Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer (Live in Athens 1987) HD

In October 1987, after many months on the road, it was in the elevated surroundings of the hillside open-air theatre at Lycabettus overlooking Athens, that the "So" tour came to a climactic close.
The three nights were filmed in what was the first-ever Peter Gabriel concert to be committed to film.
As a concert film, it was brilliantly shot and has now been equally brilliantly remastered, a crystal-clear record of Gabriel and band in their mid-80s pomp. The viewer is placed right in the heart of the action all the way, from the band's synchronised choreography on opening number "This Is The Picture", right through to the skin-pricking closer "Biko". In between, we're lost in music, spellbound by the spectacle, totally absorbed by the imperfection-free tightness of a band that's been on the road for so long.
The performance footage shot by Michael Chapman has been dusted off for a second coming, with more than 150 reels of the original 35mm negatives painstakingly restored, digitised and remixed in 5.1 surround sound. Now available on DVD, the result goes by the name of Live In Athens 1987.
Read more & buy: petergabriel.co...
Live in Athens tracklisting:
This Is The Picture
San Jacinto
Shock The Monkey
Family Snapshot
Intruder
Games Without Frontiers
No Self Control
Mercy Street
The Family And The Fishing Net
Don't Give Up
Solsbury Hill
Lay Your Hands On Me
Sledgehammer
Here Comes The Flood
In Your Eyes
Biko
Quiet And Alone

[@twinhueyman]

We as a species did not deserve the 80s. It was a gift from the universe.

[@greglbennett]

I grew up in the 1970s and 80s and when people ask me what was different about the 80s I tell them, "It wasn't really much different than any other time except that it was the time I was growing up. Everyone thinks the time they grew up was better than than any other time."

[@michaelthomas366]

The good old 80's!

[@Yes-gz9qs]

You can safely throw todays commercial music in the bin. This is amazing and Mr Levin on bass is bad ass. The whole band is incredible 🤯

[@Heisenberg_Zordon]

Modern music lacks art. It is adapting to the likings and muses of the people. But most of it is babble nonsense. They just don't drop gems like this song anymore.

[@lisawilliams2013]

The 80’s were f*cking fabulous. That is all.

[@chrisf153]

Absolutely, I was the happiest man alive, and the music was a big part of that. My wife and I played the So album to death. She was a lisa too. 😊

[@elvenking62]

One of the greatest pop songs of all time

[@marklenox]

I stand in awe in 2024! Gets my mojo going! His live performances are epic.

[@andrew36345]

Peter made sure that if you didn't know what the song was about, you'd fully understand after this performance

[@joethelion6016]

Yes, sheer joy for a young girl back then ..... 🥳

[@Myamirah]

Ohhhhhh !

[@Fragrantbeard]

I have never, ever really listened to the lyrics before and I'm cackling just watching him. Subtle!

[@chaddevlin8545]

ya, the meaning is about as subtle as a...sledgehammer.

[@claudioolate2516]

1:57 ah? 🤨🤨🤔🤔uh?.... Oh....😏😏

[@tjfett4776]

Ohhhh so that’s what this song is about lol 😂 simply the best

[@ryleytrottier5420]

Clearly the band Genesis have blessed us with two of the greatest songwriters and artists of all time: Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins! ❤

[@jamesschaidt1096]

Yep. 🎼🔥😀

[@fantasticlooper]

Die meisten früheren Genesis Werke stammen nicht von Phil Collins, sondern von Banks und Rutherford.

[@camiforsell683]

Exactly - What gifts to humanity they are …

[@kostasdimakop1391]

I was in this concert and it was one of the most beautiful nights of my life! I was 18 years old ...

[@nuracaicedo2632]

I was 13 year's old in 1987... I love it till now I'm 48... Peter Gabriel 2023🌍♥️😜

[@Thinkforwardnow]

Me too! We had the goods all through our school years. The early 90s in high school had great music also. We graduated before it went to garbage.

[@SusanValley-yj8vh]

Peter Gabriel was ALWAYS so odd. How could you not love it.

[@dougmasters4561]

Brother so confident about it too, like 'no no, this is what cool looks like'

[@Debi-rd8mf]

🙄Odd? 🤔No. ♫♪ 🥰♫♪ MR. PETER GABRIEL is an Extremely Multi-Talented Unique ♫♪ Musical IndividuaL! ♫♪😍💝😘

[@albo3music]

@@Debi-rd8mf Nothing wrong with being odd x)

[@22RosesGrow]

​@@albo3music🎉

[@jazzlover1423]

You cannot call youself and bass player and not study this song. One of the tightest grooves out there.

