Peter Gabriel Impresses Seattle Crowd with Memorable Performance on i/o – The Tour
Peter Gabriel, the renowned musician and activist, is currently making waves during the North American leg of his i/o – The Tour in support of his latest album, i/o. With a brilliant band, including talented musicians like Manu Katché, Tony Levin, and David Rhodes, as well as newcomers Ayanna Witter-Johnson, Marina Moore, Don McLean, and Josh Shpak, Gabriel has been captivating audiences with a mix of classic hits and new tracks.
True to form, Gabriel delivered an engaging and thought-provoking show at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena on October 8th. The performance featured a diverse selection of songs spanning his illustrious career, accompanied by commentary on pressing issues of today, such as artificial intelligence. And as always, Gabriel incorporated stunning digital art backdrops created by a variety of artists.
The show kicked off with the emotional and poignant Washing of the Water, released in 1992. Gabriel and the entire group gathered around a fire lit by a meteor dropping from the ceiling, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. They seamlessly transitioned into Growing Up from his 2002 album Up, infusing it with exotic rhythms and instrumentation. The nine musicians then took center stage, captivating the audience with their musical prowess.
Gabriel introduced his latest album, i/o, with the beautiful track Panopticon. Its captivating riff immediately caught the attention of the audience. This was followed by another gem from the album, Four Kinds of Horses, a haunting song exploring the interconnectedness of peace, religion, violence, and terrorism. The lyrics, including the standout lines Ah, you say you’re something different, But you do it all again…, struck a chord with the crowd. Moving seamlessly between new and old, Gabriel then treated fans to the beloved classic Digging in the Dirt.
Returning to the new album, Gabriel and his band delivered the melodic Playing for Time, followed by Olive Tree, accompanied by stunning artwork from Barthélémy Toguo. The set concluded with the poignant and reflective This is Home, which felt like a fitting tribute to Gabriel’s years of touring and personal challenges, emblematic of finding peace.
To keep the energy high, Gabriel and his band closed the first half with the upbeat hit Sledgehammer, leaving the audience in high spirits during the intermission.
The second half of the show kicked off with the powerful and introspective Darkness from his 2002 album Up. This intense piece was followed by a couple of new songs, including the hauntingly beautiful Love Can Heal and the energetic Road to Joy, which brought a smile to the faces of both the performers and the crowd.
Gabriel ensured the audience was treated to more fan favorites, such as the uplifting Don’t Give Up and the beloved Red Rain. He also showcased a few other new tracks from i/o, including The Court, And Still, and Live and Let Live, all of which delighted the crowd with their catchy melodies and impeccable musicianship.
Throughout the performance, Gabriel made innovative use of digital art as a backdrop, displaying the works of renowned artists like Ai Weiwei, Nick Cave, Henry Hudson, Annette Messager, and Olafur Eliasson. This visually engaging element complemented the music perfectly and added another layer of depth to the overall experience.
Peter Gabriel’s concert in Seattle was truly a night to remember. With his eclectic mix of classics and new tracks, poignant commentary, and stunning visual art, Gabriel and his talented band created an unforgettable evening of music and inspiration. As the North American leg of the i/o – The Tour nears its end, fans eagerly await Gabriel’s future endeavors, knowing that his timeless music and unwavering activism will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
