SUCH A TRIP!!..| FIRST TIME HEARING Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer REACTION

[@sarahzentexas]

It was the 80’s, and this video was groundbreaking at the time. Truly.

[@freda9809]

I loved waiting for his new videos to premiere on the videos shows!!!!

[@jediconnor9349]

Only Peter Gabriel song I’ve heard and It’s SOOO wonderful how talented this guy is. I’m curious if he has any other songs like this one or if he came out with any more recent songs.

[@happyapple4269]

It was on mtv every ten minutes.

[@BinanceStuff]

@@jediconnor9349 go listen to the double album of the lamb lies down on broadway by genesis... greatest album ever. peter gabriel was the lead singer of genesis at the time.

[@CandleLight1974]

@@jediconnor9349 This is from 1986. Peter Gabriel was the original lead singer of Genesis before Phil Collins. Phil Collins only played drums and did backing vocals originally and took over lead vocals when Peter Gabriel left. He has nine solo albums, the most recent in 2011, and eight soundtracks and compilations, the most recent in 2019.

[@DaddyTre65]

1986. "Sledgehammer" (one of the funkiest tracks of that decade!) was Grammy nominated for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The groundbreaking video won several awards and is considered one of the best music videos of all time. As for the LYRICS: Jordan and Amber, y'all made three children. You should figure out what Peter's singing about! :D

[@DJTonyOKay]

LOL!

[@iamdjsluggo]

🤣 I know that’s right! 👊🏾

[@fidel2xl]

THIS!!! LMAO

[@WonderMommaOG]

bow wow chica chica

[@veot.2869]

Not that decade, but year. It was a cool song, but there were far greater artists (Michael Jackson, Prince, Lionel Ritchie, Cyndi Lauper, etc.) that had far greater hits.

[@theirmom4723]

The lyrics....well...it's all about how babies are made

[@ldkinbote]

Heh, when they asked, I said, "It's a song...about sex."

[@RobSquadReactions]

@@theirmom4723 😂😂

[@jenniferwathen]

My favorite song of his is "Shock The Monkey." Another good one is his duet with Kate Bush "Don't Give Up." (Edited: Even though I adore Kate Bush I haven't listened to "Don't Give Up" in many years, so I just watched the music video. My 52 year old self appreciates that song far more than my 17 year old self did. Awesome song!)

[@joellehoude1225]

Another great one is "In your eyes".

[@adgato75]

I like some of his after that. Steam and Digging In the Dirt. It was an unusual direction for him.

[@pdog547]

Solsbury Hill!

[@chriso6719]

The cover version of Shock the Monkey by Coal Chamber is pretty good too. It features Ozzy on vocals.

[@jamesferrell336]

" Shock the Monkey"

[@elizabethscott7660]

It cracks me up that the people recommending all this amazing music were probably born in the 50's , 60's and 70's. We had it so good 😊

[@jenniferharrod6418]

Hell yea we did.

[@jannsmart7005]

I'll drink to that!

[@JC-tq8gm]

There is some good music today, but it isn't the same as when we grew up. I'm pretty sure the biggest impact on music has been the internet. Like everything else now it's all about the $$$, and little about the true quality that used to come out from absolutely gifted musicians.

[@josmith2031]

🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@godschild4988]

Yes we did 🎧🎵🎸🎹🎤🎷

[@Kimberrann]

The live version of “In Your Eyes” is not just a song but an experience in culture. ❤️❤️❤️

[@evets6691]

Peter Gabriel - In Your Eyes (Secret World Live)

[@thabilldozer]

Most definitely

[@umdesch4]

@@evets6691 That yes, but also the Growing Up Live version too. It might be controversial to say it, but I think that one was even better. Splitting hairs though, I suppose. ;)

[@drakulkacz6489]

I´ve seen his aniversary tour with this album a few years ago and the concer was awesome!

[@davidcox30004]

Truth

[@jean-paulaudette9246]

Try Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" to hear what so many listened to, while falling in love. EDIT: ROFL By popular demand, please make sure you view the Secret World Live version... I'd never heard/seen it before posting this. But since, I've watched it about 5 times. Yeah, go for that one.

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

Yeah, the twelve minute live version. Unbelievably good

[@jerrysiadek4323]

@@Gort-Marvin0Martian absolutely

[@bopep1368]

the Secret World Live version.

[@fordp69]

@@bopep1368 This.

[@jimbass5825]

The only version to react to. Take a look at what is possible in terms of concerts!

[@JCWiley2300]

It's hard to overstate how important and influential this song and video were when they were released in 1986.

[@lrimmf]

I grew to hate this song in the '80s because I heard it so much. Which just shows how wrong I can be at times

[@chriso6719]

Former Genesis lead singer. His videos were very popular because they were so unique More songs to try from him: In Your Eyes, Games Without Frontiers, Shock the Monkey, Big Time, and Solsbury Hill.

[@vickiroman189]

"Shock the Monkey" is my favorite video ever.

[@cosmoknight5385]

Throw Biko on there and Not one of us

[@bowhuntr6825]

Good call

[@11Kslingshot]

In your eyes .... so great

[@yelnek4548]

Games Without Frontiers is my favorite

[@martin.coronado]

All that funky bass groove is played by the INCREDIBLE Tony Levin.

