Peter Gabriel set to drop live album ‘Live at WOMAD 1982’ on May 8, 2026
e in its focus on music and art from around the world, and mixing it up with rock and jazz, no-one knew how many people might turn up and we had seriously overestimated our appeal. But those that had decided to check out WOMAD and its weird and wonderful lineup were open-minded, bold and curious – a great audience.It was a landmark and edgy gig for me both personally and musically and brings back lots of memories.”
The very first WOMAD Festival was a celebration of diverse music and art beyond the mainstream. Held at the Bath and West Showground in Somerset in July 1982, the festival aimed to showcase artists from all over the world. With five stages hosting 60 bands from more than 20 countries, the line-up included unique acts like The Drummers of Burundi, Pigbag, Salsa de Hoy, Simple Minds, Musicians of the Nile, and many more. Peter Gabriel fondly recalls the event and the mix of old and new material he performed. Despite his usual nervousness about debuting new songs, his focus was divided by the responsibilities of organizing the festival and the financial risks involved.
WOMAD’s vision was not to introduce world music as a side act at a rock festival but to highlight these extraordinary artists as headliners in their own right. The audience that attended WOMAD was characterized by their open-mindedness, boldness, and curiosity, reflecting a unique blend of individuals seeking the unconventional and the eclectic. Peter Gabriel reflects on the festival as a personal and musical milestone that holds a special place in his memory.
The festival featured an evening concert series at the Showering Pavilion on the festival site. One of these concerts on Friday night included performances by Tian Jin from China, Simple Minds, and a special set by Peter Gabriel. The live recording of this Friday night concert forms the basis of the album “Live at WOMAD 1982”. This recording captures seven out of the eight songs that would later constitute Peter Gabriel 4, an album that was still two months away from its official release.
Accompanying Peter Gabriel on stage were talented musicians such as David Rhodes, John Giblin, Larry Fast, Jerry Marotta, Peter Hammill, and the Ekomé drum and dance group. The aim was to demonstrate that music, regardless of origin or language, could find a welcoming audience at WOMAD. Despite skepticism from music industry professionals, the organizers were determined to prove that their vision of a global music festival would succeed. Although the first festival was artistically successful, it faced financial challenges, setting the stage for future stories and lessons learned.
“Live at WOMAD 1982” not only captures the essence of the inaugural WOMAD festival but also marks the premiere of iconic songs from Peter Gabriel’s repertoire. Tracks like “The Rhythm of the Heat,” “San Jacinto,” and “Shock the Monkey” have become staples in the Gabriel canon. This live album is a testament to a pivotal moment in music history, offering listeners a glimpse into the birth of a festival that has since grown to host numerous editions across the globe. With its release on various formats, including 2LP 180g black vinyl and 1CD, “Live at WOMAD 1982” is now available for fans to experience this historic event for the first time.