British singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel revived vintage concert films and uploaded them online to raise funds for Italy's fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
In a report from Rolling Stone published yesterday evening, Gabriel uploaded the previously-released documentaries "Scratch My Back" and "Taking the Pulse - Live in Verona," this time for free on his Real World Vimeo account. Real World is Peter Gabriel's record label founded in 1989.
Both releases document the Verona, Italy stop of his global tour in support of his eighth studio album, "Scratch My Back," in September 2010. The legendary covers album included performances from a wide range of artists including Paul Simon, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Neil Young, Thom Yorke, and Regina Spektor.
In a statement on his website posted yesterday, Gabriel recounted the blessings he received from Italy, from his days as the frontman of progressive rock band "Genesis" to his solo career, he said that both "found wonderful and passionate audiences that used to sing along with us throughout the gigs." Gabriel also asked fans to donate to the local Italian Red Cross or the Civil Protection Department.
His statement also recognized his daughter Anna, together with Andre Gaston, for filming their show held at the Arena di Verona, which Peter Gabriel described as "an extraordinary place in which to be able to perform." He further reminisced having a cold and not being able to sing as he wanted.
From Genesis to a Successful Solo Career
Peter Gabriel started the progressive rock band "Genesis" in 1967 with his former "Garden Wall" bandmates Tony Banks and Chris Stewart, now joined by Mike Rutherford and Anthony Philips. Genesis released their first single in 1968, titled "The Silent Sun," which would be a part of their debut studio album "From Genesis to Revelation" released later that year.
When "Revelation" did not perform well in the market, the members went separate ways for a year before getting back together in 1969, pursuing it as a full-time career. The band started building a fanbase upon the release of their sophomore studio album "Trespass," which spawned the hits "White Mountain" and "Visions of Angels."
Gabriel left Genesis after their 1975 tour. Two months after the tour concluded in May, Gabriel issued a press release called "Out, Angels Out" which detailed his disillusionment with the music industry and his desire to spend more time with his family.
After his hiatus from the music industry, he returned with his self-titled debut album "Peter Gabriel," which would also become the name of his next three albums. His first "Peter Gabriel" album spawned the iconic autobiographical single "Solsbury Hill." Gabriel started releasing his first self-titled album in February 1977, followed by the second album in June 1978, then in May 1980.
His fourth eponymous album came out in 1982, boasting a tracklist inspired by a variety of sources. One of the singles, "The Rhythm of the Heat," was inspired by Carl Jung's experience with African drummers while "San Jacinto" explores the pain and fear of a local whose community is taken over by the modern society.