[@squidboii]

Yup

[@RENPEARLE]

Funky....

[@nebziened8132]

Agree!

[@Andrew-fs6wd]

Tony Levin fucking kills this song on every live version I've seen. They definitely bump him up on the live mixes vs. the studio version

[@I_am_Groot_0122]

This song so easily holds up through time! Agree with the TL bass tracks… thick and beautiful!

[@DavidMcbrady]

Music was so good back then

[@Sarah.Riedel]

I will never in my entire life be as cool as that guitarist and bass player

[@memphetic]

Look up Liquid Tension Experiment - Acid Rain. It's something newer featuring the same bassist.

[@superpotiron]

The guitarist looks so happy and nice

[@Heisenberg_Zordon]

I was only half there. I bought the Steinberger Spirit II (not sure if it's an original Spirit) headless guitar, and soon after, I sold it. It's unique and truly the selling point to his coolness.

[@millymolly696]

The video is so clear 👍

[@tiaanengelbrecht]

Peter is in top form in this, but MAN Tony Levin is just at absolute chad status here. The groove, the attitude, the vibe is just immaculate

[@nuracaicedo2632]

Peter Gabriel Phil Collins ♥️😜

[@jamesschaidt1096]

On point...this is incendiary. 🎼🔥

[@Desmondbrowne666]

It’s overdubbed

[@jamesschaidt1096]

@@Desmondbrowne666 So ? Only a handful of "live" Lps are actually "live". The Who live at Leeds is one that's the real deal.

[@gustavoleguizamon6270]

​@@jamesschaidt1096I've been watching this video for a couple of years and never notice that. Why I notice today?

[@marie-helenemartel7147]

Tooonyyyyyyyyy !!!

[@coryorcutt4528]

This is why I love YT still. Because no matter what, you can find old gems like this, that were a once in lifetime experience!

[@gregoroque]

that bass.. damn.. absolutely pivotal

[@BrightKelly19]

No one who has seen him live is in ANY doubt that this song is beautiful filth.

[@tjfett4776]

It is disgusting how brilliant this song is. It’s so amazing, I play it damn near every single day. It’s too damn perfect

[@jennyflan]

I saw him on this tour in Birmingham when I was a university student. Big fan but remember thinking he was a bit like an embarrassing dad dancing about. Now I look at it he looks like a gorgeous young man. The mysteries of time!

[@Lukronius]

That is so funny! I’m just watching this thinking “he’s absolutely beautiful” the entire time. To think there were those thinking “what an old grandpa hobbling about the stage” back then is hilarious!!

[@Pizzageek-jc4xp]

he's always been beautiful

[@Kellyd2024]

1:11 From now on I enter a Room like that

[@Daniel_R.B]

Mine is 3:48

[@MS-dz1di]

Mine is 4:24 when I enter the club after the f***ing corona pandemie is over

[@francespeto3305]

Too funny! It's 4am EST and I am laughing out loud! Good one guys🤣

[@brianpalmer2057]

It does not get any more awesome than 80s Peter Gabriel and Peter Gabriel no matter the decade

[@lizarddronedude3617]

The most uniquely original artist ever

[@joethelion6016]

Not only a phenomenal musician, vocalist and songwriter but extraordinarily physically attractive too. Phwoaaaaar.

[@Lukronius]

He’s so pretty!!

[@reinodjanghardt8604]

Really? I always thought this song was sorta ironic considering I thought he looked kinda gross.

[@joethelion6016]

Gross? 😆 You must be a bloke, he's one of the best looking men of that era. Green eye 😉

[@EdelSvenningsen-qj5iq]

The 80 havet all the best songs ever

[@CJTKRTHOME]

Who ever mixed this is AMAZING. The vocals are CLEAN AF.

[@Sicram]

I think the vocals have been recorded afterwards. They don't sync up at some points.

[@johnkerrigan6748]

Obviously you missed the show, mate…

[@gregoryplat]

Great live. One of the best live shows I experienced.

[@Travelin_Man]

This song helped me quit smoking. Whenever I would get a nic fit I would just put this video on and it would be gone by the end. Plus the kicked the habit part really hit home. Thanks Peter!

