Peter Gabriel set to drop live album “Live at WOMAD 1982” – LiveWire Music
In the summer of 1982, music history was made with the first-ever WOMAD Festival held at the Bath and West Showground in Somerset, UK. The aim was simple yet ambitious – to showcase music and art from all corners of the globe that were often neglected by mainstream media. The brainchild behind WOMAD, Peter Gabriel, envisioned a festival that celebrated world music as headliner material rather than just a side act.
The inaugural WOMAD Festival featured an impressive lineup of 60 bands from over 20 countries, including eclectic acts like The Drummers of Burundi, Pigbag, Salsa de Hoy, Simple Minds, Musicians of the Nile, Echo and the Bunnymen, Prince Nico Mbarga, and more. Peter Gabriel himself took to the stage, debuting a mix of old classics and new material, reflecting his jitters not just from the performance but also from the festival’s financial uncertainties.
Reminiscing about the historic event, Gabriel recalls the nervous excitement of introducing fresh tracks to an audience that was as diverse and adventurous as the musical acts themselves. The experimental blend of world music with rock and jazz was a risky endeavor, questioned by many in the music industry. However, the audiences that attended WOMAD were open-minded, courageous, and curious, embodying the essence of the festival’s vision.
A highlight of the festival was the evening concert series held at the Showering Pavilion, featuring performances by Tian Jin, Simple Minds, and a special set by Peter Gabriel. The live recording from that memorable Friday night showcases seven unreleased tracks that would later form Peter Gabriel’s fourth studio album, adding a unique historical significance to the WOMAD experience.
Gabriel’s collaborative stage presence with David Rhodes, John Giblin, Larry Fast, Jerry Marotta, Peter Hammill, and the drumming ensemble Ekomé symbolized the cultural fusion that WOMAD aimed to promote. Despite initial skepticism and financial setbacks, WOMAD proved to be an artistic triumph, setting the stage for the festival’s global expansion with over 160 editions across 27 countries.
“Live at WOMAD 1982” not only captures a pivotal moment in music history but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of an event that continues to celebrate cultural diversity and artistic innovation. Through this live album, listeners are transported back to the birth of a festival that defied conventions and embraced the universal language of music, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of creative expression.