[@MKE_Mike]

Currently King Crimson's not so secret weapon. TL is a beast!

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

Saw Levin last night with Crimson, and twice with Gabriel. He is a driving force.

[@stephenparallox]

Someone posted a video on Tony playing this bass lick.... It was done on a fretless bass, that's challenging, you need to be a master bassist to play that.

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

@@stephenparallox He had an electric upright bass at the KC concert that poured out a deep moan that filled the space. I think it's the own he uses in this video: "Goatika and Tony Levin.Tomy."

[@stephenparallox]

@@EdwardGregoryNYC It's possible that he uses other basses on tour... but the studio version, this was the video I was refering to: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnLWl6GsZ9WIhqs

[@SPac316]

I remember being enamored by the visuals as a little kid seeing this on MTV back in the 80's. I can't imagine all the hard work that went in to animate it back then without today's modern CGI programs. It was very impressive at the time. The Song still holds up today.

[@johnathandavis3693]

This video was SO cool back then. Remember, there was no CGI back then, this was all "Stop Motion" animation. It was VERY painstaking and time consuming. It was and is a very STRIKING use of that art, and won many awards that year. Check out Peter Gabriel "In Your Eyes"...Love his music....

[@angier5775]

AKA Claymation

[@peterlenham6904]

There was CGI, it just wasn't good enough back then.

[@comet52]

yeah it was relatively mind-blowing at the time. still kind of is - a work of art.

[@cheripetty1805]

Yep. 24 Film Frames per second (fps). Intricate, exacting work.

[@nickywall872]

Nick Park did the video animation.

[@bobfitzgerald8887]

The beginning of MTV was the beginning of these high end music videos.

[@cjcoake]

Peter Gabriel is one of the most innovative artists in pop history. For a couple decades he was ahead of everyone else, it seemed like. And he's released some of the most haunting/beautiful songs of all time: "Solsbury Hill," "In Your Eyes," "Don't Give Up," and "Mercy Street." Deep rabbit hole with his stuff.

[@wasgreg]

I was in the hospital for reasons, and was at one of the lowest points in my five decades. Feeling very sorry for myself I was listening to music, Solsbury Hill began playing and by the end of the song for some reason, I felt a sense of hope/release. Now whenever I feel down, I play Solsbury Hill a few times and calm down. Damn good song.

[@IceManTX69]

Shock the Monkey!

[@fayesouthall6604]

He’s fantastic live too.

[@jackieknows9129]

"Peter Gabriel was also a huge anti apartheid activist. Check out his song Biko. Biko" is an anti-apartheid musical eulogy, inspired by the death of the black South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko in police custody on 12 September 1977. Gabriel wrote the song after hearing of Biko's death on the news.

[@mags9024]

I remember how iconic this song and video were when I was a child in the 80s but the meaning of the lyrics was obviously lost on me at that age. Just a few years ago, when I was an adult approaching middle age, this song was on the rotation at work and one night I was grooving along and suddenly my adult brain was paying attention to the lyrics and I was like…”OH.” “This is straight up about sex.” 🤣😛😎

[@NecramoniumVideo]

All songs are about sex, except "Pinball Wizard".

[@Music-Is-Real-Love]

Took me awhile after childhood.. to figure it out what it was acually about..as well.

[@KimberlyParrish-o1b]

I just found out today.

[@Neville60001]

I had the same kind of realization later in life about the song *Homosapien* (kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioWQXmhrf5yFhJI ) by ex-Buzzcocks singer Pete Shelley; back when I was a kid, I just liked the way the song moved and sounded, I had no idea it was about gay sex. Now that I know, I still love it anyway.

[@jokervienna6433]

"Show me round your fruit cage". 😁😜🤪

[@johnplaysgames3120]

Lyrically, this song is about sex. Whomever he's singing to, he wants to be their "sledgehammer." Y'know, pounding, if only they'd let him. You can really see it in the first verse(s) with lines like "you could have a steam train / if you'd just lay down your tracks" and "You could have a big dipper / going up and down, all around the bends / You could have a bumper car, bumping / This amusement never ends." You see it reflected in some of the visuals of the song too. For instance, there was the shot of the sperm cells at the beginning of the video. Later, you had an egg that grew into a weird, dancing chicken that then became two chickens dancing together (a reproduction theme). *"Shock the Monkey"* is another good Peter Gabriel song (was one of my faves from the time, in fact) but, dudes, good luck deciphering the meaning of the lyrics in that one. I know what Peter Gabriel says it's about but I would never have gotten that meaning from the lyrics in a million years. In fact, I can't imagine anyone has or ever will. Lyrically, it's super abstract. Best thing to do is just enjoy it as a musical experience and look up the meaning later (or ask your viewers to tell you in the comments so you can get some of that sweet, sweet "audience engagement" for the YT algorithm). *"In Your Eyes"* is a love song that became part of an iconic moment in a movie where John Cusack held a boombox up and blasted the song outside his love's window (in a modern spin on serenading outside someone's window). As others have said, you should check out the live version from Peter Gabriel's "Secret World Live" concert film because there are SO MANY elements to that performance that you will absolutely love.

