Rappers React To Peter Gabriel "Sledgehammer"!!!

[@scottmatzeder9162]

The video for this song won a bunch of awards because of it animation! One of the biggest radio hits of it own era!

[@TheCornishCockney]

Hugely massive but I preferred Big Time and Steam. Bangers both but still love Sledgehammer.

[@liddybird3608]

Yeah. Watch the clay nation video version.

[@SuperAnatolli]

And one of the best lyrics ever!

[@redfog42]

The animation was fabtastic.

[@darryldouglas6004]

OMG Billy Don’t be a Hero?! That crappy song pops into my brain uninvited occasionally. 😃

[@douglasg.9271]

Peter Gabriel was the lead singer of genesis. He wanted to be more theatrical with his music. When he left genesis, they considered hiring a new lead singer, but “settled” for Phil Collins. I think they did ok. 🙂

[@jksgameshelf3378]

Technically, they didn't 'settle' for Phil. Because Peter wore so many masks in his theatrics during concerts, Phil sang a lot of Peter's vocal parts when the masks were in the way. So, once Peter left, Phil took over and the first couple of albums without Peter sounded a lot like Peter since that was Phil's style at that time. Phil gradually got his own voice in place and took off from there. Phil was a fantastic drummer, but ultimately went to being the front man and other amazing drummers filled in. They left the prog rock days behind and turned more poppy and started getting more radio play and Mtv presence. The prog/Peter era will always be my favorite, and Peter is one of my favorite rock vocalists of all time.

[@Hayley.a]

I liked it when Ray Wilson sang for genesis. The guy from Stiltskin who did the Levi's ad in the UK don't know if it was everywhere else?

[@Krackonis]

Then Phil got all flighty and the rest of the band called themselves "Mike and Mechanics" and made a bunch of hits.

[@TheChadTI]

​@jksgameshelf3378 I think he was being facetious with the "settled" 😅 Trick of the Tale was a great start to the Collins era, what an album.

[@andrewsmokler7173]

As a kid, this was my first introduction to Peter Gabriel. Was too young to understand the innuendos in the song.. still listen to it today with" adult ears"

[@juneseghni]

I was today years old when I realised what these lyrics actually mean...lol...

[@edgarvanoostrum8450]

@@juneseghni The best part is that, at that time, George Michael's "I Want Your Sex" got no radio play in the US for being "too explicit", while "Sledgehammer" (with much raunchier lyrics) occupied the #1 spot in the US Charts.

[@EiriUesugiKun]

I'm pretty sure this song (well, especially the video) was my first dip into Peter Gabriel as well. And yeah, all those innuendos went right over my head... Then again I also not an native english speaker. x)

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

💯

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

​@@edgarvanoostrum8450 Amen

[@tinamakaneole]

I saw Genesis in 1974, I was 14 years old. Phil Collins on drums, Peter Gabriel on vocals. Blew my mind.❤😊

[@ptrlxc]

Tony Levin is such a kickass, highly influential bass player, even came up with new ways to play such a rocking bass that became a signature foundation for Peter Gabriel.

[@dawntextor8170]

Games without frontiers is, in my opinion, his best song

[@tinamakaneole]

Yes❤😊

[@TheRobsam]

Great song!

[@mattiefee]

Great song, but I'm going to have to say Solsbury Hill IMO.

[@Cassandra-xj9yp]

Backing vocals by Kate Bush

[@liveandletdie7187]

I love that song.. ❤

[@alisonrodger3360]

Having always been distracted by the video now, finally paying full attention to the lyrics, I can see why they gave us claymation & dancing chickens 😂

[@MattSingh1]

*The video for this song is the most-played in MTV history. More than 'Thriller', 'Billie Jean', 'Take On Me', 'Bohemian Rapsody' or any other iconic video.*

[@douglasg.9271]

The video for this won video of the year, and was groundbreaking. Other songs of his you could check out are “shock the monkey” “big time” “games without frontiers” “in your eyes” “solsbury hill”. All are worth a listen, IMO.

[@jessicaleblanc-nh1yl]

Absolutely!

[@tracithomas6543]

Add “Don’t Give Up” (duet with Kate Bush), and you’ve got a killer PG playlist.

