Peter Gabriel's Electrifying Performance at WOMAD 1982: A Nostalgic Journey
Peter Gabriel's iconic live performance from the inaugural WOMAD Festival in 1982 is set to be released digitally this Friday. The event took place at Shepton Mallet Playground and showcased Gabriel's band, featuring talented musicians like David Rhodes, John Giblin, Larry Fast, Jerry Marotta, and Peter Hammill. The set included tracks from the upcoming album Peter Gabriel 4, such as "Shock The Monkey" and "San Jacincto."
Gabriel fondly remembers the gig, which was a mix of old and new material. The festival itself was a unique celebration of music and art from around the world, blending different genres like rock and jazz. Despite initial financial concerns, the audience was open-minded and enthusiastic, making it a memorable and edgy performance for Gabriel both personally and musically.
The WOMAD Festival also featured other notable acts like Peter Hamill, Simple Minds, and The Beat. However, the event faced financial challenges, partly due to transportation issues. Despite the setbacks, the festival was considered an artistic success, setting the stage for future editions of WOMAD. Genesis even reunited with Gabriel for a special concert to help alleviate the financial strain of the festival.
As WOMAD approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027, the release of Peter Gabriel's Live At WOMAD 1982 serves as a nostalgic reminder of the festival's early days. The tracklisting for the album includes fan-favorite songs like "San Jacinto," "Shock the Monkey," and "Biko," capturing the essence of Gabriel's electrifying performance at the historic event.