Peter Gabriel - Biko (Live) 1980 DayOne Reacts

[@SilverBoxStudios]

I was at the show back in June 1986 at the meadowlands. It was an all day concert featuring bands like Sting, U2, and performers, like Joni Mitchell and Miles Davis when Peter Gabriel Took the stage and belt it out this performance I can tell you was life-changing, not just for my self for thousands of us in the crowd. And when he told croud, the rest is up to you and then walked away. I swear we continued singing for another 15 minutes. I don't care what your politics are, people hurting other people could never be accepted. That's the lesson we took away from the show.

[@soupsyz-themusicaladventur1649]

A100 years from now the world will remember Peter Gabriel for who he was and what he had to say. He is a standout great in our time of history. Red Rain is falling down around us all.

[@marlew6629]

Gabriel's performances of Biko are some of the most powerful rock performances ever seen. Peter Gabriel was and is a huge activist

[@suebee0619]

He did it as one of his multiple encores when I saw his Secret World tour in Philly and it was amazing. The sound of an entire audience singing “Biko, Biko, because Biko” still gives me goosebumps.

[@kellahella5286]

At 74 yrs old, he still closes his concerts with this.

[@MisterWondrous]

September '77...Steven Biko dies. 1980 Peter Gabriel's protest song of his death is making sure he is never forgotten. A few years later, Joan Baez would sing Biko at my graduation, where Madiba Mandela and Bishop Tutu had also spoken. The pressure brought change. Not a pretty song, so much as a powerful song that moved the world. "...and the eyes of the world are watching now."

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

Wow, that must have been a powerful moment at your graduation. Hopefully it inspired your classmates to go into the world and work for change.

[@jacobjones5269]

Apartheid was swept away from S. Africa within a decade of release..

[@carl65ca]

Peter Gabriel did a series of concerts with Amnesty International in the 1980's along with Tracy Chapman and some other stars.

[@MisterWondrous]

I caught him with Amnesty and the Boss at RFK in Philly in '87.

[@qtpwqt]

I saw this tour in Toronto with K.D Lang

[@DavidB-2268]

The 1987 movie Cry Freedom, starring Denzel Washington as Biko, and Kevin Kline as the white reporter who risked his life to bring Biko's story to the world is well worth watching.

Everyone should see this film. I remember the anti-apartheid movement and the absolute JOY generated across the USA and the ENTIRE WORLD especially South Africa when Mandela was released. A highlight of my life.

[@sr2551]

Oh my god!!!!! Stephen Biko was one of the most influential leaders of all time. He was integral in ending aparthied!!! The song tears the heart out, if you know the story. This younger generation has to get educated.

[@billgatt7816]

His voice is like no other very intriguing just so smooth

[@robt7199]

A human rights anthem as powerful now as it was then,,,,

[@bdmention]

There's only a handful of songs that put a shiver up my spine. This is one of them.

[@scotmax8426]

a song can NEVER be TOO political. look to the arts. therein lives truth.

[@ThePentagenarian]

Steven Biko - South African Activist during Apartheid that was murdered by the police. This song damn near unified the world against Apartheid in South Africa. Read. Please. History cannot be forgotten. Especially THIS history.

[@scotmax8426]

nice reaction. but it made me sad. as an 11 year old in Scotland, I knew who steve biko was, i knew who mandela was and i knew who the plo were. we were aware! at a very young age. this was a moment. this was very important. and for someone of his position to do this . . . speaks volumes of his character.

[@garyarnett1220]

😏 So glad younger people remember. Keep trying for change.

[@garywilson2534]

Wow why even react to this without finding out about the subject, some Americans live in a bubble. Sorry but im offended by this reaction......It's only because of people like Peter gabrial U2 simple minds Paul weller and the specials I became socially aware of persicution and racism and became supporter of amnesty int. I was 12 years old. I'm 55 now and sadly the world never learns but we must keep trying. Please educate yourself or just stay in the dark chasing likes😢😢

[@Buddha-of8fk]

This actually happened to Steven Biko. South Africa was horrible back then. Sad.

[@johnbrowne2170]

It's worse now if you're white.

[@vrvaughn]

His voice always gives me chills on this song… To really appreciate this song’s context I think you need to know some history of South Africa and the civil rights movement there and here in the 2nd half and tail end of the 20th Century.

[@darthmoll2u]

Peter Gabriel is one of the great artists. He's written way more than one or two different songs that will be remembered and he always comes up with something different. No sound alike, say nothing songs from Gabriel. All his work is well worth checking out. And so much of it will not be forgotten.

