Peter Gabriel, the iconic musician known for his captivating voice and innovative visuals, recently graced the stage at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena. With a solo career spanning an impressive 46 years, Gabriel has ventured through diverse musical landscapes, both as a solo artist and as the former frontman of the progressive rock band Genesis. In this concert review, we delve into the mesmerizing performance of the 73-year-old artist and his talented ensemble, showcasing his latest album “I/O” and revisiting some timeless classics.
Peter Gabriel’s Resilient Voice
One of the standout qualities of Peter Gabriel’s career is his enduring vocal prowess. Unlike many of his peers, Gabriel’s voice has not only retained its melancholic emotion but has also managed to preserve most of its original range. This remarkable feat is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his commitment to delivering a powerful and emotionally resonant performance.
“I/O”: A New Musical Journey
“I/O,” Gabriel’s 10th studio album, has been unveiled to the world through a unique promotional strategy, with a new single released every full moon since January 6, 2023. The album features 10 tracks, with Gabriel joined by his core group of talented musicians, including bassist Tony Levin, guitarist David Rhodes, and the exceptionally skilled drummer Manu Katché. Notably, “I/O” also boasts guest appearances from luminaries such as Brian Eno, adding a layer of excitement to the project.
The Vancouver Show: A Tale of Two Halves
Gabriel’s performance in Vancouver was divided into two distinct halves, each offering a different musical experience. The first half primarily focused on the new material from “I/O.” While not the most upbeat selection, these songs set the stage for a captivating visual journey. Gabriel’s core group was further enriched by additional musicians, including multi-instrumentalist Richard Evans, singer and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson, vocalist and violinist Marina Moore, keyboardist Don “Don-E” McLean, and keyboardist and brass blaster Josh Shpak. Each musician seized their moments to shine, contributing to the overall sonic tapestry of the performance.
Visual Artistry Takes Center Stage
From the very beginning, it became apparent that Gabriel’s show was not just about the music but also a celebration of visual artistry. The stage featured a giant, moving round screen that served as a canvas for a mesmerizing display of visuals. Each song from “I/O” had been paired with visuals created by a diverse range of artists, from Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei to Vancouver Island-based contemporary artist David Spriggs. These visuals, projected across multiple shifting backdrops and side screens, enhanced the audience’s connection to the new material.
The Visual Feast
The visual accompaniments breathed life into the new tracks, bridging the gap between unfamiliar compositions and the audience. Highlights included the entrancing “Olive Tree,” which showcased Manu Katché’s drumming virtuosity and the poignant “This Is Home,” an emotional ode to memory. The first half concluded with a lively rendition of Gabriel’s mega-hit “Sledgehammer,” accompanied by playful images of insects indulging in amorous activities. The visuals, including the suggestive slug coupling, added a touch of humor and whimsy to the performance.
A Second Half Illuminated by Light
The second half of the concert introduced a unique element—an innovative light-sensitive screen placed in front of the stage. This screen served as a canvas for a myriad of visual effects, including delayed images, X-ray-like motion captures, and Gabriel’s own freehand light graffiti. This captivating visual display was perfectly suited to the set opener, “Darkness,” setting the tone for an improved pacing in the latter part of the show.
Musical Fusion and Timeless Classics
As the concert progressed, the musical journey evolved to incorporate new tracks like “Love Can Heal” and “Road to Joy,” which seamlessly mingled with classics from Gabriel’s repertoire. The timeless “Don’t Give Up” from the album “So” was delivered with heartfelt emotion, demonstrating Gabriel’s ability to bridge the past and present seamlessly.
A Sublime Interlude: “And Still”
The highlight of the night arrived with the performance of the new song “And Still.” This moving meditation on the passage of time featured a jaw-dropping string trio interlude. Bassist Tony Levin, violinist Marina Moore, and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson crafted a spellbinding moment as they bowed their instruments in harmony. Richard Evans added ethereal flute lines, enhancing the enchantment of the performance. “And Still” emerged as one of Gabriel’s most beautiful ballads, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.
“Big Time” and “Solsbury Hill”: Iconic Moments
The concert continued to build momentum with an explosive rendition of “Big Time,” infusing the original eighties pop gloss with a funkier and more soulful arrangement. Gabriel’s closing number, his debut single “Solsbury Hill,” remained as celebratory as ever. Inspired by a personal experience atop the iconic hill in Somerset, the song has maintained its timeless appeal over the decades.
The Understated Rock Star
Peter Gabriel’s persona as a musician extends beyond his music. A self-proclaimed humanist tech enthusiast, he seamlessly balances his artistic endeavors with social and political engagement. Even in his humor, Gabriel remains understated and relatable, poking fun at his own aging process and appearance. His participation in parodies like “The Life of Rock with Brian Pern” showcases his willingness to embrace humor and satire.