[@pamelaadams6290]

lol

[@Travelin_Man]

@@pamelaadams6290 😂

[@bastardokid]

It worked for me too man, just instead of cigs it was Maryjane xd

[@liamliosmyth]

Hahahahahaah

[@khairulnazammansoor3498]

Follow it through with celibacy to really kick THE habit.

[@jeremypr]

I was 7 when this concert was going on.......my dad rocked Peter Gabriel all day everyday......gosh I wish I was there now at 43 yrs old.

[@Lukronius]

We’re the same age, mate. Totally feel you on this!

[@TheMichaelBeck]

It was an amazing experience to grow up in the 80s and graduate high school in '86. We were spoiled by such incredible musicians.

[@Oppenheimer1968]

agreed-"86 was the year!

[@TheMichaelBeck]

@@Oppenheimer1968 You know it! I turned 18 June 1st, graduated June 6th, and took my oath an left for basic and AIT at Ft Knox on June 16th. For the next 16 weeks, no music! When we had progressed enough to go to the PX and have a cheese burger on a Sunday for an hour or two, the burger place had a video jukebox. "Walk This Way!" & "Venus" over and over again. Banarama for obvious reasons. 😂 I absolutely loved basic and AIT. It's tough for some guys. It was like summer camp with weapons and TANKS! Who were your favorite bands? ✌

[@TheMichaelBeck]

@@Oppenheimer1968 And MTV & VH1 ACTUALLY played awesome music videos! Cheers!

[@TheMichaelBeck]

Best bass song of all time. Tony Levin is the man. Him, Pino Pallidino, Mark King, and Sting are my favs. We were blessed to have these guys on our radios when we were in HS back in the 80s.

[@ispinozist7941]

This should have millions of views and millions of likes. Brilliant!

[@jamesschaidt1096]

True but... millions of ppl don't know jack about what real music is these days.

[@thhelleberg]

The bass went out for a smoke after this performance.

[@tjenadonn6158]

This song was secretly written from Tony's thumb to his Stingray.

[@nd5301]

забавно, что в русском языке есть точно такое же выражение.. У нас еще говорят "нервно курит в сторонке" ))

[@TheGreatAlan75]

Why did it take me 35 years to appreciate this song?

[@TCNHC]

I was there on that night. 35 years later I'm watching this video and I can still feel the ecstatic atmosphere in the amphitheater of Lykavitos. And Peter and his band mates were in perfect form. Once in a lifetime expirience!

[@jenniferboucher8099]

@Yanni H.-Awesome! Lucky you!

[@spyridonvasileiou7931]

I was there too ... early October 1987. Thirty-five years+. Freshman at the Athens University of Economics. My first live concert ever and perhaps one of the best, if not THE BEST. Peter Gabriel and his team were out of this world. Amazing performance. Thank you!

[@joykunath4528]

Soo lucky. Wish I was there. Wat a song!

[@panosp72]

was there too! he was also filming some live, so we went for a second day for free.

[@trefwoordpunk2225]

A shame everything you're hearing here was recorded in the studio. Fake live.

[@patriciaroberts100]

Your presence on stage has changed over the years Peter.

[@lesblack8996]

Yes ..... for the better 😋

[@therealdoug1000]

Off one of the best albums of the 80's. Perhaps one of the best of all time.

[@mikebyrd8278]

Still puts on a great show 40 years later

[@Debi-rd8mf]

👁 envy his stamina! 🏆🥇BRAVO!

[@teresak8393]

I've always Ben a @petergabriel fan ever since I first saw this video on MTV. Wish I could travel back to the 80s again ,and Jam at this concert with @petergabriel & his amazing band . Who else wants to travel back to the 80s with me & rock out to his amazing concert ?!!!!!!! ❤️💋🔥🎸💃💃💃💃💃💃💃

[@thedessertrose1]

I was there too!!! All three nights!!! It was magical !!!!

[@NoiseArcade]

Epic!

[@masoudltf]

Tony Levin on bass WOOOOOOW

[@aidanearl8968]

Definetly one of the greatest male vocalists of all time

[@toxicity0236]

@@greenlighttransport8320 I have no idea what made you think that lol but he is definitely not

[@uncle6300]

He obviously lip syncing

[@JakobKenda]

@@toxicity0236 how is he harmonizing with himself? where are the female backup singers? why is there no pop in the microphone? why does his voice sound the same at different distances from the microphone?