[@clevellbarney8917]

What does Gabriel say "Monkey" is about? I have two theories. Someone else here has another. But Sledgehammer couldn't be more obviously about sex. In fact, for someone as cerebral as Gabriel, even compared to many hair bands, I think a high % of his songs are about sex. But, I agree that the lyrics and meaning in the best rock music are irrelevant. It's about the sounds, dynamics, mood, attitude etc. The best Rock songs are meant to be interpreted by the listener.

[@johnplaysgames3120]

@@clevellbarney8917 Gabriel has described "Shock the Monkey" as "a love song" that examines how jealousy can release one's basic instincts; the monkey is not a literal monkey, but a metaphor for one's feelings of jealousy. Gabriel has mentioned that the song's lyrical motif was inspired by King Kong's lightning powers in the film King Kong vs. Godzilla.

[@clevellbarney8917]

@@johnplaysgames3120 I'll buy that, but I thought it was just about sex. Previously I thought he was criticizing animal experiments, just because that's what I wanted it to be about. I guess I never saw that one, didn't know Kong had lightning powers. Isn't is enough he's a giant gorilla who can charm babes.

[@Fwhole]

I don't think it's just about sex. He's saying he wants to be the joyous, exciting, disruptive thing in the life of whoever he's singing to. Sex is part of that.

[@tommack9395]

Yes, I thought everyone knew that since it's so obvious - he uses innuendo over and over in the lyric. Even the word hammer itself alludes towards it, In fact not many people know the but the "f"-word originally Germanic had a meaning of "to strike" as in hit it. Anyway, I always liked his music all the way back to when he was in Genesis although he was even more theatrical back then - beyond glam rockers even at times. He always surrounded himself with great musicians too like Tony Levin, etc... Then again he come from the progressive music scene, Salisbury Hill is likely my favorite the constant changing meter within it and Robert Fripps guitar work...

[@RmarkGillmer]

Just a few facts, for those who are interested in that type of thing: On February 9, 1987, the video swept all major categories at the MTV Video Music Awards, taking home a total of nine statues-the most awards a single video has won. It remains, to this day, MTV’s most-played music video OF ALL TIME! During the week-long shoot, Gabriel lay under a sheet of glass while filming the video one frame at a time.

[@polmccann2291]

It was filmed by Nick Park of Aardvark Studios who did the Wallace and Gromit films as well as Chicken Run and The Curse of the Wererabbit. They do stop motion claymation. When Nick the the first Wallace film he worked on his own and it took 18 months or two years (!) die a 30 minute film. He would remodel the clay and shot a frame. Do it again, slight moves over and over. 24 frames make one second of film. A full days work would maybe bring in a few seconds of finished art.

[@djmikeyc]

Nick park did the bit with the dancing chickens but not the rest

[@polmccann2291]

@@djmikeyc thanks! I thought they did the whole thing. The chickens part was pretty amazing tho

[@peterharrison511]

Thankyou you took the words right out of my thumb tip I glad I grew up with this song and also glad that the new generations are learning the great music of our teens and twenties

[@paulbly7814]

​@@djmikeyche did the bumper cars as well

[@davidadams3408]

When this song was released the buzz around it was massive, the video was made by Aardman (the people behind Wallace and Gromit) and that it had taken months to make, filmed the same way they make all their films, one frame at a time.

[@lynnhoffmann247]

“In Your Eyes” live from the Secret World concert! This video wons some awards back in the day.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Peter Gabriel Is An Incredibly Gifted Musician/Songwriter..His Album "So" Is An Absolute Must Hear..Excellent From The 1st Song To The Very Last.

[@Leetut]

A Classic

[@lordessducky8494]

“So” right!

[@kevinlandess3656]

Peter is a genius music and video art listen to games without frontiers it's a strange ride

[@happymethehappyone8300]

@@kevinlandess3656 Agreed,, I Suggested That One As Well As Others,, Like "Digging In The Dirt",, "Shaking The Tree",, "Mercy Street",, "Lovetown",, Etc..Etc.

[@leslauner5062]

This was from his album "So." Every last track on that album is amazing. One of the best records ever made. "Big Time," "Hear that voice again," "Don't give up," "In your eyes," "Red Rain"....just put it on, you won't be disappointed, my friends. Peace.

[@dougtagg9162]

Only Don’t give up and In your eyes were on So.

[@robertg7396]

Another great 80's song you should check out is; "Shout", by; Tears For Fears

[@jenniferwathen]

I loved that song when it came out!

[@Country_boy-sz3bn]

Wang Chung is another good one to check out.

[@metalloadedbakedpotato4382]

That's a good one. I also listen to Disturbed's cover Shout as well.

[@enigmaticbrain1225]

Dropping Anchor from Jimmy’s Chicken Shack. You won’t regret it.

[@dougkelly1933]

"Shout" was a big cross-over hit for them. A lot of Black people from that time period love that song.

[@kevinpreston4891]

you HAVE to do "in your eyes" - just a brilliant love song and his vocals are to die for !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tonyakamai5140]

"The light the heat"

[@carlpeterson8182]

Yes, Yes, yes. One of my favorite 80's songs. Just a great blend of African and pop music. It is also interesting lyrically because it is ambiguous as to who it is to. Woman? God?

[@sunilayya8948]

Never gets old. The quality of production of this song was just perfect.

