Peter Gabriel had been out of the Genesis limelight for quite a while by 1982. He had released a few solo albums and had another one soon to be released (Peter Gabriel IV); seven of the eight tracks on that album would be showcased live at WOMAD festival (which Gabriel organised). This release marks the first time the album has been given a physical copy, CD and Vinyl. Let’s take a little trip back and see what the progressive rock aficionado delivered to the fortunate crowd.
First the rapturous applause opens the set, before Gabriel takes the stage and the beautiful synth riff of ‘San Jacinto’ begins to play. The first thing you can pick up on is how good the mastering of the recording is, it sounds like it could have been recorded at Glastonbury this year. The song itself is an epic, stretching to nearly seven minutes, and it sounds elevating. Gabriel’s vocal is especially on point. the ending is as ominous sounding as ever, with the synth sounding haunted. Great live track. ‘The Family & The Fishing Net’ starts off sounding like the theme song for a villain, the piano and guitar riff building up to something in a dark way. Gabriel’s vocal adds to this eerie feeling, especially the chanting that takes place in the middle. It’s very reminiscent of some of the work from The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway.
‘I Have The Touch’ starts synth heavy, the riff is very new wave. The song is quite catchy, which for early solo Gabriel is a rare trait. The repeating “I need contact” line at the end is cool, the building up riff accompanying Gabriel as he sings is great. And the crowd agree by erupting in cheers and applause afterwards. “This moves on from the shaking of hands to the laying on of hands” is how Gabriel introduces ‘Lay Your Hands On Me’. It starts with a very faded beat, before the keyboard joins in, and then some chanting as well. It has a buildup, the guitar riff creeping in the background, Gabriel’s vocal getting higher. Then the track reaches a climax in the middle, before being stripped back down again to the beat and synth. The final part of the song has Gabriel hitting even higher notes.
‘Shock The Monkey’ was next on the set list, and as usual it is catchy as hell. The synth riff is bound to make most people get moving. Gabriel really goes for it on this track as well, his vocals are superb here. And that final section, the synth going up a key, it’s always a pleasure to listen to. “Shock the monkey to life”, I’m certain the monkey is alive and well after that electrifying track. The next track is just a fun one. ‘I Go Swimming’ has a jumpy beat, and the keyboard dances along the verses really nicely. It sounds like something that could be in a Mario game, which I didn’t think I would be saying about a Peter Gabriel track but here we are. It is again important to point out that these tracks are live too, they sound like they could have come straight from the studio, that’s how good the mixing is. One of Gabriel’s most experimental tracks (using swan’s as an instrument is all I should have to say) ‘The Rhythm Of The Heat’ plays next. It’s ominous intro doesn’t change when played live, if anything the atmosphere is made even more intimidating. That “The rhythm has my soul” line is incredibly done from Gabriel, his vocals cut through the air. Then the song almost turns tribal, the beat going crazy.
‘Kiss Of Life’ starts with a funky synth riff, and Gabriel goes a bit wild with the vocal. It almost feels like the pace of the song is almost too quick for him to sing along too, but he is still determined to make it work. The beat goes quite wild here too, paired with the jumpy synth, it makes for a bit of a strange track, albeit somewhat catchy. Time for the encore, ‘Biko’ is the final track of the set. It’s another slow burner, the beat slowly dancing along. The synth in this track is blissful too, it feels dreamy in the background of the song. It feels like the perfect outro to the concert and the album; the crowd even join in with the harmonies at the end.
And with that, another great Gabriel live album is done. Live At WOMAD 1982 shows a rare and brilliant live set capturing unreleased tracks from Gabriel’s soon to be released fourth solo record. The sound quality is immense; the mixing really does it justice for a live recording. If you’re a fan of all things Gabriel, I heavily suggest you pick up this one on a physical copy.
Peter Gabriel: Live at WOMAD 1982 – Out 8 May 2026 (Real World)
