About.
What is a fanlisting? Fanlistings are online lists of fans open for those around the world to join. Only your name and country are required. The goal is to express one's support for a subject and connect with others who enjoy the topic. You can learn more at The Fanlistings Network, where this website is listed.
Who is Peter Gabriel? You might know the hits, such as Shock the Monkey or Sledgehammer; you might remember In Your Eyes blaring from John Cusack's jukebox in the '80s film Say Anything; those in England might recall the Millennium Dome Show. Gabriel's diverse career also includes years spent pushing progressive rock boundries with Genesis; exploring world music and the dark recesses of the mind with his solo material; filming complex, eye-popping music videos; and producing and promoting the work of international music artists.
Gabriel was born in Chobham, Surrey, England. He and several classmates from Charterhouse School in Surrey formed Genesis in 1967, with Gabriel taking the vocal and flute parts of their compositions. Always a visual performer, he wore elaborate costumes and make-up. Over the course of seven albums, the band developed a sophisticated progressive sound and garnered much praise and a dedicated fanbase. This fanbase was shocked when Gabriel left the group in 1975, due to his conflicts of artistic direction between he and the other members.
Gabriel returned to the studio on his own in 1977, releasing the first of four self-titled Peter Gabriel albums. (The fourth is sometimes called Security.) The lead-off single Solsbury Hill described his feelings leaving Genesis.
Though he had a few hits, Gabriel didn't reach the "big time" until 1986, with the release of So. This studio album combined accessibility with craft, and spun off killer music videos. Gabriel rounded out the '80s with Passion: Music for the Last Temptation of Christ, a superb film soundtrack.
Gabriel recorded only one studio album in the 1990s, 1992's Us, with more singles and videos resulting. He stepped up his involvement in world music, continuing to help organize the WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) festivals he co-founded in 1980. He created the label Real World Records, and built Real World Studios, a world-class recording studio and film location in Wiltshire, England.
The 2000s saw the release of another studio album, 2002's ambitious Up, which received mixed reviews due to its heavy production. Additional recordings include 2000's OVO: Millenium Show, recorded for a production in London, UK, and the film soundtrack Long Walk Home. Gabriel's latest release is a covers album, 2010's Scratch My Back, again polarizing critics.
Gabriel was first married to Jill Moore from 1971-1987. They have two daughters, Anna-Marie and Melanie Gabriel. He has been married to Meabh Flynn since 2002, and they have two sons, Isaac Ralph and Luc. Though maintaining a full workload, Gabriel remains close to his home and family in Wiltshire.
Why Peter Gabriel? I'm grateful to have an opportunity to run this fanlisting. Simply put, Peter Gabriel is one of my favourite musicians and has had a huge impact on the kind of music I find and enjoy. I'm inspired by his creativity and his willingness to be flat-out weird. I appreciate all his work from Genesis through till Scratch My Back, but my favourite album is 1982's Security. Sometime soon I hope to expand this website with additional writing and media features... keep an eye out!