that Peter Gabriel released after his break from Genesis. It is named after an area in Bath, England, where Peter used to walk, or jog and legend has it that a temple was built there to honor Apollo, the god of light, music, and poetry. The 7/4 rhythm with the addition of instruments by verse makes this classic build to an enormous crescendo both in recordings and especially live. (Sources: Songfacts, Allmusic and Peter Gabriel.com)

"The Washing of The Water"

The stadium went black. Imagine just Peter at his piano, "so deep so wide, will you take me on your back for a ride ..."  Tony Levin on the upright bass, with David Rhodes on guitar, accompained this amazing soul searching ballad. The plea for the river to heal starts the process of awareness, which puts the narrator in a position of strength already. Peter took his time to sing this properly, even when interrupted by cheers from the crowd. From the US album, beautiful.

Classic expectations were met with this hit number. "Red Rain" was beautifully represented with red flood lights and 'showers' of red and orange effects that really looked like red rain. The crowd went wild. The song escalated into a magnificent take on this familiar tune, by deepening the vocals and the guitar work was very astute.

"Sledgehammer"

Marching around with power and control, Peter lead everyone dancing to this inspiring classic. This hit is still as unique as it was in the 1980's. Making fists that slam together, people were actually doing 'the bump' in the audience!  During the lyric, "...kick the habit, shed my skin ..." a guy took off his shirt and tied up his head in it. Fans were just happy and being themselves! The trio formation of Gabriel, Rhodes and Levin, had some Mo-Town looking steps going on, while the backup vocals an dual drummers kept the time very well.

"Don't Give Up"

Sounding just like the recording, the depth of the instrumentation in this was superb, with even more interest given the live percussion by Manu Katche'. The crowd generously accepted Jennie Abrahamson for Kate Bush's part of the duet. A blue background was the scene, as Peter stood while Jennie slowly approached and Peter walked away. This told the true story of quiet strength. Peter's pensiveness and tentative stance, had a layer of hope, because he was willing to be vulnerable and strong, and accepted the support of his counterpart, even though he did not collapse into it. "That river flowing" had Peter walk to the top of the stage, hit the high note, 'We're proud of who we are" sang Jennie. In the end they stood at the edge of the crowd, holding hands, which lead the crowd singing, "don't give up, don't give up, don't give up ..." There was a reggae vibe at the close and some soulful scat vocals. The standing ovation on this song was well deserved.

"Hear That Voice Again"

You never know what to expect at a Peter Gabriel concert with any tour. UP had him bouncing around in a big clear ball on stage, while  New Blood  showcased orchestral pieces of his famous songs. "Hear That Voice Again" started off with Gabriel sitting at his piano, while his voice echoed over the crowd, The audience was again, quiet. The intro to this upbeat song had a different impact presented as a piano performance. Then it built up and stayed at its steady pace. All musicians were busy focused on their instruments, Levine, face to face with his bass, Rhodes, cut the edges of the phrasing in guitar work, while Katche' made the high sticking look effortless. Peter nailed the high note in the song's peak.

"What I carry in my heart, brings us so close or so far apart ... only love can make love ..." - Song lyric from "Hear That Voice Again," Peter Gabriel.

"Mercy Street"

"... all of the buildings, all of the cars, were once just a dream in somebody's head ... " - Song lyric from "Mercy Street," Peter Gabriel.

I was waiting to see what would be done with this song. I've seen it during the UP tour with a beautiful boat circling the stage. Gabriel took this deeper into the dream state by opening the song with an acapella piece and then laying on the floor. A set of huge cameras circled his head and he sung the rest of the song from this floor position. The cameras were programmed to scan his face and project it onto the video screens alongside the stage. The screens were a dizzying effect of black and white, like an old Twilight Zone clip and Peter's low groans and howls were perfect for this altered state depiction. This was ingenious and brought the masterpiece multi-instrumental toward the collective by taking it right out of any contact with reality. The audience were left to create their own reality. Brilliant.

"So much larger than life." - Song lyric, from "Big Time," Peter Gabriel.

Gabriel leaned sideways, got off the floor, drank a cup of water and moved on with the show. A fast running video with energy to spare gave the entire band a boost on this very popular number. The crowd were on their feet in an instant and it was joyous relief, highlighted with multi-colored lights, a straight shot of good 80's radio, the way that it should be. Peter found his way back to his piano and the tempo changes were fantastic.

