Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill (Live In Athens 1987)

Peter Gabriel and his great backing musicians performing "Solsbury Hill," during their three-night stand at the open-air theatre atop Mount Lycabettus in Athens, Greece, in October 1987 to finish the "So" world tour.
Directed by Michael Chapman, with Martin Scorcese as executive producer.
Musicians:
Tony Levin - bass
Manu Katche - drums
David Rhodes - guitar
David Sancious - keyboards
I claim no copyright whatsoever, and all of the credit belongs to Peter Gabriel, the musicians, the people who worked on this film, their heirs, and anybody else who owns the rights to this work.
Lyrics:
Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night
He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing, stretching every nerve
Had to listen, had no choice
I did not believe the information
I just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom, boom, boom
"Son," he said, "grab your things, I've come to take you home"
To keep in silence, I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut
So I went from day to day
Though my life was in a rut
'Til I thought of what I'd say
And which connection I should cut
I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom, boom, boom
"Son," he said, "grab your things, I've come to take you home"
When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be
Liberty, she pirouettes
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes
Close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me
Today I don't need a replacement
I'll show them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom, boom, boom
"Hey," I said, "you can keep my things, they've come to take me home"
Come back home
Come back home
Come back home...
#PeterGabriel #SolsburyHill #LiveInAthens

[@nickschlesinger5840]

I was one of the cameramen on this show. We filmed without an audience for 6 nights and then opened the gates for a free concert for two nights; it was reported on local Athens radio, and not surprisingly it was packed! I have been fortunate to have worked with Peter Gabriel on quite a number of videos, before & after this shoot; he is an absolute delight to work with and one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to work with.

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

You the man nick!

[@eduardocrestani2454]

Lucky guy

[@crismignone7]

😮😮👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😍😍😍

[@incarnateTheGreat]

Thanks for sharing! I thought these were the last shows of the tour. I saw some of the behind-the-scenes content with the audience. It looked like you guys did a few songs over and over. Thanks!

[@tallyho2125]

Liberty she pirouette when I think that I am free . Who is listening in 2024

[@stevesole8007]

Always keep coming back to this version - everybody in the band is enjoying it... and their happiness is infectious.

[@Caltops78]

I go back and fourth between the version with him riding the bike on stage. What an amazing song

[@berndrotthoff8930]

Love this song,saw them this year again in cologne,AMAZING

[@royrandell9755]

Show this to your Grandchildren

[@johnbender49]

Cocaine in 1987 I can imagine was soooo much better than today, too.

[@francescosuffritti3839]

bellisssima​@@berndrotthoff8930

[@shireboundscribbles]

The first song I can ever rememberr stopping and actually listening to as a small child in the 70s.

[@omarkayham6352]

Had to listen; had no choice

[@janedawson335]

Omar Kayham just love this. The music of my youth ❤️

[@JaneGiesbrecht]

Spot on.

[@brandonwilson2732]

Omar Kayham 👍🏻

[@adrianogiannacco8566]

Ahahahaha perfect fit for a comment 😍

[@nickslomka5502]

I see what you did there !!!

[@brionymellen]

It's not about anything apart from your love for Peter Gabriel. That its in a nutshell......

[@tedbarrett8497]

This live performance is one of the greatest I've ever seen. Gabriel is just top notch here. Perfection.

[@dbird1356]

Have to agree. I miss a 12 string acoustic though. 🎶

[@ValeskaTruax]

He had perfected his live performances, much less manic and more natural than earlier performances.

[@terryroth428]

This version is superb with the electric piano accompanist. One of Peter Gabriel's best songs.

[@MitchClement-il6iq]

I always love this version! I showed my boss I work with and is from Greece... he also loves music video and Peter Gabriel now lol.

[@jennifermaharaj3551]

When you are light of feet.