[@jangles1839]

Not to mention all his work while Genesis was still together

[@oliviaoxford9249]

And Biko - masterpiece!

[@devhelen5895]

The soundtrack of my youth.

[@ryanm.9326]

I am a huge metalhead, but this is in my top 5 songs of all time.

[@theartistformerlyknownasje6358]

Great song and great video 💯🔥 would love some more Peter Gabriel and Genesis with PG reactions in the future 👍

[@michaelmccombs2959]

Peter Gabriel was the frontman/vocalist for Genesis. He wanted to explore a solo career, so left and formed his own band.

[@adamtzsch]

He got session musicians to record his music for an album and tour. He didn’t form a band. He’s solo now and was then.

[@jimreid4367]

Peter was Genesis frontman / lead singer and when he left the band Phil Collins took over as lead singer . His duet with Kate Bush " Don't Give Up " is iconic .

[@Xmies23]

This one next!

[@jeremygray1331]

Peter Gabriel is one of the singular artists of the past 50 years. He was a key creative force behind one of the most important progressive rock groups (Genesis). It is accurate to say he became more “pop” but without any diminishment of his art. Then turned his attention and brought notoriety to artists from around the world. You should react to the live version of In Your Eyes. Extraordinary.

[@theuniversewithin74]

I absolutely adore Peter Gabriel as a solo artist. And I love Genesis, but prefer the Phil Collins era. I love the love prog rock/pop, but Genesis with PG doesn't vibe for me.

[@fs_dave]

I think Gabriel references his departure from Genesis and that influence here with the lyrics, "I kicked the habit, shed my skin, this is the new stuff, I go dancing in". His previous solo albums were similar to what he did with Genesis, but this one was very different.

[@jasonb3908]

When I was in the Army I was in the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry division, the "Sledgehammer" brigade. We literally listened to this song EVERY duty day after morning PT, and I never got sick of it. Still one of my favorite songs of his, but he has a great catalog.

[@ShanLH5]

Great video! Though ‘Games Without Frontiers’ is one of my favorite songs ever. Your girl Kate Bush sings backing vocals on that one. Jeux sans frontières…

[@RobertMichaelStewart]

I've met Peter Gabriel's bassist Tony Levin several times.... So Talented! Also played in King Crimson.

[@liquidshadows79]

Also plays in Liquid Tension Experiment

[@adamtzsch]

@@liquidshadows79And Stick Men

[@anntelford8647]

Peter Gabriel was the main vocalist and songwriter for Genesis. He left Genesis because he wanted to go in a different musical direction. Do yourself a favor and watch the video for this song. It's great! Lots of claymation and effects before they were commonplace in music videos. Also, I'd say that Genesis was more pop than Peter Gabriel, he's very artsy. He's done a lot of different music with various artists to give them exposure. He's a human rights activist. A couple of his best political statements songs are 'Biko', about a South African anti-apartheid activist Stephen Biko who was beaten to death by South African police. Also, 'Games Without Frontiers' about the childish actions of world leaders. 'Shock The Monkey ' (about jealousy) and 'Red Rain' are also great. He has a big catalog of music both with Genesis, an individual artist and as a collaborator.

[@rosemarywatson1231]

This cut is cold blooded and the video is fire!

[@derekcartner4826]

Should have played the actual music video, Peter was the lead singer of Genesis then left to spend time with his family and his solo career. Phil Collins then took over lead vocals. Mike Rutherford was Bassist and Guitarist who also had a side project with Mike and The Mechanics. You should react to Solsbury Hill about Peter Gabriel's experience leaving the band. Also Mike and The Mechanics emotion song called "The Living Years" about Mike losing his father.

[@nancymjohnson]

Peter Gabriel is touring later this year. FRONT ROW CENTER here in Dallas. Thanks to a good friend. This song is one of my favorites. The video was so innovative for it's time. Love you guys!!

[@markbrooks8144]

Peter Gabriel was the lead singer of Genesis. Phil Collins took that role on after he left.

[@jessicaleblanc-nh1yl]

Peter Gabriel has a huge catalog of incredible pieces. He is often the writer & the director of many of them. He was the original lead singer for Genesis and then went onto do his own work. His new video for 'In Your Eyes' is pretty fantastic. His others are: Big Time, Shock the Monkey, Solsbury Hill, Games Without Frontiers, etc. Keep enjoying!