"We Do What We're Told, Milgram's 37"

I was listening to the 1986 demo of this song before the show and the echo percussion stands out for me in the original rendition. Sharp guitar edges cut through the beat, and I was glad to have kept that in mind before I set out to see it live in Boston.

I felt the ground shake during the concert when this song was performed. Milgram's studies were chilling enough, and now to see them symbolized in song verse was intriguing, startling. This live version had a contemporary rock edge, thanks to David Rhodes. The whole band stood in a line like soldiers, singing monotone with one voice. Impact.

"Excellent Birds. This Is The Picture"

Written by Laurie Anderson and Peter Gabriel, this is a signature track for both of them, seeming to reflect their unique styles, but they have a lot in common. The use of percussion, creative sectional arrangements and mindful symbolism permeates.

As I said, core Gabriel fans were at the Boston show for the Back To Front tour. Once the initial beat started for this song, the crowd clapped and immediately rose. The band played in unison standing at the edge of the stage together, using choreographed steps, circle formations and marching in it's timeless rhythm. It was well done.

"In Your Eyes"

The song that rang throughout the 80's and is still so powerful today. This introduced Youssou N'Dour to the mainstream music scene and the world music projects that Peter Gabriel had been immersed in, became household talk. The iconic scene in "Say Anything" was captured on this very Back to Front Tour with the real John Cusack and Peter Gabriel exchanging boom boxes on stage. Read about that here: http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2012/10/john-cusack-cameos-at-peter-gabriel-25th-anniversa.html

The live performance of this was everything you'd expect in Gabriel's channel of this euphoric occasion. The crowd sang every word, pausing for Peter to sing the second lines. The inspirational uplifting of the crowd that happens at most shows when this song is played was exactly right. We were filled with the light, the heat, of this great music. Peter and the band lifted their arms, the lights followed the atmosphere upwards and the fans raised their hands to the sky as well. Jennie Abrahamson and Peter did the improv and the response was positive. She seemed to relax by this point in the show and gave it all she had. Peter closed this with his velvet voice, strong and reassuring.

"The resolution, of all the fruitless searches..." - Song lyric from, "In Your Eyes" Peter Gabriel.

"Surprise, Suprise ... We're Back!" The band said. "Thank you very much, we had a very good night tonight!" says Peter Gabriel. "We love you Peter!" shouted a fan.

"The Tower That Ate People"

Electricity filled the room and strobes shocked the crowd. This is the type of performance that is signature Gabriel, to take a song, and make it a theatre art form. He was in his element, as was the band. Prior live shows have shown Gabriel's face melting, running through a bubble, riding a bicycle, climbing a tower and being pulled into a telephone booth. This number had a lighted circular disc slowly fall from the ceiling with running lights to encapsulate Peter, and then a white tower like sheet spun down from it covering him completely. Music as modern art, this is Peter Gabriel.

Tell it like it is (on this land, we cast our hope) Till there's no misunderstanding You make up what you like (we make our home) Man feed machine Machine eat man

-Song lyric from 'The Tower That Ate People," Peter Gabriel.

This song is from the album OVO and was played at the Millenium Concert at the O2 in London, 2000. There is a set of discs and DVD's from this show, but only a limited edition was available in the UK for a short time. Standard editions are still widely available in all countries. To preview or purchase this remarkable album through Amazon, click here .

The stage went red and Gabriel spoke to the audience inspiring them 'all over the world' to "stand up for what you believe in." "We feel the screams of Steven Biko." Everyone in the audience stood as if in salute during this always moving tribute. "You can blow out a candle, but you can't blow out a fire. Once the flames begin to catch, the wind will blow it higher."

What strikes me about Peter Gabriel's music, is what should be an ingredient in all music. When he writes any song, he gives the notes, the tones, the words, space - to let the listeners connect with the message. Using percussions sometimes so sparingly, there is a powerful sense of movement through the crowd. Other songs like 'Shaking The Tree" "In Your Eyes" "Sanicinto" and others, are arranged with the thoughtfulness to allow the audience to connect with the underpinnings in their own way. People are truly moved to the core of what they feel from Peter Gabriel's music. It's quite remarkable if you think about how he reaches people with different styles of music, yet in a similar way. Our writer, Deb Hebert remarked just last week that Peter Gabriel always sings of "love, hope and humanity."