[@DonSmith2323]

Top 100 songs alltime list for sure Classic, if you know,you know

[@tiny9398]

Tony Levin on the stick 😍 I love how happy he always looked on stage with Gabriel 🙂

[@turdferguson7264]

I always like to think that Tony does the Crimson work with his head, and his Gabriel work with his heart.

[@LESSAOLE]

Look at that audience!!!!! Ppl really enjoying the moment,no cell phones,no instant posts on social media etc..

[@ninjavigilante5311]

Jus clapping away enjoying the moment!

[@jacevess7556]

Also it didn't exist back then lol

[@photoivphoto6860]

Saw this tour in Dallas in 1987. One of my favorite shows of all time.

[@hoisin75]

he has such an utterly unique voice. it's almost indescirbable. throaty, airy...all his own. One of the greatest songs ever written

[@douglascutler1037]

This song grabbed me the first time I heard it all those years ago and has never let go since.

[@patricianellymenezes7848]

Here, Peter was 37. He remains majestic at age 67

[@lennyholland1983]

I love this video but I love this song more I play it over and over when I get the time just wonderful

[@dennyshonda]

Majestic. Yeah thats the word.

[@randywatts7554]

Majestic... spot on.

[@leoniemueller7567]

Love this performance 04/2020 in lockdown ... who else?

[@wilhelmvg9978]

leonie mueller Yup. Desperately missing the feeling of being in the crowd watching a band have a great time.

[@butti5734]

@@wilhelmvg9978 Yep. I'd recommend pub quizzes, National Theatre Events and skype calls to friends and family. It's pretty tough.

[@rodp2310]

Had to listen alone had no choice. 😄

[@despayne6610]

05-2029

[@despayne6610]

Meant 2020

[@joshuapopoff9225]

New Year’s Eve., 2024🎉 still listening and still loving this song❤❤

[@josh2Sides2]

Well technically it be New Years *Eve* #2023 New Years Eve #2024 hadn't come... yet

[@dexterfitben]

In our dreams our fathers say, "Son, grab your things, I've come to take you home"....An eternal archetype of parental love.

[@jaybee9269]

It really is.

[@davidcarrington3016]

Off to climb solsbury hill next Saturday all because of Peter.What a performer!👍

[@swtirisalexopoulos1138]

WAS THERE WITH MY MOTHER!!!!WAS 15YEARS--OLD!!!WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT NIGHT!!!THNXXX PETER!!!!

[@alejandrocorona1766]

Pure love

[@pfmforever]

Lucky young man! I wish I was there too!

[@silverdrumvideo]

Tony Levin and Manu Katché ... one of the best rhythm section duos of the 1980s!

[@alexrothman2866]

Cameranoia any era

[@CissaBlack]

Tony Levin hasn’t aged a day.

[@floundergearjam]

Totally agree.

[@dwaterson21]

Still are one of the best rhythm duos, they're still going

[@InHouseStudio]

This performance of Solsbury Hill is legendary. Love the energy.

[@rochesterjohnny7555]

Looking up live versions of Peter Gabriel's hits is the way to go, he's always doing things a bit differently and the variations are brilliant

[@markandrews5547]

You are so right, brother!

[@DominiqueLAMANTIA]

watch this one : Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill (Live DNA) !!

[@bryane611]

Very much agree!

[@pkoven]

artist in the full sense of the word, not just a perfomer

[@toneman335]

Peter Gabriel's voice and his songs make my heart go boom,boom, boom

[@charliekane135]

The 1980's was the best decade ever for music and live concerts. Being in my 20's all through the 80's was EPIC 🎉🥳🍾🎈

[@markandrews5547]

'80s were best -- UNLESS you happened to be around in the '70s. Last efforts of The Doors and Hendrix. Plus Airplane, CSNY, Zeppelin, Floyd, Skynyrd, the Allmans. Do I need to go on? Then with Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, it all went pop.