[@JonnyPhive]

The claymation video on MTV for this was a huge part of this songs popularity.

[@timholder6825]

Big Time, off the same album, unbelievably funky.

[@jasonremy1627]

Solsbury Hill is pure beauty from Peter Gabriel. It's got that Genesis prog thing with acoustic folk vibe.

[@allengator1914]

Who is Peter Gabriel? He's the original front man of Genesis when Phil Collins was just playing drums and singing backing vocals. If you want a real treat you should listen to Peter Gabriel on Genesis' prog epic "Supper's Ready"

[@markswisher3709]

if you watch the live performance of this song, it pretty much removes all doubt what he is talking about.

[@RobbieDigglers3rdEye]

The official video is trippy af! He always had the best videos!

[@sandyhickey8236]

Sledgehammer was the first single to be taken from Peter's fifth solo studio album So, and was released on 21 April 1986. 'Sledgehammer'

[@poolhall9632]

When I was a little kid we lived in the UK and Peter Gabriel had a country house a few miles down the road from us. Amazing song - One of the best from the age of videos - not watching the video is criminal…..

[@Seraphim4190]

Big Time, Games Without Frontiers, Red Rain, and Shock the Monkey are Peter Gabriel songs, too.

[@amyduffield5565]

In your eyes, solsbury hill and don't give up are other great songs by him 😊

[@jgsrhythm100]

Start with early material before jumping to 1987 Solsbury Hill - yes Games Without Frontiers

[@williamwinters4762]

By the way, Paper Lace did “The Night Chicago Died”.

[@earthboundmother205]

Missed the live but here I am! What a video! Always show up for my Trash Talkers and Peter Gabriel!

[@locustkllr]

Lots of fantastic songs written and performed by Peter Gabriel, a real timeless talent. i recommend : Digging In The Dirt

[@cnucklz09]

I forgot about Digging In The Dirt. Such a great track. Thanks for reminding me.

[@NewbieInOttawa]

Agree, such a great song, doesn't seem to get the love it deserves. I think it might be my favourite PG song (though I'm partial to Mercy Street as well.) Great video too, as per usual with that era Peter Gabriel.

[@TahoeNevada]

The live version of Digging is epic!

[@ianfortier6796]

If you guys do Digging In the Dirt, it's gotta be the live version from Secret World Live. Paula Cole singing with him on that whole album is phenomenal.

[@NewbieInOttawa]

@@ianfortier6796 Amen, *other* Ian! 😁 Love Paula Cole too, not sure what she's been up to lately, but she seemed everywhere back in the late 90s-early aughts.

[@DefinitelyNotBender]

Probably one of my favorite songs🤘🏼watching the music video on Mtv/VH1 as a kid is one of my fondest memories.

[@spirosoikonomopoulos2651]

That bass line is legendary

[@kristaspecht]

Loved the looks on hollywoods face!!! Lmao!🤣😂

[@WebsterA]

OMG I couldnt WAIT to see this and it's a damn lyric video.

[@garri5108]

I wish they listen to early progressive Genesis, it would amaze them

[@adamtzsch]

The Return of the Giant Hogweed, Apocalypse in 9/8, Back in NYC…

[@sobrevalorado]

They 'd be soooooo bored

[@garri5108]

@@sobrevalorado the most interesting music on the planet is boring? Ok

[@TahoeNevada]

When PG was in Genesis, he was the singer and primary songwriter. Phil Collins was the drummer of Genesis at the same time (but not the original drummer). Genesis at that time was a Progressive Rock band, similar to Yes, and King Crimson. After PG left in 1977 and Phil took over on vocals, they both became Pop acts by the mid-80’s. In fact, the same time that Sledgehammer was popular, so was Invisible Touch by Genesis. Both songs came out in ‘86.