[@ericwincentsen587]

The song is about sex. He purposely did a funky, "I wanna get witcha" song to break away from all the artsy stuff he had been doing. "So" is a great album in full - "Big Time" is similar to this, but it also has "Don't Give Up" (a duet with Kate Bush), "In Your Eyes" (more in his African mode, with Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour providing backing vocals) and much more. Some may consider it a sell-out album, but if so then I wish more artists would sell out like him.

[@warrennicholsony.fernando4513]

This song is cool and the video reminds me of someone going on an acid trip.

[@ffjsb]

Anyone using the term "sellout" are usually arrogant elitists with no talent themselves.

[@bigonemaryland]

Song is about his dong.

[@allieren]

I thought it was about heroin until I was clued in. Well, it came out when I was 8 so at first I probably thought it was about a literal sledgehammer 🤣

[@kellypedersen6590]

I knew a lot of purists who cried sell-out for this album (like they did with David Bowie's "Let's Dance" album from a couple years before). I never understood that; all the same elements are there on this album as on his previous albums. I argued that Gabriel didn't sell out, the rest of the world finally caught up with him. :)

[@Falconer1128]

Peter was the OG main guy for Genisis. When he left the band, instead of finding a new lead singer, drummer Phill Collins became the guy for Genisis and history was made.

[@cliff481]

It is important to know that they auditioned loads of potential replacements for Gabriel but none were as good as Phil. So out from behind the drums he came. The rest is ....well you know!

[@Falconer1128]

@@cliff481 yes, yes.

[@tombanaski3251]

@@cliff481 true story-his departure led to the rise of one of the most prolific artists of the 80s and 90s (Phil Collins). Had he stayed with Genesis who knows if Phil would have ever had his chance, or simply remained a great drummer with unrealized songwriting potential?

[@robboaron]

@@tombanaski3251 Collins was even more succesful as a solo artist in the 80's, so I think he would have found his succes either way. And Peter's departure also gave us Peter's amazing solo stuff.

[@tombanaski3251]

@@robboaron agreed. I got to live through every moment of his success, from Face Value to the present. He is IMO a genius…

[@paulhenderson8201]

Peter Gabriel is a musical GENIUS. He was with Genesis and he continued his brilliance as a solo artist.

[@lisajohnson521]

Yes he is! I love Pete LOL

[@kellingc]

He is a multi-media genius. Peter knows how to use a medium for getting his point across. From the cabbage bride I "Salisbury Hill", to the 3D graphics I "Steam" (Remer that came out in '92, and computer animation had just come out). He 8s an innovator, Even his.live stuff.is a feast for the eyes.

[@danielreichert6781]

I’ll echo what everyone else is saying: Solsbury Hill and In Your Eyes are both excellent songs.

[@whisperjam33m24]

Also, Phil Collins (Genesis) "Land of Confusion" is an awesome song that still resonates with where we are today! You need to hear them all!

[@WonjiDharma]

You have to now listen to any live version of Peter Gabriel's "In you Eyes!"

[@voxandlocks]

Sledgehammer is an artistic triumph on every level. Lyrically, it's one of the most brilliant exercises in double entendre ever, musically, sonically, visually it's a masterpiece.

[@raycewilliams3300]

You summed this song up perfectly.

[@mathilde1974]

Peter Gabriel was famous for making amazing videos like Big time and this one :D

[@coolworx]

Yup... the whole thing is just one big dirty double entendre. I love it!

[@michaelandrews4783]

always thought he was overrated and pretty pretentious

[@kennethsmith6367]

@@michaelandrews4783overrated? He was the lead singer of Genisis along with his solo stuff. He’s kinda big but definitely not overrated.

[@marklieser677]

Peter rarely disappoints. Highly recommended, In Your Eyes....(Secret World Live Version) Stunning sound, cinematography, and vibe.

[@reefconvy7291]

I first saw this music video on a VHS compilation of Aardman's early animation work before Wallace and Gromit. It's also where I first saw Creature Comforts.

[@williamjamesrapp7356]

This video came out in the mid 80's when MTV was still fairly young and the MUSIC VIDEO industry was trying out all sort of new ideas besides just standing there singing. This Music video of 1986 was directed by Stephen R. Johnson From the Peter Gabriel's 'So' album In 1987, this video won 9 MTV Video Music Awards. MOST of Peter Gabriel's music videos are rather unique and worthy of watching over and over.

[@glep3570]

His performance 'In your Eyes' live...priceless. Secret World Live concert on his KZbin page.

[@lynnhoffmann247]

Yessss!

[@petervermaak6447]

In your eyes. Secret world tour live is a fabulous track

[@pdog547]

Without question the best live album I have ever heard. Solsbury Hill blows my mind! To me every song is better than the studio version on that album.

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

I LOVVVVE Peter Gabriel. So many great songs. Enjoy this rabbit hole ❤️❤️❤️

[@okccuster]

Peter Gabriel is awesome! "In Your Eyes" is one of the most beautiful songs ever.