[@charliekane135]

@@markandrews5547 I was around in the 70's but I was young, mostly listening to Bowie and my elder brother's music second hand ...... prog rock

[@willkirchner1918]

@@markandrews5547 Saw Peter when he was with Genesis three times in the 1970's. There are no words for how wonderful those shows were, back in the days when great bands still played small college venues. We saw them on their "Selling England By The Pound" tour in Dec. 1973 at Ft. Wayne, IN; we sat on the floor in the IUPUI Regional Ballroom about 15 feet from the stage. When the flash-bang went off at the end of Supper's Ready and his clothes flew off, I thought he had exploded!

[@LS-ly8gl]

Every time I drive past Stone Henge and across Salisbury Plain this song plays in my head.

[@charliewillis6231]

Whenever i was on exercise and on guard duty on salisbury plain this would play in my head

[@SketchesofChina]

I’ve never been a big Peter Gabriel fan but I never get tired of hearing this song.

[@loriewilliams-tf3of]

I saw him at the Spectrum in Philly around this time and the final encore was Biko... He surfed the crowd and made us jump during Shock The Monkey, but Solsbury Hill is still my favorite and he rocked us on this side of the pond as well!

[@markandrews5547]

This song -- especially this version -- is my go-to happy place.

[@jaybee9269]

Me, too!

[@Mak933]

My god. Aged 30 years. Was born just before this performance with adjectives I cannot even express. I know I'm an old soul, but damn. This is such good fucking music!

[@jperryfan]

Saw Peter in Central Park back in 1979 . Came in from the back of the aisle. Head shaved and waving to the audience. Killer show.

[@Godless_Doc]

I’ve been addicted to this song since the 80’s. No choice.

[@DaveWestGuitar]

This song always gives me goosebumps.

[@josh2Sides2]

To go from one of the biggest Prog Rock groups of all time then to go into full time SOLO works ... creating music out of the that decision a major life choice Just goes to show going #HOME was the right choice Mr Gabriel 👌

[@gavinwieland3707]

Manu Katche is such a great drummer and Tony Levin is the best bass player in rock music. Peter's among the greatest musicians in rock music as well. Love this!!!!

[@DonaldMerrit]

Having seen this song performed live several times I have to say this particular performance seems to embody the studio vocal textures of mr. Gabriel's voice. There must be a part of me that needs to be taken home? because when he sings "grab your things I've come to take you home" I feel at the same time; sad like I've been away from home, yet grateful to be acknowledged in some way it's weird I know

[@markandrews5547]

I totally get what you're saying. This song is amazingly special -- and this version especially.

[@redgamer821]

If I'm not mistaken, Peter Gabriel's live DVD's/CD's were always overdubbed with studio vocals on the official releases. He didn't use playback live, but the live vocals were replaced afterwards.

@@redgamer821 That seems to be correct. This week I've been binge-watching a lot of his performances in preparation for my gig at Nišville Jazz Festival, where I'll play my original music for the first time, and it appears that Live at Athens, Secret World Live and Growing Up Live all have overdubbed vocals and some instruments. The latter may appear so due to the use of sequencers and backing tracks...and 80s video editting 😄 But still... His concerts are THE best live performances I've ever heard, with such a vibe it's amazing. Personally I don't mind the overdubs, but as someone who's supposed to sing and play live in approximately a month, the fact that PETER GABRIEL fixed his live performances gives me anxiety 😆

[@giorgiotronconi4136]

this song would wake up the dead...

[@josh2Sides2]

In a good way or...?? 😅

[@giorgiotronconi4136]

@@josh2Sides2 of course..even Justin Bieber probably would..but i don't guarantee the final result..

[@josh2Sides2]

@@giorgiotronconi4136 somehow I think it be like something out of Micheal Jackson's Thriller but nowhere near as good ...

[@jtreedy116]

There's an angel standing in the sun...

[@davidmreyes77]

I loved the 80s because during live performance musicians got their cardio exercises in.