[@Vince-lq3ve]

Kinda on track with your comment but just to tweak a bit...Peter was the man behind most of the lyrics written during his time with Genesis (though not all). Meanwhile Tony Banks was the main music writer and gatekeeper of what would be accepted or tossed -though Mike Rutherford also played a big role as well -Phil and Steve were junior members. Take the Lamb album. Peter wrote the lyrics in isolation from the band while the band wrote virtually all the music away from Pete. Then they would lay this all together and adjust accordingly.. This becomes even more evident when Peter left and Genesis songs remained sounding like Genesis songs even as they evolved while Peter NEVER wrote anything that sounded like old Genesis. Also: though Phil was not the original drummer, it would be laughable to not consider him their only drummer -he missed their first "album" which really didn't count and wasn't on the second album, Trespass but after that every single studio album thereafter except their very last one was Phil the drummer (12 albums?). Yes, Chester Thompson was a hired gun on drums for the live shows but that was it, he didn't play or participate on a single studio effort -it was all Phil on drums all the time -vocals and drums. But yes, they did achieve superstardom as more of a pop trio eventually, though there was always a thread of prog to be found on every album they put out.

[@TahoeNevada]

@@Vince-lq3ve Yeah, definitely their first few outings without PG were still fairly Proggy, while Gabriel was still experimental, but definitely not Prog after he went solo, despite working with Tony Levin and Fripp. Thanks for the additional info.

[@jgsrhythm100]

Early Gabriel first " Games Without Frontiers( Kate Bush backing vocals).

[@thathawaiiandude787]

Love Peter and Kate Bush. He’s one of the greatest artist….composing and lyricist. This album was released when I was in high school. His videos were cutting edge when it came out. Great reaction, brothers🤙🏾🤙🏾🎼

[@TheGreenDee]

i've seen him last week in Paris, it was sooooo good ! I grew up listening to Peter Gabriel :)

[@Jd-im4my]

This came out the year I graduated from High School and it was a HUGE song hit especially on MTV. After graduation at Panama City Beach this song was on HEAVY rotation up and down the STRIP and at all the parties. When I hear it thats what pops in my head.. what a time to be a teenager.❤❤❤

[@armchairgravy8224]

The funky guitar sunk in the mix is blazing.

[@willfromyadkinville]

i remember Paper Lace. Billy Don't Be A Hero. i loved that song! Peter Gabriel has some great songs! he is such an activist for human rights!

[@The_Kiosk]

I loved this song when it came out. I didn't understand it but the video was weird and his voice is amazing.

[@OverworkedITGuy]

God bless the 80's. Great music, weird videos with amazing advancements in visual FX (practical and digital/animation).

[@betsyab121]

He has so many more amazing songs! I love Here Comes the Flood, Talk to Me (which has bagpipes and guitar blended beautifully), Don't Give Up, Shock the Monkey, In Your Eyes (one of his most popular songs), and so many more songs. His live performances are the best!

[@johnpalmer5367]

I'm 60 now, and this song is one of my perpetual favorites. I loved to dance to it then, and I still feel it now. There is a great video of Peter Gabriel performing this last month in Spain. He still has his voice! Fruit Cage is witty and clever, which can be considered more fun than the blatant sexuality of lyrics today. His sequel to this song is Steam. Hit it!

[@bethhowton2719]

I always see the dancing chickens when I hear this. Enjoy

[@gbulmer]

A tiny bit more on Genesis: Peter Gabriel was the vocalist, and wrote some of the lyrics and music. Phil Collins was the drummer and sang backing vocals. After Peter Gabriel left in '75, Phil Collins took over vocals. When Genesis toured, they had a second drummer so that Phil Collins could front the band as vocalist. Bill Bruford (ex Yes, and King Crimson) played drums for Genesis on tour (Edit: 1976). Best Wishes, Chaps. ☮ Hollywood, you should watch the MV. Edit: @Roger Daly gives a better, more complete list of Genesis's touring drummers below.

[@gbulmer]

I'll add, when Peter Gabriel left Genesis a lot of fans thought they were over (cedfku). However, when Phil Collins stepped up to sing lead, pretty much everyone shut up. Phil filled the role magnificently. Best Wishes, All. ☮

[@rogerdaly6326]

Bill Bruford only toured with them in 1976. From 1977 - 1992 & 2007 the touring drummer was Chester Thompson. Last year Phil's son Nic was their drummer.

[@gbulmer]

​@@rogerdaly6326 Thank you. Good comments. I knew Bill spent a lot of his time playing with KC or his own bands, and not touring with Genesis, but my comment was misleading. So - Thank you for clearing up. I'll go fix it. Best Wishes. ☮

[@adamtzsch]

@@rogerdaly6326Chester kicked ass.

