Solsbury Hill (Peter Gabriel) REACTION & ANALYSIS | The Daily Doug | Episode 392

[@markorchard2272]

Solsbury Hill was 3 miles from my Mother's care home and her room overlooked Peter's studio where it was recorded! Great song even with the sad connotations.

[@Ginger57]

So sorry for your loss🌹

[@markorchard2272]

@@Ginger57 thanks!

[@petethegardener1968]

The songs words are all about regeneration Spring a rebirth from your grief. Love

[@HenningUhle]

"Solsbury Hill" has always been my dear friend my whole life. My mother loved this song, and so I grew up with it, even in the GDR. Whenever the radio played this song, my mother began to dance, even as a Springsteen fan. For me, this song is somehow about letting go. Well, yeah, it was the time for going the own path without Genesis. I always loved the positive vibes in this song, also when I didn't understand any English word. In 2003, the English synthpop duo "Erasure" did a wonderful cover version of "Solsbury Hill". And there we go. You might think that the duo might have destroyed this wonderful piece. But there was a deeper meaning for doing this cover version since the singer Andy Bell was diagnosed HIV a few years before. So, it was time for letting go and do what's important. And everything made sense. My mother died last fall. Well, yeah, I cried like a river. But then it was time for letting her go. After the funeral my wife said something like the conclusion "Grab your things, I've come to take you home". And so, "Solsbury Hill" will always be a big part of my life. Thank you for the video.

[@nolongerthere]

This brings strong feelings. It's a beautiful story and a great way to keep your mom alive. I always loved and resonated with this theme of deliverance and freedom from the various machines we engage in as adults. Keep my crap; I'm going home. Home to comfort and acceptance, home to mother, even if only in the spirit world.

[@carlosclaptrix]

Thanks for sharing such a personal experience!

[@chrisknight2631]

Love this - thank you.

[@luismedina5994]

That is beautiful!

[@joannecunliffe8067]

This is probably my favourite song of all time. I first heard it as a ten year old child and was utterly captivated. I played piano from quite early in my life and loved the 7/4 time. I never ended up playing it myself until I took up guitar as a teenager. I've had happy and sad times in my life and you have to walk forwards into the unknown and not be afraid. To me this is a song about hope and is a spiritual experience. I just close my eyes and envelop myself in the music and words. Thank you, Doug for reviewing it.

[@JeffreyBrock58]

I have experienced every US tour that Peter has done. The spiritual energy at his shows is something that can’t be put into words. You always leave a changed person.

[@MrDogonjon]

I was working for Redmond Parks and Rec in '97 when the culmination of the Womad Tour came to Marymoor Park I lived right there and went to the last show for the franchise where Peter played a concert and announced he was getting the band back together , recording an album and going on tour, they played the album that night befor it was actually finnished being recorded. Then they toured, recorded again and again. Womad was a labor of love truly showcasing the impact of music globaly.

[@pamnorris8954]

Peter Gabriel is my favorite rock/prog singer. So glad you got to hear this again. This whole album is just lovely. Here Comes the Flood is another really good one from the same self titled album. Thanks so much as always Doug! Oh! New Blood live is one of my absolute favorites ❤️ Yes, the reference to Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging is wonderful. I love “Turning water into wine” which seems like a Jesus reference.

[@misterghee1]

Lord here Co...

[@kylben]

So now you need to do every single song on "So", because every one of them is gold. It's one of the most perfect albums ever.

[@thomasrudy6132]

I have seen Peter live numerous times. When he played HERE COMES THE FLOOD, just him and a grand piano, as the final encore it was PURE GOOSEBUMPS!!!

[@thomasmeyer8798]

Saw him 2004 - and he opened the concert with this. How big can one be to open a concert like this?

[@aka.Mr.French]

glad to hear you mention Tony Levin. He's spoken often about how fortuitous it was that as a studio musician (with an impressive resume that included John Lennon and Herbie Mann) he was hired for the PG1 sessions, and met both Gabriel and Fripp the first day, leading to 4+ decades of musicmaking with both. I also read an interview recently where he said Gabriel's still working on a new album (20 years in the making!), and if/when Peter calls he'll be packing to head out on the road again... at age 75 or older, doing what TLev does par excellence. There's a clip here on YT of Gabriel in South America, where his between-song chatter was written out in the native language (don't recall whether it was Spanish or Portuguese); during the band introduction part, as he usually does he started with the newest band member and worked back, so Tony (his longest-serving sideman) was last... and it was a joy to hear the crowd start cheering Tony before Peter had even started the first sentence, and erupt when Peter spoke his name. So much love for a genuine, lovely human and iconic bassist.