[@KillerVybz]

@@JakobKenda I think In the actual performance he isn’t but since this is the DVD re-release it’s been overdubbed so it sounds better and louder

[@petersonlafollette3521]

Reminds me of Steve Winwood- immediate drop into a deep powerful groove...

[@luislanza5477]

completely domination of the stage.

[@ellenknell3249]

Gabriel puts on the best concert performances then anyone I've seen.

[@janetgarces3506]

Prince was right up there.

[@kevinortiz602]

You should check up James Brown in his prime

[@f.valguarnera1486]

Legendary bass part. Legendary performance.

[@Zach_Beebe]

Levin is a personal hero of mine. Nothing like a good bass player.

[@justoutoftime511]

Check out his interview with Rick Beato that was just posted on YT.

[@Zach_Beebe]

@@justoutoftime511 thanks

[@georgebegbie6725]

and the keyboardist... such mastery and beautiful syncopation... AND he looks like it's the best day of his life :D

[@qnoorani]

most distinctive male voice ever

[@grosenberg68]

Manu Katché killing it on drums. Awesome pocket

[@alwaysknewtowearitwellfanc3650]

Mercy! What times we had! Love it! I kicked the habit, too!

[@scottscott232]

Absolutely great to see keyboardist David Sancious - I first came across his amazing talents when he performed with Sting. He's a bloody excellent lead guitarist too. Super multi-talented Mr Sancious.

[@chrisweber7460]

I miss this magic from these music today. Peter was really hynpnotic this time, he had so much energy at live acts. He made incredible unconventional music against all mainstreams. I miss this time and i am happy to watch all these bands!

[@OldWhitebelly]

I've been a massive fan of PG since about 1971, and still am. But this tour was the first one where he was clearly using pre-recorded tracks, and it bummed me out. Still does. It hadn't been that many years since ELO was lambasted for doing the same thing. These days, damn near everything you hear at many concerts is a track, sadly. No minidisc and no synth will ever smoke like a horn section smokes.

[@carlchilders9538]

This is one of a million awesome songs from the 1980's. How many awesome songs have come from the 2010's and 2020's??? Zero. Why is that?

[@lindamears1194]

I first saw Peter Gabriel with Genesis when I was 13. They were brilliant. I have loved Peter ever since. Been lucky to have seen him live. The man is magnificent.

[@patphelan5824]

Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant ❤❤❤

[@alexeyb8511]

Were very good concerts in the ' 80s, when we were all still so young. I want back in 1987!

[@TheRealHucasys]

This tour is by far my favorite, it's not the one I saw, and all are amazing, but the versions of these songs, this band, and the version of No Self Control...., I could watch this eternally.

[@dannyh5937]

This man was so revolutionary

[@bakolasd1]

i was there, fabulous performance

[@ga984]

Sound of bass guitar is ultimate!

[@stonewall3041]

Prerecorded. Dude is not playing that bass.

[@peterresetz1960]

@stonewall3041, The ignorant must shout it out to the World to what you are. You're either on psychedelic drugs, or your brain is just smooth. Tony Levin when on stage, in a live performance, actually plays his bass guitar. You're a hopeless fool if you believe that this is a pre-recorded performance. Although I do believe that you are not someone who plays a stringed instrument. And playing air guitar does not count.

[@mr_bassman6685]

@@stonewall3041 What? Why would a professional bassist like *Tony Levin* fake it on stage?

[@pCeLobster]

You do realize that concert videos like this are made from video and audio from multiple shows right?? It's well known that the video is not necessarily an exact match to what you're hearing.

[@ga984]

​@@pCeLobster Just wanna say Tony Levin is DEMI GOD!

[@panoseddie9975]

Yes i'm very happy and proud i was there these nights and saw the mighty Gabriel live

[@katherinesingleton5684]

One hell of a song!!!!! Still sounds the same today live. Mr. Gabriel is an incredible talent. 😌 The band is amazing. So great!!! Wow!

[@d3lt452]

Tony Levin dancing is a thing I needed and I didn't even know. Gotta love Papa Bear

[@ZtlaMusic]

the energy in this version, especially at the end is unreal!

[@Generationrhino]

The harry styles one...good guy all yea..but hes very flat

[@weedaveanderson]

The drummer is absolutely tremendous

[@mattward6904]

Well if you didn’t know what this song was about before, you do now lol. Those moves….😆

[@TheIsambard82]

Goodness me, the fruit cage moves...!

[@aleksanderzygmunt2]

36 years passed by, nothing changed, the same energy still there.