[@annettegreen6689]

He did a gorgeous duet with Kate Bush called "Don't give up" 😍

[@kyloren1014]

God yes they are both sublime and the video is just so romantic and gives me a Wuthering Heights feel to it

[@writerinprogress]

The lyrics are a masterpiece in double entendre, which a lot of people miss because they're entranced by the video - the whole song is basically about sex. "You could have a steam train / if you just lay down your tracks..." "you could have a big dipper / going up and down, or around the bends / you could have a bumper car bumping / this amusement never ends..." "I wanna be.... your sledgehammer" ... ummm, what part of him do you think is his 'steam train,' 'big dipper' or 'sledgehammer?' 😉"Show me round your fruit cage / and I will be your honeybee / open up your fruit cage..." you get the idea. The opening part of the video is the biggest clue... you knew what you were looking at in those first twenty-odd seconds before the intro kicked in, right?🙂

[@sepp55774]

It's about being addicted to heroin and, kicking the habit.

[@Neville60001]

@@sepp55774, no, it's about sex.

[@crystalmccarthy3169]

The entirety of it is double entendre. Did you even watch the video? Even the video is a double entendre. This is nothing about heroin or addiction

[@stacybenstockklein449]

Dude, oh my God, you just blew my mind! I was 13 when this song came out I had zero idea about the meaning! Thank you for the breakdown. Much appreciated! Dude, I know it takes me longer but oh my God I had no idea!😂

[@anglosaxon5874]

He and Kate Bush did a great song together: "Don't Give Up".

[@bryanparenteau374]

Such a touching music video...love it!

[@martinwagner6344]

More relevant in these times than ever before

[@JengiX]

One of the best songs ever recorded!!!

[@cclarke9896]

Yes please. Wonderful song.

[@geoscafidi]

Live in Italy, Secret World tour, Paula Cole sings the Kate Bush part. Beautifully staged and performed.

[@johnroberts5637]

This, and Herbie Hancock's "Rock-It" video are my two favorite videos from the classic era of MTv. When you can get around to it, you must check out the Herbie Hancock video, you will appreciate it after watching this one.

[@vickiroman189]

Yes, please!

[@SC-gp7kt]

YASSSS!!!!!

[@bbb462cid]

Hancock would wow the sophisticated crowd with synth-pop in an auditorium and then go to the other side of town and play dirty leg music on the house upright to make people dance.

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

@@bbb462cid his " Chameleon "

[@jeannehinote91]

YES! I agree! Herbie Hanock's Rockit is a must! The video of this song has always been one of my favorites!

[@1TokeNChoke]

I remember when this song came out. It was everywhere. Such a hit and still sounds so damn good. The man deserves to be in the rock and roll hall of fame for this song alone. The arrangement is insane.

[@alaskangirl86]

It's so funny how listening to music could bring back so much happiness & memory from when you was a teenager... I never thought I would be listening to these again like this... Thank you both!!!

[@jenniferwathen]

A few minutes ago I was thinking the same thing. As time goes by you forget about songs you once loved; Jay and Amber are helping me to remember.

[@rogermata3612]

Every time I handle a whole chicken or turkey, I think about this song.

[@honorsilverthorne7227]

@@rogermata3612 🤣🤣🤣

[@leahbedsole3369]

"Big Time" should be the next Peter Gabriel followed by "In your eyes". Thanks much!

[@Nightcrawlerfive]

Yeah, Big Time has a similarly weird/cool video with arguably an even more rocking song.

[@WindmillChef]

Peter Gabriel is a pretty influential and relevant artist. From being in the founding of a great 70's band, Genesis to his remarkable solo career. While Sledgehammer was the first single pick that drove the album "So", the entire album deserves exploring, it is one of the iconic albums of modern music and not too many iconic, must have in your collection, albums were made in the 80's. In Gabriel's lyrics he covers current cultural issues, politics, religion and 'world matters', as well as just creative stuff. His videos are almost all leading edge stuff in creativity but the real jewel is that Gabriel takes all of this creative stuff into his live concerts as well. He is known for having trucks full of 'props' to perform his shows. For about a decade Gabriel promoted and explored globalism, world music in his acts, hosting musicians in his band that came from very unconventional countries, like Uzbekistan, playing their native, sometimes strange instruments, all very interesting. Gabriel is still going strong and he has aged well, rather distinctive visually and his voice has grown as well. I am a fan, I own most of his albums (and actually play them) and have seen him live twice. He's a rather interesting quality artist.

[@jasonwaller8412]

1967 my friend genesis was formed.

[@blueeyedraven396]

After this song was released, you couldn't go a day watching MTV without this video being played. Glad you loved it just as much as I did back in the day.

[@robertreichle1]

Couldn't go much more than an hour without seeing it. And I don't think anyone complained at all. :)

[@SnappingTurtle801]

@@robertreichle1 I sure didn't. Watched every time.

[@victoriamartines5030]

Sledgehammer is about the birds and the bees, funky style. I'm glad you two finally were introduced with Peter Gabriel's legendary art. Hope you'll consider reacting to more of his songs in the future.

[@Sighman]

This was my favourite song in the 80s. Love it.

[@l-bird]

The next one of his needs to be Shock the Monkey. But, then you might get a kick out of the "Live" version of Solisbury Hill. In the Live concert, it looks like one concert, but actually goes through about 40+ years of his life... shows him aging as he sings the song.

[@jwine4145]

That Solsbury Hill live version from 40 years of live performances is awesome ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZa8on2uobipY7s

[@jillwklausen]

Oh wow. I'll have to check that out myself. Thanks for the tip.

[@l-bird]

@@jillwklausen I think it's something like Live DNA concert !