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

It might help if you looked up Steven Biko and what he did and what he stood for.. Peter Gabriel was at the height of his fame so this brought what happened in South Africa in 77 to a much wider western audience..l will be honest and say before this song I'd never heard of Steve Biko..because of Apartheid we rarely heard much from South Africa..but this did kick start change..a few yrs later The Specials AKA sang a song called Free Nelson Mandela and U2 also had a hit with Mandela day ..these shone a bright light onto Apartheid and the South African government and the 27 yrs of incarceration of Mandela. Over 20.000 people attended the funeral of Steve Biko even though they had been warned by the government not to.. Gabriel still has very strong political views..he stands up for what he believes is right even though it might not be popular at the time..🇬🇧💕✝️🙏🇺🇸

[@scotmax8426]

absolutely

[@mikecaetano]

Also "Sun City" by Artists United Against Apartheid, led by Steven Van Zandt, aka Little Steven, aka Miami Steve, aka Silvio Dante on The Sopranos, aka Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band colleague. The video for the song is packed full of cameos including Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Run-DMC, George Clinton, Keith Richards, Jimmy Cliff, Gil Scott-Heron and a dozen other rock and hip-hop stars.

[@susannewitt6112]

Please do never forget Steven Biko

[@CaptainGuntu]

You can blow out a candle, but you can't blow out a fire.

[@PB...]

-We can see a classic scene with this song, on the TV show "Miami Vice" in the 1980's, (in last scene of the episode: 'Evan')

[@ketatgenhorst]

This is one of my favorite songs, I was 9 when it was new. It put me on a path of politics and civil rights. There's a fantastic version he did as a "song around the world" if you ever watched those. An artist plays a song and people around the world contribute recordings to make it an international ensemble. A lot of great songs done like that. Any way, great song and this review helped me notice your page.

[@michaelwendt5865]

Then learn it! It's THE Peacefighter on that time against apartheid!

[@stevebinning977]

Another Peter Gabriel song on a similar theme is "Wallflower", well worth a listen.

[@Caambrinus]

Good as this is, see his performance of _Biko_ at Live Aid (Concert for Africa, 1985).

[@jld593]

When he did this VERY few people knew of Stephen Biko. No movie. No internet. Gabriel brought a great deal of attention to something someone neglected.

[@rk41gator]

Peter closed his recent show tour with this song and the crowd reacted the same way. Sadly, it would be another 10 years after this concert in 1980 before apartheid in South Africa was dead. (this was less a song for radio than a protest song to raise awareness and increase pressure to end apartheid and all its horrors for black So. Africans)

[@BennoHaas]

It is about South African anti-apartheid activist Stephen Biko who was killed in 1977. It is worth checking out the album version just to hear the mourners singing at Biko's funeral; they sing at the beginning of the song and again if you wait until after the music at the very end of the song. Powerful and emotional song.

[@peter-h8s2z]

Stephen Biko was an anti aparthied protester in South Africa. He protested against the white supremist regime in his Country and was arrested, tortured and killed by Police. Gabriel received many death threats if he dared to perform the song (which he also sang in South Africa), Biko was a very brave and noble man but, then again so was Peter Gabriel for daring to perform the song in the very Country where aparthied was so rife.

[@guyjiminjapan9824]

Still spellbinding, still relevant.

[@johnathanstruble1064]

The rabbit hole that is Peter Gabriel should be explored...try ant live performance from Sectet World tourr.!

[@rouguy1972]

Always loved this one❤

[@peckish_tooth6515]

Still. Just. As. Powerful. ...as the day I first heard it.

[@jeffzuiderveen7266]

if she had known WHO the song was about, she would have had an entirely different opinion about it

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

This is one of those examples of when music can actually change the world. The white minority Afrikaners in South Africa ruled the strictly segregated nation with an iron fist in a system known as Apartheid (Apartness). The leaders of the anti-Apartheid movement, Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and Stephen Biko were fearless and tireless in their struggle. But it wasn't until members of the music industry started to bring the matter to the world stage that change was made. Understandable that it's not what most people would add to their daily playlist, but it is a highly moving and powerful piece. Gabriel ends every concert with this song, and the words -- the rest is up to you -- and leaves the audience singing as the band exits. Some other songs of the anti-Apartheid movement are "Scatterlings of Africa," by Johnny Clegg and Savuka of the band Juluka (multi-racial band in a nation where it was illegal for blacks and whites to perform together); "Beware, Verwoerd! (Ndodemnyama)" by Harry Belafonte; "Black President" by Brenda Fassie; "It's Wrong" by Stevie Wonder; and "Sun City" by Steven Van Zandt.

[@scotmax8426]

sun city was another major moment!

[@marlew6629]

Spot on. This reactors was too lazy to learn or care

[@MisterWondrous]

Beautiful synopsis to a sad yet hopeful chapter.

[@JeffEzra]

Johnny Clegg as well

[@COLINWARD-v3y]

I think Peter Gabriel is a talented artiste and this song has an important message-Colin Ward

[@kevinmyers6838]

Saw this in Liverpool the Tour of China 84 .