[@christopherheckman7957]

Tony Levin was John McLaughlin's first choice for the bass player in the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Levin was already working with someone else, so McLaughlin went with Rick Baird instead. Levin played with basically everyone. (He even played Stick on Pink Floyd's Momentary Lapse of Reason album.) I got to see him live in 2019 with his brother Peter on keyboards and a non-Levin on drums, as the Levin Brothers, opening up for Soft Machine.

[@aka.Mr.French]

never knew that about McLaughlin wanting him for M.O.; interesting! And yeah, Tony's been crazy busy all his life (and deservedly so). Aside from PG and Crimson, I've seen him with his own Levin Band (in 2006) and with Stick Men several times.

[@axlrosea675]

Tony is great in Liquid Tension Experiment, too!

[@NickBR57]

A great song from my youth. I have to say it's not SolsBERRY Hill. I was born and brought up in Bath. Solsbury Hill is just outside. Thetes a line "I could see the city lights" - the city is Bath. Its called SolsBURY Hill (or actually Solsbree). Peter was something of a celebrity for us at the time, causing numbers of young people to visit Solsbury Hill to see what it was like. Happy days!

[@u3uu3u]

Yep and the album was recorded at crescent studio in Bath, before the guys from Genesis helped him build his studio at the old mill in Box, which I must add is an amazing space.

[@NickBR57]

@@u3uu3u Absolutely. I forgot that!

[@bernstangroom6952]

Funny coincidence listening to this today - I'm walking into Box in about 30 minutes! I'm very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world!

[@PatrickKelly-lz3pv]

@@u3uu3u Box hill the inspiration for another well known song

[@davidthompson59]

As I live about 50 miles away from the City of Bath in the UK and a few years back I took a drive up there and actually climbed up Solsbury Hill (or Little Solsbury Hill as it is properly known). It was on a warm summer's day and is quite a walk up from the riverside through beautiful English country lanes full of birdsong. At the top it is clear moorland with amazing views out across Bath and the Avon valley. It is supposedly an old iron-age burial ground and it does have that feel of a special kind of place. The kind of place you can think about your life and maybe be inspired!

[@grahamhowes6904]

One of the greatest artists in modern music! Apart from all the amazing output he wrote DON’T GIVE UP - credited by Elton John and others as literally saving their lives when they were suicidal. His version of Arcade Fire’s MY BODY IS A CAGE is a masterclass in reworking a classic and actually improving it. Genius!

[@JohnBrooking4]

Don’t Give Up is so emotionally encouraging. Absolutely amazing. Such a great gospel feel.

[@ITG45]

I would simply like to thank you Doug, it is so wonderful to share the beauty of music with you, love your opinions on all the music. What a great channel, just people enjoying art at its best.

[@darrellsturrock5795]

The guitar riff intro was written by Steve Hunter.

[@sianpodmore4988]

That's such a joyful, life affirming song, seeing PG and the band bouncing around the stage having a ball is so uplifting (and, my goodness, don't we need a bit of that right now?). Cheered my morning anyway. Thank you Doug

[@Andyw-td4gp]

I grew up in Bath. My Dad would take us to Solsbury Hill - a tall round lump essentially. We would fly our kites with greater or lesser effect.

[@relativetimeworx8459]

"part of the scenery" - was actually the band's condesending attitude toward Peter in that the visuals had overshadowed the music in live performances. There was a lot of resentment - not unlike traditional resentment band members often develop towards their frontmen/vocalists who inevitably get the lion's share of the attention. In the case of Genesis, let's be frank. As blissful as the music may have been, without Peter's theatrics, no one may ever have discovered Genesis. Even so, resentment there was - exacerbated by Peter's wife having a difficult pregnancy which took him away from the band more than would be normal. All this, and certainly more, caused Peter to consider his options (which included a failed possible screenplay collaboration with William Friedkin (sic)) - and he "walked right out of the machinery".

[@mr.d8214]

In March, 2018 my 34 year old son was taken home. Every time I hear this song it brings tears. Boom boom boom.

[@SteveHunterGuitarist]

Steve Hunter played all the guitars on Solsbury Hill. 😎🎸

[@nigeljohnston2193]

He's riding a Moulton bicycle, hand made in Bradford-On-Avon just 6 miles from Solsbury Hill.

[@DrNothing23]

One of his best pieces, IMO. Love it. Thanks for this one, Doug. EDIT: What a fantastic video montage for such a warm, exuberant, positive song. LOVE HIM!

[@gudulezzz]

I saw Peter Gabriel on stage in 1993. It was secret world. This is the greatest concert i've ever seen in my life. Thanks Doug for your informations about this tune.