[@jillwklausen]

Thank you, @@l-bird. I found it and watched, and it's now in a saved folder of favorite music. Incredible. Thank you so much for recommending it.

[@l-bird]

@@jillwklausen Nice! Glad you found it.

[@pamelabrewer2955]

In your eyes is so beautiful the words the music it is perfection. Do a live version. Amazing.

[@aliciasaracino1233]

Music in the 80s really did put a person in a trance… so grateful I was around to appreciate that decade in music.

[@johnyourek8887]

80s music was great saw 1000s of shows in the 80s some I can't remember the cure and cult together was mind blowing wish I could take a ticket back to those times

[@donnamcmanus7360]

Constant rotation on 80's MTV. He was always a performance artist even in Genesis so his solo videos were always super creative. Shock the Monkey is a cool one.

[@thehotyounggrandpas8207]

I was 12 when this came out, I recorded it from the TV onto a VHS tape. Me and my brother would watch it every day. Several times.

[@jackreigle1387]

Agree with others here: MUST listen to "In Your Eyes". Incredible love song, great vibe, no schmaltz!

[@derbyphoter]

Biko , THE MOST MOVING ANTI APARTHEID song ever record, if it does not bring tears to your eyes after hearing it you are not human, He sang it in front of NELSON MANDELA at a sold out Wembley area in LONDON at the Mandel tribute concert. Peter Gabriel is a music genius and legend

[@NearlySane101]

Definitely this

[@mercurywoodrose]

I Hope someone suggests this in their feeds. im gonna go watch a reaction to this. that album was fire, as was SO

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

Biko is the song that proves that music really can change the world. If you react, don't do the official video with the film clips - there are some great live clips.

[@hectorsmommy1717]

There is a Playing For Change video out with Gabriel, Yoyo Ma, and others that is also an incredible version. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIixdqVqmq1_Z5o

[@iftyz263]

I love many of Peter Gabriel's songs, but Biko remains one of the most powerful to this day. Hope they react to the song.

[@PanarchyInTheUK]

Really cool that you love the video, and referenced Aha, because both were made in the second half of the 80s - a time of amazing creativity in music videos.

[@chrishackett554]

As many of the other contributors already said this video was groundbreaking and there is NO CGI. It’s all stop motion, frame by frame. Even the clouds over his face is makeup shot over several days, CGI. Got our tickets for his upcoming tour !

[@nekite1]

Nice to see 20 somethings appreciating 80's music. I'm 67 and that is still to this day one of my favourite tracks

[@Sportsref13]

The song is him telling a love interest, how great it would be if they got together... Great song choice, can you imagine if he had stayed with Genesis?? lot of great music the world would have missed out on.. him going solo lead to Phil Collins getting to be a well known singer as well as a drummer.. As others have pointed out.. In Your Eyes and Shock the Monkey are other great choices

[@mediavideos2176]

Its about banging.

[@slowcloudorca5071]

Love interest .... get together .... such a polite , old fashioned way of saying.. I think you're hot as fire... let's fuck! My version is less polite.. but ... more real !

[@jamesalexander5623]

@@mediavideos2176 Human Copulation!

[@terrylewis_]

Peter Gabriel is someone I have always had a HUGE crush on. Even now, good lawd. lol My husband and I's song is "In Your Eyes" but we like the live/slower version, but this song Sledgehammer is full of innuendo and I love.

[@kevinmarsh8922]

"Biko", one of the greatest protest songs EVER.

[@DavidKing-ut9wr]

“Biko” is a great song.

[@jamesalexander5623]

Stood outside the South Africa House in Trafalgar Square .... Singing "Biko" and "Free Nelson Mandela"!

[@johnmavroudis2054]

AMEN.

[@anenglishlife7210]

Oh yeah

[@willdwyer6782]

Joan Baez recorded a beautiful cover of Biko in 1987. I had the pleasure of seeing her perform it live in East Lansing, Michigan 31 years ago this month.

[@vickiroman189]

Such an original - Peter introduced me to world music.

[@rebeccawyse5562]

I loved this inventive freedom of art expression in this video when it came out on MTV omgoodness... everyone went out and bought modeling clay and paint...started a thing, for sure...i was into the world of 🎨.

[@robertcartier5088]

It was 1987. One of the best albums of that year... Along with U2's "The Joshua Tree".

[@adamdodgshon638]

The album was released in 1986. I remember because he announced his tour at the same time as Genesis announced their Invisible Touch tour and I could only afford to go to one lol.

[@robertcartier5088]

@@adamdodgshon638 You're right... I was remembering the Grammys, in '87. ;-)

[@adamdodgshon638]

@@robertcartier5088 either way, a phenomenal album. I love every one of his albums. This just seemed like an effortless move into a more deliberately commercial space but I think he still did it his way, and there’s still enough of his ‘experimental’ side on the album. This Is The Picture and We Do What We’re Told in particular.

[@robertcartier5088]

@@adamdodgshon638 'Milgram's 69'... yep, brilliant album! ;-]

[@scapito]

Love Peter Gabriel! Others that have a similar style *Steve Winwood* (Roll With It) and *The Talking Heads* (Burning Down the House)

[@hardy9429]

I like the video, where David Byrne is dancing in his big suit (Girlfriend is Better)

[@scapito]

@@hardy9429 yes! I'm always fascinated by pretty much anything he does.