[@garyinman9325]

Man they put everthing they got in their stage show love watching and listening

[@BlahBleeBlahBlah]

Sound engineer absolutely nailed this mix! Peter’s vocals cut through beautifully. It shows just how great a well mastered recording can sound, even when put through KZbin’s lossy compression :-)

[@ruffian1868]

Sadly that vocal has been re-recorded. A lot of post production has been done to this (as is Gabriel's way). Still love it immensely though :)

[@todaystomsawyer]

@@ruffian1868 I was wondering that… it’s so good but it’s also too clean to be true

[@ioannisb5568]

it wasnt @@ruffian1868

[@jamestate9180]

The isolation of the vocal is just SO good that it seems there had to be some kind of post production re-record or something or some mixture. It still great either way. Obviously with it being recorded over 6 nights there probably was a blending of some takes and I see some recordings w/o an audience so that maybe explains the clarity w/o background noise.

[@sweeetly]

I just love Peter Gabriel's voice, truly unique.

[@MrBusk44]

This brings me straight back to high school.

[@markandrews5547]

For my taste, one of the most sublime moments in all of music occurs here at 2:39 as Peter begins the third stanza. Chills rock my soul.

[@lamarjohnson4576]

One for one the best singer in show business

[@bobrichmond168]

Joy beyond words, every time I hear this, no better feeling.

[@TCNHC]

I was there! An ecstatic night. A highlight of my life. Thank you Peter Gabriel for all your humanity, your message and great music from the heart ♥ 🙏✨

[@philipalford5853]

The best live version of this song.

[@AshT71494]

This is one of my favorite songs!

[@Cutter-jx3xj]

I have always loved Peter Gabriel. His live shows are the very best. Those were the days

[@elizabethcurtin4468]

Love Peter ❤

[@raceface48]

I can't stop watching this video. Something about it is mesmerizing 😳

[@bradcrawford1998]

This is such a cool song live. Is there another song EVER written better live than this, I DON'T think so. Such a classic. Love it, and Peter 😍

[@CanIbeFrank]

Where I belong by switchfoot.

[@feliperodriguez6885]

Yes it's the 80s the wardrobe and dance says it all, love the 80s.

[@iesus68]

This song is a pure expression of joy. And the Athens audience experienced it. POV video remains one of the best thing never recorded and filmed in music history

[@kevinmccaffrey6755]

The very best rendition of this song was him on David Letterman with a full orchestra also, I think the "words" are what is magical. Holding on, holding on, breaking loose

[@GreigNiven]

Who else is here because this live version was your number 1 song in the Spotify 2021 playlist? 💯🥳

[@fatman1288]

I think this is my 100th time listening to this song i prefer this live version to the studio version damn its good!

[@niciraci]

Your comment on the original studio version is what brought me to this video. Thought you should know.

[@jcamiloo]

Yes, definitely more fun to listen to than the studio version.

[@juanjosegomez11]

The "Plays Live" is, IMHO, the definitive version.

[@carlwhite3634]

What energy and coordinance

[@scary_scat3924]

I prefer the energy and dynamics of the live version too

[@xalivin]

I'am impressed by the sound quality thinking 1987 and performance... Damn son

[@panos4800]

good quality equipment existed in the 80s

[@freesoul3371]

Me too! Exactly what I was think sounds just like the album except for the improve and changes.

[@michelvanbriemen3459]

The team didn't spare any expense on this one

[@garrylaughlin112]

Please play this at my funeral

[@michelegerevini415]

One of the most memorable performance all time.

[@ahjaanhugh]

77 days of music in my music library and this is the song I choose as my ring tone.

[@beadbop]

+Hugh May You have impeccable taste in music and ring tones. Now your phone is going "Boom! Boom! Boom!" :)

[@Pat_omb]

+Hugh May This is a masterpiece. My phone going boom boom boom too :)

[@frodago66]

hahahah

[@robthesamplist]

congratulations

[@andreasposteiner1398]

Damals hst et sber no net 3 Kinder gehst desvst 1987 und wann er net drauf war dsnn hast null Ahnung do hats vieleicht von 100 1 geben der wanett drauf war i hab die Zeit miterlet wans auf Kozertgsnge bist earn 0 prozent von de zuschauer eingraucht oder suf hrroin .lsd. oder coöa hast keinen schimmer eie de 80 eahrn

[@omegaglm7475]

holy shit thats a beautiful voice

[@Lulustucru2393]

Hard to believe that this is from 1987... That quality is beyond incredible it could be a nowadays show...