[@evelinmedina252]

The video is extraordinary, ahead of its time, really a master piece. Peter Gabriel is a genius.

[@tlucas9798]

“We do what we’re told” is a great song him.

[@adamtzsch]

And the live versions are amazing

[@eveunderwood4211]

Such an amazing artist.

[@holgerschussler9107]

Genesis was actually 4 members...Phil Collins,Peter Gabriel,Tony Banks and Michael Rutherford( Mike and the Mechanics)!

[@Vince-lq3ve]

er Steve Hackett is knocking at your door -5 members for a good while.

[@jwine4145]

I’ve never seen an unanimated version of this hit. I thinks it one of the most played videos of all time on MTV

[@ashleydixon4613]

Y’all read my mind, I was JUST listening to this song earlier today! It just randomly popped in my head and I had to hear it, so I watched the video on KZbin.

[@atlanteanlost]

Peter Gabriel could never be described as pop music

[@SarahFromCanada]

"Fruit cage" is a British term for lady parts. lol

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

Oh, I wish you would have chosen the Official Video. So cool, and groundbreaking.

[@bitslammer]

Peter Gabriel is one of those with a deep deep catalogue. He also started WOMAD: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_of_Music,_Arts_and_Dance. Hard to pick a favorite from all his greats but "Red Rain" is probably top of my list.

[@adamtzsch]

He did Red Rain live last night in Frankfurt, Germany. Apocalyptic.

[@TreVader1378]

You guys need to dip your toes in to Gabriel led Genesis, the album's nursery cryme foxtrot and selling England by the pound are works of art, literally.

[@adamtzsch]

Also, The Lamb 👍

[@stevenwasserman9729]

Peter Gabriel is so much more than a 'Pop' singer. He is a brilliant musician, composer and singer who brought new concepts in percussion and a world view to his music. Please try the following: Biko, San Jacento, In Your Eyes, Don't give up, Not One Of Us, Sky Blue, I Grieve, and I highly recommend the live version of In Your Eyes from the secret world tour. Once you see that, you will understand....trust me.

[@jeremybyrd8555]

Damn, I became a fan of yall last week. Not that it matters, but I had no clue yall were younger than me. I'm a 79 baby and I grew up on stuff like this. Yes, the innuendos from yesteryear were def something different, and no hes not wanting to get a job in construction. lmfao. It would be really cool to hang with you cats and break down some bars.

[@troymjohnson]

Peter plays a few instruments, but he’s almost exclusively the songwriter/singer. Tony Levin on bass, David Rhodes on guitar, and Manu Katché on drums.

[@luizde-rossi643]

Great choice, guys! Great song, but you MUST watch the video! In case you do more Peter G, please do "Mercy Street". It's a work of art.

[@JerisEve]

Yes, Mercy Street

[@annewoodard6803]

The music video to Sledgehammer is epic. Watch it now. So many great Peter Gabriel songs, I saw him in the late 70’s and I’m seeing him this year. Yeah, he’s that good. 😁

[@adamtzsch]

Saw him in Frankfurt, Germany last night. Killer, as always.

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

You guys REALLY need to see the official video for this song. There is no way to describe it here. As we say here in Texas; Y'all be safe.

[@Uncle_T]

You're doing yourselves a huge disservice by not watching the actual video version, it's amazing! :)

[@tracyjohnson8057]

This was from the 80's. My daughter was a year old, walking past my tv (color console lol) and the video was on. it was the first video she ever stopped to watch. 1986.

[@shazza175]

Super entertaining reaction guys! So many great Peter Gabriel songs!

[@raygunsforronnie847]

Yes, the flute playing is Peter. There is a full band behind him on this track, the amazing Tony Levin on bass, Manu Katche on drums, David Rhodes on guitar, and producer Daniel Lanois on guitar.

[@jameswarner5809]

If you want more of Peter Gabriel in this style, check out Big Time.

[@Jdwdogg]

Peter Gaberial plays flute, keyboard, and he does vocals

[@adamtzsch]

I’m not sure he plays flute much any more.