[@mark10505]

Saw him in 1995 in Dallas Reunion Arena. One amazing concert. Still love him as the original front man for Genesis before Phil Collins.

[@tonyakamai5140]

It is such a GREAT, GREAT pleasure to see the youngins' appreciate music from my generation. So much more you have no idea. Please, please experience David Bryne@ "Talking Heads" next, Peter Gabriel also has a very unique and beautiful perspective when it comes to love.

[@TrashPandaActual]

"In Your Eyes" is one of the best Peter Gabriel songs. Check out "Land of Confusion" by Genesis, too. You'll really like it.

[@JengiX]

THIS.

[@Xenofonx]

This was actually released only a year after A-ha's Take on me. The Album "So" is one of the best albums of the 80's.

[@timothycook2917]

"Land of Confusion" by Peter's old bandmates, Genesis, is a fun one to watch as well 👌

[@kingcassius2586]

SUPER fun to watch!

[@PhoenixRisen63]

Talented man. GENIUS. A musical journey all by himself. A lot of his songs are very different, funky, edgy, tribal even. His songs can be extremely intelligent, emotional and DEEP. Video was one of the very best of the times!

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

The album "Passion" is so tribal and amazing ❤️❤️❤️

[@dawnray8550]

In your eyes. I cry almost every time I hear it. Such a beautiful heartfelt song.

[@cynthiarossershay8365]

The Song In Your Eyes Is Great

[@lynnhoffmann247]

Live!

[@cynthiarossershay8365]

@@lynnhoffmann247 Absolutely

[@chimera9812]

When this video came out in the 80’s, people were absolutely amazed at the graphics! This was super high tech back in the day! It is a great song as well!

[@labyfan1313]

I'm still amazed by it. lol

[@leslauner5062]

It was all done by Aardman Studios...they did the Wallace and Grommit animations.

[@PharaohTrebilClef]

@@leslauner5062 Actually, multiple stop motion studios, each did their own section, Aardman was the one before the dancing chickens.

[@treetopjones737]

High tech for its time, the Kiss That Frog video now looks a little bit clunky compared with modern graphics.

[@baldmanariz]

When he left Genesis the drummer a man by the name of Phil Collins became the lead singer and the rest is history. I saw Peter live 3 times he is an amazing talent. Phil ain't to shabby either

[@RosesTeaAndASD]

What are some good songs Peter sang as lead singer of Genesis in your opinion?

[@DocRock67]

@@RosesTeaAndASD Cinema Show, The Musical Box, Get ‘Em Out By Friday, Supper’s Ready, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (the complete album), and many many more.

[@JonQuist]

After Gabriel left Genesis and Phil Collins became the lead vocalist, a reviewer commented that Phil Collins sounds more like Peter Gabriel than Peter himself.....

[@trudieristich795]

@@JonQuist I know I truly love them as Genesis but I was just thinking this myself listening to it I think that Phil Collins blows him away

[@targetrender9529]

Gabriel was much more talented than Collins.

[@larryodonnell9320]

Peter's songs Games Without Frontiers and Shock the Monkey are must listen

[@andreamac808]

Ahhh, Peter Gabriel! Loved him as the lead singer of Genesis (when he left, Phil Collins became the lead!). Peter Gabriel ruled the 80s airwaves.

[@bosbruin2001]

Peter Gabriel is one of my all-time favorite artists. Absolutely amazing song writer!!!

[@caralayne503]

This was THE video of the 80’s guys. The most innovative of it’a time to date at that time. MTV wore it OUT, but i still cherish it… and P Gabriel, he’s super unique, & the former lead singer of Genesis.. the running joke now in Genesis ( a band u MUST do btw), was that they never officially hired Phil Collins… he just took over singing while remaining the drummer

[@jeannie177]

Ditto!!

[@darrinlindsey]

Take On Me was the video of the 80s. There's a 3 part video about how the video and song came about, and the fascination the MTV had with it. I think Money For Nothing got more playtime on MTV than Sledgehammer too.

[@onepieceofgumleft]

“Rockit” by Herbie Hancock ranks up there with this video as two of the best music videos of the 80’s.

[@patriciamcelroy3581]

Still one of the best videos ever!

[@caralayne503]

@@utubnagainidk ur age but id say while other’s of course were huge, for this year AND the following, yeah it was. One in every crowd. Im not Wiki, it was my opinion from experiencing it.

[@sometimesboy]

Other great PG songs: "Big Time", "Shock the Monkey", "In Your Eyes", "Digging In the Dirt" and "Solsbury Hill". Peter Gabriel was the original lead singer of Genesis before Phil Collins. PG's greatest success came after he left Genesis, and Genesis' greatest success also came after he left. I guess it was meant to be.

[@Shrykespeare]

YES!!! Thank you for playing this suggestion of mine!! Peter Gabriel is not only one of the greatest talents of our lifetimes, but a master showman. His live performances are spectacles, to be sure. His live version of "Secret World" is one of my Top 5 songs of ALL TIME. He also had amazing songs like "Steam", "Digging in the Dirt", "Solisbury Hill", "Shock the Monkey", "I Have the Touch", and an absolute MUST duet with Kate Bush called "Don't Give Up". "In Your Eyes" is also one of the greatest love songs ever written. You also might be interested to know that he was originally part of the group Genesis, and when he left the great Phil Collins took over. And as for the lyrics? Don't overthink it... it's about sex. You can probably figure out what "fruit cage" is a metaphor for.