[@maartenvelds1424]

Listen to the Rockpalast version of 1978 than you realise how this song was really performed. Brillant.

[@thebean9255]

Shot on film probably.

[@rawmark]

This was shot on 35mm film. And it was remastered recently for Bluray. So the letterbox is true. I have the original release on vhs and this was before they were releasing vhs tapes in letterbox so iI had to wait for the bluray release to finally see this in letterbox. I gotta tell you, this is the only concert I literally wore out the tape to.

[@lunymoony4062]

Playing games in between numbers

[@neckarsulme]

I don't know what it is, but I am re discovering the music of my youth as of late...I remember this music from my high school years, and I know I've always loved it, but for some reason it re enters my life and I appreciate it so much more.

[@billhutchison7078]

Love it, sucks getting old 😢

[@georgittesingbiel219]

This song resonants with mysticism in a big way. I listen to it almost every day. And every day another layer is peeled away and a new meaning is revealed.🙏

[@jean-francoissimard7697]

This is the beauty of music - no words can describe how it makes us feel!

[@ambertjeblue2161]

Love you Peter. Our eyes met from opposite sides of Milsom street in the early 2000's. Your gaze was so strong I felt it. Looked up and there you were. Even with my bad eyesight I recognised you. I would have come and talked to you. But you were not alone. I was the lady in the Indian blanket jacket. X

[@johntrickey4188]

I hope he read this🙏

[@jenniferlougeemingramm9206]

Always lovely 2022 Happy year to you all around the magical world 🌍

[@alexsaucedo8032]

My favorite song by him Love 💘 this jam. Perfect music and words to this great song go good together ❤. . LONG LIVE PETER 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@davidhillis6858]

Really grabs you.Lifts your spirit. Love it.

[@mikep197]

Peter's greatest song and a damn fine live version too. What a voice!

[@nulife022]

What an epic tune - loved it when I first rushed out and bought the "Car" album and it never gets old.

[@ernestogonzales4882]

Anyone listening in Jan 2020?

[@pamkellow1605]

Yes

[@darkpitcher5242]

well Feb 2020

[@johndotson298]

Listening now Feb 2020

[@johndotson298]

Te 2020

[@scottconway4914]

My favorite song

[@eliamarawacker6748]

Tower Theater, Upper Darby, Pa 1979 or 80, Peter was Incredible. Started show in the balcony. We flew up from miami, front row seats.

[@Malcolmpilling]

Saw about '84 at Hammersmith............entered the auditorium down the aisle from the foyer........banging a bass drum. Grabbed us before he started!!!

[@overtimefreak2685]

So much fun on stage....what a unforgettable summer, 1987, thirteen and alive!

[@patriciawright8786]

IF, you didn't like this & your under 70 yrs. old? I really NEVER want to meet YOU!

[@hallgeirhellan]

That voice gives me goosebumps every time,

[@ruthierochesterNY]

Here I am 40 some years later and this still rocks my world.

[@cicobuffy]

Me too!

[@squonk86]

From Rochester NY. as well and couldn't agree more...Saw Peter live over 25 times and never let me down...

[@ScottPrincePhotography]

What an amazing song, band, and voice!

[@tomcatyyz]

Best. Song. Ever.

[@somedutchguy7582]

Three gods and an archangel on stage

[@FedUpLurker]

I'm back again, that line hits deep, "grab your things I've come to take you home", oh sigh, father and son....

[@EliasMandouvalos]

Was there ! - All three days ! - If there are life changing artists, music and performances, for me that was it - Thank you Peter...