[@bassplayer9432]

Iconic bassline!

[@EdelSvenningsen-qj5iq]

Love Peter Gabriels songs❤😊

[@kinneyclausnitzer2791]

Yeah this song is deff one of a kind and the bass player and bass riffs are insane that guy is really amazing

[@clanwaddell5628]

Tony Levin from King Crimson. Only bass player Gabriel will work with

[@SirPhilMcCrackinVonBeggington]

Tony has done much more impressive work than King Crimson... case in point Peter Gabriel.

[@ArtGuitarLTX]

kinney clausnitzer he also plays with Liquid Tension Experiment. A lot different than this but he still grooves and has amazing bass chops. 👍👍🤓🤓

[@crystalc1ear]

Levin

[@achaille9110]

And, what a snappy dresser, too. Nothing but ultra-coolness!

[@TvMacfly]

this song is set in stone !!!

[@ryanhunter130]

Whenever I think of Peter Gabriel this is the visage that springs to mind first...this how he'll always be to me. In all his triumphant 80's glory :)

[@fharper18]

This is peak 80's.

[@cindybrawner8159]

Peter was so cute here.

[@Draveniced]

Well what can I say, this is a masterpiece. PERIOD.

[@ozmomine8029]

My dad was watching this tour in Helsinki and he still thinks that it was one of the best concerts he has ever seen!

[@TomasLjung-jj5dp]

Peter showing his best of gifts in music sing a long must say Bravissimo ☆☆☆☆☆

[@sweetdreamscr]

He is so weird, I love him 😊

[@JustLor7777]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥EYE L❤️VE THIS SONG🔥🔥🔥This song is for EwE,🔥🔥🔥🔥EyE FriggiN FuckinG LovE EwE hun💥🔥🔥🔥❤️🔥🔥🔥

[@sweetpings]

I was born in 1970. And this song was HUGE on Long Island during High School.

[@zvucnjak]

Wow, Tony Levin *and* Manu Katché? What a combo!!

[@georgebegbie6725]

Terrific band!!! :D

[@bigone6814]

What about the incredible David Rhodes whose guitar piece on Secret World puts a chill down my spine and a huge smile on my face, every time I hear it? Then there's David Sancious on keyboards who's.. I think you meant to say what an amazing group of musicians lead by one of the greatest since the 1970s. I will never tire from hearing any of their stuff.

[@secretbase7473]

World class musicians the lot of them.

[@josephreynolds1220]

Big bottom.

[@LoriD-tn3lg]

Damn this is a banger.

[@bingowings65]

Good grief - how much talent can one person have!! Mind blown.

[@MeMoSLV]

You are SUPER COOL! Like this song so much!

[@daliacorreia3085]

Great music video, lyrics, melody/music!

[@woodardkaleb7676]

Peter Gabriel : un genio ! Peter was so cute here.

[@Europeanfriends]

40 years ahead of his time ! Pure eargasm

[@KatieCooper1990]

Can't believe I'm going to see Peter Gabriel live in June! I cannot wait. Seeing Peter live was at the top of my dream concert list and now I finally get the opportunity to see the i/o tour! I was jumping around the room when I bought my ticket haha.

[@julienbee3467]

Where is the concert ?

[@bebem6175]

Lucky girl!

[@AcesHighParrots]

Fretless Stingray with pick, octaver and chorus. BBBBOOOOOM

[@The_Cyberz]

He still sounds great, just saw a video of him performing this recently. Still does that goofy sledgehammer dance 😂

[@MaxMercuryAnonymous]

That is some dope synthesized marimba. Like, seriously. That takes the song from like a hot chocolate to a mango nectar as far as richness is concerned

[@TheGNexus]

It's rare that I break out into applause at the end of a video. I couldn't help myself. They're still looking strangely at me at the Cheesecake Factory.

[@kennedycandidolira5886]

Classic internetional Forever Peter Gabriel 👏👏👏👏👏

[@steveclarkgreekfan]

ONE OF THE GREATEST PERFORMERS EVER!!!!

[@nuracaicedo2632]

Yes 🥰

[@danielseasons4410]

He’s not performing, it’s obvious he’s lip syncing

[@carolbegley7765]

I didn’t know what the song was about, but do now after seeing those hip movements Mr Gabriel you are so talented and hot ❤not forgetting the band 👏👏

[@PwnageMethodGaming]

When I build my time travel machine this is one of the concerts I’ll be going to