Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel
source
Name	Peter Gabriel
Caption	Peter Gabriel in 2011
Birth name	Peter Brian Gabriel
Birth date	February 13, 1950
Birth place	Chobham, Surrey, England
Occupation	Musician, singer, songwriter, record producer
Instrument	Vocals, keyboards, flute, guitar
Years active	1967-present
Label	Charisma Records, Geffen Records, Real World Records
Associated acts	Genesis, Kate Bush, Sting, Youssou N'Dour

Peter Gabriel is a renowned British musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the Progressive rock band Genesis. Born in Chobham, Surrey, England, Gabriel's music career spans over five decades, with collaborations with notable artists such as Kate Bush, Sting, and Youssou N'Dour. He has released several successful albums, including So and Us, and has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards and a Brit Award. Gabriel's work has been influenced by various genres, including Art rock, World music, and Electronic music, with inspirations from artists such as David Bowie, Brian Eno, and Joni Mitchell.

● Early Life and Education

Gabriel was born to Ralph Gabriel and Edith Gabriel in Chobham, Surrey, England, and grew up in a family of modest means. He attended Crawley's Holbrook School and later Charterhouse School in Godalming, where he met his future Genesis bandmates Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and Anthony Phillips. Gabriel's early musical influences included The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd, and he began playing the drums and piano at a young age. He also developed an interest in theatre and drama, attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and performing in various school plays, including productions of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and Hamlet.

● Music Career

Gabriel's music career began in the late 1960s as the lead vocalist and co-founder of Genesis, a Progressive rock band known for their complex compositions and conceptual themes. The band released several successful albums, including Selling England by the Pound and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, and toured extensively throughout the 1970s, performing at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Madison Square Garden. Gabriel's tenure with Genesis was marked by his charismatic stage presence and distinctive vocals, which drew comparisons to other notable frontmen, such as Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin and Freddie Mercury of Queen. During this period, Gabriel also collaborated with other artists, including Brian Eno and Robert Fripp, and experimented with various musical styles, including Electronic music and Ambient music.

● Solo Work

After leaving Genesis in 1975, Gabriel launched a successful solo career, releasing his debut album, Peter Gabriel, in 1977. He has since released several critically acclaimed albums, including So and Us, which featured hit singles such as Solsbury Hill and Sledgehammer. Gabriel's solo work has been characterized by his eclectic and experimental approach to music, incorporating elements of World music, Art rock, and Electronic music. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Kate Bush, Sting, and Youssou N'Dour, and has been influenced by various musical traditions, including African music, Asian music, and Latin American music. Gabriel's music has also been featured in various films and television shows, including Wallace and Gromit and Scrubs.

● Activism and Humanitarian Work

In addition to his music career, Gabriel is also known for his humanitarian work and activism, particularly in the areas of human rights and social justice. He has been involved with various organizations, including Amnesty International and the United Nations, and has supported causes such as anti-apartheid and environmentalism. Gabriel has also been a vocal critic of human rights abuses and has used his music as a platform to raise awareness about social and political issues, including poverty, inequality, and climate change. He has performed at various benefit concerts, including Live Aid and Live 8, and has worked with other artists, such as Bono and Bob Geldof, to raise funds and awareness for various charitable causes.

● Personal Life

Gabriel has been married twice, first to Jill Moore and then to Meabh Flynn, and has four children. He has been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety, and has used his music as a way to process and cope with his emotions. Gabriel is also a practicing Buddhist and has been influenced by various spiritual traditions, including Tibetan Buddhism and Sufism. He has been recognized for his contributions to music and humanitarian work, including being awarded a Genesis Award and a Polar Music Prize, and has been named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

● Discography

Gabriel's discography includes several successful albums, including Peter Gabriel, So, and Us. He has also released several live albums, including Plays Live and Secret World Live, and has contributed to various soundtracks, including Birdy and Passion. Gabriel's music has been widely acclaimed, with many of his albums receiving critical praise and commercial success, including Security and Up. He has won numerous awards for his music, including multiple Grammy Awards and a Brit Award, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis. Category:British musicians