[@adgato75]

Nice to see "Steam" and "Digging In The Dirt" mentioned. Everyone is concentrating on suggesting earlier stuff.

[@Shrykespeare]

@@adgato75 Agreed. "So" and "Us" were remarkable albums. "Shaking the Tree" and "Blood of Eden" were also awesome, and heavily influenced by African rhythms. Most people forget that Paula Cole ("I Don't Want to Wait", "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?") was a backup singer for Peter before she had a successful solo career in the 90s.

[@adgato75]

@@Shrykespeare Yeah , I think he was one of the early white artists to incorporate "world music" into his sound , along with Paul Simon.

[@Shrykespeare]

@@adgato75 Indeed they were.

[@vincentjoyce5100]

I remember breaking this one out at a party and the place went wild. 1986 and the video was revolutionary.

[@CyanSpyder]

Most the animations were made by Aardman Animations, a British firm known for their claymation animations. They went on in later years to make shows and films such as Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run, The Pirates:Band of Misfits, and Shaun the Sheep

[@jenniferharrod6418]

Now, Peter Gabriel is a WHOLE rabbit hole. This man is BEYOND talented. He’s on a whole other level. Blood of Eden is a great one but In Your Eyes is definitely an Amber song. Mine too. Congrats to you and your whole family btw.

[@jointheleanrat]

I get so much joy out of watching you two watch this. This was a seminal video of the MTV generation and a personal favorite. So glad to see you two enjoy it, as well.

[@foreveralone11w]

Next do “We didn’t start the fire” by Billy Joel… it’s a complete history lesson in one song!

[@lisacox3750]

Great suggestion. I just watched that video about a week ago and forgot how good it was. I hadn't seen the video in many, many years.

[@navigatingwithnana]

For a transcending experience beyond compare, listen to his live performance or "In Your Eyes" with Paula Cole. It's earth shatteringly beautiful and uplifting!

[@kellypedersen6590]

It definitely gives the goose bumps.

[@iwantmyutube9040]

Classic 80's album! A must have in your collection.

[@scotgreen2993]

Games Without Frontiers, Solsbury Hill and I Don't Remember are other Peter Gabriel classics. I Know What I Like and The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway are great Genesis classics with Peter Gabriel singing lead.

[@jindas4217]

From the Secret World Live concert, "In Your Eyes" and "Shaking the Tree". Highly, highly recommended. Not sure if anyone else has mentioned this concert or these 2 songs from it yet. But, just an amazing performance.

[@danmacdonald4494]

Yes and Red Rain

[@lisacox3750]

I'm one of Peter Gabriel's biggest fans. He is just a cool dude! Your reaction to this video was exactly what everyone was feeling when it came out. It was just so different for that time. Peter Gabriel always had very imaginative videos. He was in his own lane and years ahead of many people. I don't know if you all knew this...but he was one of the original members of a group called Genesis. Genesis became really successful in the late 80s even though they had been around since the 1970s. Peter was the original lead singer before Phil Collins. Phil started out as the drummer. Peter left the group to go solo (as you can see from this video). Anyway, Peter has amazing songs. He is a true artist in every way. I'm so glad you picked one of his songs to react to. I"m sure by now you all have figured out what the "sledgehammer" is. It is a euphemism for a body part that a man has. The song is all about having a "fun" time with your partner...and in that process, a "sledgehammer" gets introduced....haha. Anyway...it's a great song!

[@ychaps]

And if you are gonna watch "in your eyes" which I highly recommend also...watch the live version...its amazing.

[@amyz2837]

Love the studio version but I second your suggestion for the live. It's stellar.

[@pdog547]

The live version of Solsbury Hill from the Secret World Live tour is magical!

[@miniheart123]

I was in kindergarten or 1st grade when this came out, I saw it on MTV all the time... I'm almost 45 and I still love it, his song In your eyes...is my favorite by Peter Gabriel

[@jetfowl]

Peter Gabriel has done so many good songs. Big Time, In Your Eyes, Shock the Monkey, Don't Give Up... are all stellar wonders. As is his cover of Book of Love.

[@bbb462cid]

Jacques the monkey?

[@wandaminter9421]

If you do "In Your Eyes" do the live version. As has been mentioned before, Peter Gabriel was the lead singer for Genesis. When he left, there was fear that it was the end of the group. They searched for/auditioned singers. They landed on the guy who was with them all along; their drummer, Phil Collins.

[@patrickmiller1834]

This was a monster billboard number one internationally. My generation knew how to make videos and write and perform songs.

[@ralphrex9118]

This song and video were decades ahead of their time, Gabriel is a stunning talent.

[@johnmccarthy-behindtheveil]

You have to do "Solsbury Hill" next, and then "In Your Eyes". Two of his best songs. Classics. Do the live versions.

[@fibrown444]

I'd add an early Genesis - "Dancing with the Moonlit Knight" (it's an experience)! Also solo, 'Games without frontiers'.

[@marthav.2962]

Yes, "In Your Eyes" live is essential! If you want to check out early Genesis with Peter, check out "Supper's Ready." Really wild. Really weird. Really wonderful!