[@Jdwdogg]

@@adamtzsch probably not lol

[@Frostrazor]

This was when great videos were a thing on MTV. I first saw it on a plane on our family vacation on our way to Hawaii.

[@LtFrankDrebin100]

The metaphor of the lyrics,,, paper thin. The groove? Thick as a brick. You gotta react to the cover Harry Styles did of this song on Howard Stern’s morning show. Howard is apparently cool with copyright stuff cuz there’s a ton of em on KZbin.

[@holgerschussler9107]

Paper Lace did have a couple hits with Billy don't be a hero and the night Chicago died

[@amberhoward7807]

So my dad used to have this really bad ass Peter Gabriel concert on VHS and as a very young child it was one of my most favorite things to watch.... MORE Peter Gabriel please!

[@nathanclarke2777]

Hollywood, Smoke, you guys are just plain great!

[@Hollywood6IX]

🙏🙏🙏

[@sretePtraB]

You should check his duet with Kate Bush "Don't Give Up" although Kate is an great singer, Peter is absolutely amazing in that ballad.

[@judgedino]

I want ya both been taking! 😂 English obviously not ya 1st language today! 😂😂😂😂

[@elfunko8573]

What an absolute tune! You need to do Rock me Amadeus by Falco next, another 80s beast!

[@positivecynik]

This entire album is loaded with diamonds

[@MrDiddyDee]

As well as vocals, Peter plays keyboards and flute. Although Peter is best known as a Prog Rock artist, and very strong promoter of World Music, one of his early loves was Stax and Atlantic Records, and this is a nod to that soul sound. This was his commercial break though single to the larger main stream and was on his 5th solo album. He was already very successful and had a very loyal fanbase following on from his days as frontman for Genesis. With often many years passing between album releases, his fans are always eager to see his latest creative arena concerts. Peter is involved in so many side projects, and he owns his own recording studio so he can take his time, fans have always had to be patient for any new material. He began his musical journey in 1965, but decades later, at the age of 73, he is currently on a world tour to promote a new album, called 'i/o', as yet fully unreleased, but hopefully will be by the end of 2023. He is releasing a download track one at a time on each full moon of the month.

[@brodemonz]

The video goes great with the song.

[@denisekeary8229]

You GOTTA watch the video! It's brilliant and goes along with the lyrics.

[@CharCanuck14]

I was at a Peter Gabriel concert in Ottawa, Canada -1988. It was very, very theatrical as well as sounding great. Yup......he did Sledgehammer - without dancing chickens :-) Thanks for the reaction guys! Cheers!

[@JosefK]

This song and its video clip with the most creative audiovisual experience of the 80s

[@lisettekleiweg2606]

Real ‘tongue in cheek’ lyrics, took me decades to get it😂. In my defence; I am not a native English speaker 😁

[@morrisstewart1528]

I showed up for squarehammers and now we got sledges. Hell yeah. Rock on bros. And a whoop to my fellow juggalo.

[@petervermaak6447]

In your eyes. Live version from the secret world tour is a great track Peter Gabriel was lead vocal on some of Genesis’s greatest tracks. Suppers ready and Firth of Forth and many more

[@roydownes2458]

first time in years that ive ever seen some of the words to this song clearly in print.

[@timglennon6814]

Great video, great song.

[@GhostofKaiser]

At one point in time, the most requested music video on MTV (y'know, when MTV actually played music videos). Still an amazing song by an amazing artist. Honestly, I'd suggest revisiting this song with the official MV, if you're able to (copyright possibility and all; we don't want you guys to get struck, if at all possible).

[@martinl8574]

The official music video is the most inventive video ever made!!! It's incredible! Check it out!

[@simonatkinson1107]

This was hilarious! Could there be any more people called Peter he could refer to other than Peter Gabriel. Keep it up Guys, your so much fun to watch.

[@vespoint]

He’s a genius and surrounds himself with brilliant musicians. He’ll be in tour in the U.S. this fall - go if you can. Similar PG songs to check out - Shock the Monkey, I Have the Touch, Kiss That Frog, Steam, and Big Time. Beautiful PG songs - Here Comes the Flood, Secret World, In Your Eyes, Come Talk to Me, Only Us

[@jg6698]

Seeing his lard bucket form up there doing the same old moves as 40 years or more ago is not entertaining.