Peter Gabriel, the mastermind behind Genesis, and the procurer of a great solo career afterwards, has returned in all of his Progressive Rock glory. He has gifted us with a new live album from arguably one of the best times in his music career. The date was November 23rd, 2003, and Gabriel had decided to make use of the Big Room in his revered Real World Studios after the recent release of his new album Up. And now, the album of that live set has surfaced, and the lucky listener gets to enjoy it (hopefully).

The first track on the album wastes no time getting into the groove, with Ged Lynch’s drums pounding, shortly followed by David Rhodes’ slick riff. ‘Burn You Up, Burn You Down’ is a brilliant track to start off the album, the energy is high from Gabriel, accompanied by Rachel Z and Melanie Gabriel on backing vocals, and doing a fine job of it. A brilliant start to the album. ‘More Than This’ is up next, one of the standout tracks on Up, and it holds up just as good recorded live. The keyboard from Z and the bass from Tony Levin really shouts at you in this track, especially in the chorus when paired with Gabriel’s strong vocal. It feels like you’re wandering through a dreamscape listening to this song, and that can be said for most of the tracks on Up, it’s good to see that feeling replicated in a live setting. And judging from the applause at the end of the track, the crowd in The Big Room feel the same. A classic track makes it’s way into the set, ‘Games Without Frontiers’ and it does not fail to disappoint. Once again the bass and keyboard really stand out, and Richard Evans’ whistling adds to the prog feeling. the mixing for the tracks so far has been brilliant as well, everyone in the band sounds fresh. Gabriel points out that the band are used to performing the next number upside down, before quickly stating that won’t be happening this time (how disappointing!), ‘Downside Up’ is the next track. Starting with some breezy guitar from Rhodes and whistles from Evans, before Melanie takes a stand and produces some wonderful vocal work, alongside her father of course. The track is just blissful, even Z’s keyboard flurry in the middle of it all is lovely. And on the way out of the track, Gabriel takes some time to introduce the members of the band while they play along.

‘Mercy Street’ opens with those angelic harmonies from everyone in the band, then it turns into the soothing keyboard pattern it’s famous for. A perfect blend of world and prog rock and recorded live it sends a shiver down the spine at how good it sounds. It sounds like it belongs in a scene of a film, showing the great wilderness or flying over the ocean, it would fit perfectly. The crowd certainly loved that one. ‘Darkness’ starts with that thudding drumbeat and the harrowing strings that descend upon you from out of nowhere. “I have my fears, but they do not have me” that line is one of the best Gabriel has ever come up with, it sounds so cold and dark. The second half of the track just eases right up, the keyboard and bass slowly carrying it along. One of Gabriel’s best tracks, live especially. ‘Digging In The Dirt’ shifts the tone, it comes across as funky, the keyboard and guitar riffs making your head move. Then the chorus just has its way, everything seems to be turned up to 11, and it is phenomenal. The chemistry in the band here is just exceptional, everyone links up really well. A great live track, a brilliant one in fact. And that organ is impeccable. ‘The Tower That Ate People’ starts off sinister sounding, the band are clearly in full flow now, the drums and the bass sounding like they’re about to jump at you at any moment. Even Gabriel sounds possessed here, like a villain in the story. Then the piano soothes the song down along with Melanie and Z’s backing vocals sounding like a choir.

‘San Jacinto’ opens with the lovely keyboard riff that makes you feel like you’re flying away. Then the bass comes in later with the drums, and it feels like a huge buildup. It feels like you’re about to reach the top of the mountain, then the guitar rips through and Gabriel starts singing higher ‘Hold the line, Hold the line’. It is a beautiful song, and the band do brilliantly for the full eight minutes of it. The ending is like a different song entirely, the keyboard almost sounds like it’s whistling and Gabriel sounds tired, it feels like the end of the tale. ‘Shock The Monkey’ brings the room back to life again, high energy, fast beats and even Gabriel goes for the high notes. It’s pure groove. Even the crowd join in on the “Shock The Monkey” line towards the end, a good bit of fun. The colossal ‘Signal To Noise’ is next, it’s so atmospheric, it feels like the Big Room could be on ice while this is getting played. Gabriel’s wails can only send chills down the spine. The buildup continues then you get that line “Turn up the signal/Wipe out the noise” then it all comes crashing down, the drums start thumping, Gabriel starts his impromptu chanting, and the guitar just sounds wicked. It must have been quite the experience in The Big Room.

‘Secret World’ is a very smooth track, the keyboard almost sounds like light bagpipes, and it works. Then later on the whole band breaks out together, it’s tight musicianship and it’s great to listen to. And just when you think it’s over, the guitar comes ripping through the middle of everything, the keyboard joins in and it is stupendous, a cacophony of instruments played by musicians who know what they’re doing. top drawer stuff. ‘Father, Son’ is an emotional song, and with just the keyboard and Gabriel singing at the start, it seems to fill the room a thousand times over. The vocal and piano combination never fails to pull on the heartstrings; it’s a lovely tune and this rendition of it is wonderful. To end it all, ‘In Your Eyes’ is the final track of the set. A certified Gabriel classic from So, and the crowd get singing along to it as well. And the band certainly go out with a bang, making it 10 minutes in length, it certainly is epic. A brilliant way to end a spectacular live set.

In The Big Room is definitely one of the best live albums to come out in a while, the mixing on the tracks is second to none, and this era of Peter Gabriel is great, Up was such a definitive album in his career, and hearing some of the tracks from it live in the Real World Studio is a treat. If you are a fan of Gabriel and a fan of great live musicians then you should get this album and give it a listen, you will not be disappointed.

Peter Gabriel: In The Big Room – Out 13 March 2026 (Real World)