[@kostasdimakop1391]

I was there for 3 nights , like a dream !!!!

[@pustoolio]

Amazing musicians playin amazing songs while having fun, does it get better than this?, hardly.

[@jeromelachenay7852]

The best live version of his best song!!!!!!!

[@BogusawRutkowskiBodzio]

Wspinając się na wzgórze Solsbury Mogłem zobaczyć światła miasta Wiało, zatrzymał się czas Orzeł przyleciał w nocy Było to coś do zauważenia Podszedłem bliżej, usłyszałem głos Stojąc, odczuwałem ogromne zdenerwowanie Musiałem słuchać nie mając innego wyboru Nie wierzyłem przedstawionym informacjom Miałem tylko zaufać wyobraźni Moje serce zaczęło " Boom Boom Boom" "Synu", powiedział "Weź swoje rzeczy, Przyjechałem zabrać cię do domu. " Aby podtrzymać ciszę zrezygnowałem z moich przyjaciół oni myślą, że jestem pokręconym Przemieniając wodę w wino Otwarta brama wkrótce zostanie zamknięta Tak więc poszedłem z dnia na dzień. Całe moje życie było rutyną Aż pomyślałem o tym, od czego zacząć. Które połączenie należy przerwać Czułem się częścią scenerii Chodziłem jak bym był maszyną Moje serce zaczęło "Boom Boom Boom" "Synu", powiedział: "Weź swoje rzeczy Przyjechałem zabrać cię do domu. " Kiedy iluzja kręci swoją sieć Nigdy nie jestem tam gdzie. chcę być Wolność - ona kręci mną Gdy myślę, że jestem wolny Obserwuję pustą sylwetką Która zamyka oczy, ale nadal może patrzeć Brak w sprawie nauczył ich etykiety Ukażę innego mnie Dziś nie potrzebuję zamiennika (fałszywego ja) Pokażę im, co oznacza uśmiech na mej twarzy Moje serce zaczęło "Boom Boom Boom" "Cześć" powiedziałem : "Możesz zatrzymać moje rzeczy, już idą po mnie, zabrać mnie do domu. Zabierzcie mnie do domu"

[@gerryd1953]

To me this song has always had religious connotations. God coming down to take us away from our suffering and take us to heaven. I’d like this to be playing as I die

[@MrBiggoolie]

This takes me back 10 years to when out youngest son was 18 and having a bad time at university, we went up to Dundee and got him out of there.

[@whitiscool1]

one of my favorite all time songs. amazing

[@julienbiquillon6677]

J'adore cette chanson de Peter Gabriel

[@mariazimmerman8948]

he is a genius. happy and sad song at the same time. I had a friend who's boss was biking and was hit by a car and killed, and they played this song at the funeral. so I guess it goes both ways.

[@manpreetsinghsaluja8826]

one of my favorite all time songs. amazing What a great frigging song. He is a genius.... I love how the keyboardist has a Commodore 64 as part of his setup

[@fink3y]

Pretty sure that's a Fairlight CMI.

[@ruthierochesterNY]

I’m giving my age away but I first bought this on 8 track in the 70s. One of two purchased 8 tracks (Jeff Beck was the other), the rest I recorded my vinyl onto blanks. When I went to cassette I didn’t have the vinyl for this so it never migrated. I finally purchased a CD. Yesterday. I decided I can no longer do without this in my hard copy library.

[@lunymoony4062]

Peter's really enjoying himself heer.... great to watch & listen to

[@thomasdequincey5811]

I love this song. A song about rebirth and belief in oneself. Those 80's instruments are shocking though.

[@squonk86]

Without a doubt the best solo performer out there and saw him over 25 times and each concert was better then the last.. Liked when he started to wear the mic over his head and the mic was near his mouth and could let him run around and even go in the audience and sing Lay your hands on me as he was being passed around and I was fortunate enough to have that experience..