[@stephengreen506]

There was a film made about Steven biko I think. I'm sure it was called cry freedom.

[@rollomaughfling380]

04:44 OMG some ass threw a toilet roll during this song!

[@peter-h8s2z]

I was disappointed and not a little angry about your reaction to 'Biko'. You started your comments when you saw the introduction with " Is this a fundraiser" (Obviously you have never heard of Amnesty International which I find incredible). Your only reaction while it played was "I like the bagpipes" and at the finish you stated you knew nothing about the content. I bet you haven't even researched Stephen Biko the man who died for your African cousins and suffered terribly beforehand. As an African American you should know that Biko played a huge part in giving you much of the respect and freedoms that all people with African origins enjoy today. You should learn about him and tell your children about him ! This isn't a song to "Put on your phone" it is both a protest and a tribute to a brave man who stood up and died for his black brothers and sisters. Obviously wasted on you !

[@davidmccarty1876]

Peter Gabriel has been around since the 70's when he was the lead singer for Genesis. His solo work is groundbreaking as it reshaped the concept of rhythmic patterns in music. He is a global treasure. Here is a suggestion for you to try something new and different. The British band Elbow has a song called KIndling Fickle Flame, It is a duet between the bands lead singer Guy Garvey and an American singer John Grant. It is simply one of the most beautiful songs ever written and it will send chills down your spine when you hear it. Even if you do not react to it, give it a listen.

[@froggyluv]

This is a sad take. nobody cares if you put this in your phone. You could tell the song had zero effect as you looked totally blank and thats sad. Educate yourself next time and learn what a great Man Stephen Biko remembering who gave his life for his South African Brothers and Sisters.

[@AnthonyWhite-b3y]

💯💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🤞🤞👍👍

[@hectorsmommy1717]

Those weren't bagpipes, it was a synthesizer.

[@annetopma6177]

Watch also the movie "Cry Freedom" ...

[@2110jacko]

You didn't even know he was a person?? WTF is wrong with you??

[@grudzz7049]

Stand up africa..stand up..

[@mikecaetano]

"Yihla moja, yihla moja" translates as "Come spirit, come spirit", calling his spirit to infuse the anti-Apartheid movement. The studio recording of the song begins with "Ngomhla sibuyayo", a South African anti-apartheid folk song that was sung at Biko's funeral.

[@alshipman2114]

Your failure to care about the message of this song comes across as very shallow

[@johnbrowne2170]

Fair assessment.

[@davids2096]

To respond to your reaction, you are so transparent and honest! Needless to say, that is very refreshing with all the nonsense we have to weed out from our lives! I agree with the sentiment you have about the song as well! See you all on Wednesday! Ciao!

[@dwightphelps5096]

I am so surprised you don't know this man is singing about who was a black man that died for black freedom in South Africa that Peter Gabriel is singing about.You need to study more history about black South African history. You appear to be taking a stance that the wording to you is irrelevent...WRONG...it's what the song is all about.

[@garyarnett1220]

Don't know this tune, but Gabriel. as always nails it. World music 44 years ago?

[@mikecaetano]

Yep. Also from 1980 check out Talking Heads Remain in Light album.

[@finowa]

I was gonna say 1980 wasn't 44 years ago... But holy shit it was

[@hollybeat6901]

Hey Angela..sorry to go off subject but I just saw a movie and it reminded me of something..if you like sax, check out "the wanderer" by Dion😊

[@Orielzolrak]

No, no put in your phone. If you're not going to get into who Stephen Biko was, it's not even worth commenting on anything. Go ahead and continue your path of straight hair... greetings

[@guitarman8462]

Has anyone Angela told you that your vibrato in your voice is great? 🎤 👍

[@arizonafarang4034]

Not feeling this at all!!

[@davids2096]

My favorite by him is In Your Eyes! This one is too political! That brings a lot of controversy into the picture because not everyone will be on the same page! Maybe one day we will all be truly happy and have peace without inflicting pain on anyone! Bye you all!

[@marlew6629]

There is no controversy. The South African Government was instigating Apartheid and killing black south Africans.

[@marlew6629]

Another lazy reactor who doesn't even do her research on the song Biko about a black South African tortured and killed. She just wants fun songs with no meaning.

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

You are very judgemental..its clear if you watch the beginning she says oh Steve Biko is real..she didn't know it was about Steve Biko and to do research..l am sure she will now go and find more information out about him and what happened..

[@marlew6629]

@@kimmarievan-ever6599 Lol. You idiot. No she won't. It wasn't inferred by her at all.

[@marlew6629]

@@deeperanddown yeah it would be too much for her superficial brain, hud dude.

[@keithhart3689]

Do you even understand what this song is about, or are just brand dead?