[@marcanglin7127]

I have seen an ridiculous number of concerts, and I agree with you, whole-heartedly.

[@ericschilling1508]

Peter Gabriel has always had such an energetic stage presence. He’s always running around or doing something in his performances.

[@christopherheckman7957]

Genesis was always a theatrical band. On the cover of Live, we see Peter Gabriel dressed up as Magog.

[@caroleann_2142]

I saw him with Genesis, you're ab. correct.

[@mrnobody3161]

When this came out I was already a Peter Gabriel devotee and had been taking music lessons for 12 years on 5 different instruments. I was discovering other musicians such as Robert Fripp, Brian Eno, David Bowie. Discovering bands like King Crimson, Argent, Yes, Hawkwind, Gentle Giant, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple. Exciting times, this song and album were a profound influence on me along with Argent's Nexus, and Circus Albums. A song called "Music of the Spheres" specifically.

[@JohnBrooking4]

When my wife and I married and decided to move to another state, where we hardly knew anyone but felt a strong attraction to, we felt like this was one of our our theme songs. Following our dream. Another was Jethro Tull’s “Skating Away on the Thin Ice is a New Day”. Both were included in the mix tape we made for our wedding rehearsal dinner.

[@johnsayer116]

Robert Fripp is quoted as saying that he didn't play on Solsbury Hill, but it was Steve Hunter.. who also played on the album.

[@BeardyLonghair]

Steve Hunter wrote the guitar parts on this song, he goes uncredited on a lot of songs, but has been the 'go to' session guy for years. As I recall from past interviews although the main "bones" of the song and lyrics were done, it was missing something special and it was Steve's iconic acoustic riff is what brought it all together.

[@AllanHerrod]

This is my all time favorite PG song (I suspect it's many people's also). Thanks for the extra background and musical information about this wonderful piece. If possible you have enhanced the joy this song always brings me. Thanks, Doug!

[@robertakerman3570]

Hey Allan, U might remember when Clapton left some "band" because they did a Pop song? Then 15 years later Peter G left Genesis; both halves ( Gabriel & Collins ) went on to do Pop songs. Seems as though there is a thread there.

[@AllanHerrod]

@@robertakerman3570 I suppose I have to admit that both Peter and Genesis (those left behind) did at least some Pop after they parted ways. But IMHO, Peter seems to have kept more of his "Prog cred" than Phil did. I guess it all depends on what your definition of Pop and Prog are. If the key Pop question is "can you dance to it and would you want to?", then I think Genesis more consistently churned out Pop than Peter did. But you have to admit that Peter classics such as Shock the Monkey and Sledgehammer are "Poppy but good". As for Prog, if its key aspects are complex rhythms, exotic sounds, and deep "enigmatic" lyrics, then I think you would find those much less present in most later Genesis works than in most of Peter's works. The crowd I ran with back in the day used to refer to Genesis after the split as "This is not Peter Gabriel". Your mileage may vary.

[@robertakerman3570]

@@AllanHerrod True, & We all had fun to boot!

[@GustavoLudear]

Great review as always. Steve Hunter (Alice Cooper, Lou Reed...) plays the acoustic guitar riff.

[@IvorPresents]

Great song, one of my favorites. Also like "Here comes the Flood". There are some gems in his solo works, as well as a few odd ones. I think his greatest and most soul wrenching piece is on his last album, "Signal to Noise". ends on a note of catharihism not hit since," Suppers Ready". I was lucky enough to catch the 2003 tour. Saw him at a local venue. under the stars.

[@paulking5665]

I am so glad that I got to see Peter Gabriel live in 1994 at the Glastonbury Festival (which is about 30 miles from Solsbury hill) He was an excellent headliner for the Sunday night.

[@RIGHTNOW108]

I like the slower, more focused studio version better. One of my top 10 all time favorite songs. What powerful, optimistic lyrics.

[@johnhager5000]

I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Gabriel after a Baltimore show in 1978. Although a very brief encounter, it's been a cherished memory for all of these years. BTW, Doug...it was a pleasure to speak with you at the Symphony X show at the Keswick last night. Great show...hope you enjoyed!

[@stephenpeterson7940]

I love this song so much I asked my family to play it at my funeral. No hymns, just "Solsbury Hill."

[@tallisharrill1671]

I've said the same for years, but this version doesn't have the important change the last verse originally makes: LEAVE your things, I've come to take you home. Not the same song without it.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

@@tallisharrill1671 or rather, "You can keep my things, they've come to take me home!"

[@tallisharrill1671]

@@hurdygurdyguy1 yep, sorry, been a long time!

[@jenniferjeffrey3933]

I played Peter Gabriel at my husband's funeral. "Book of Love" Xx

[@mathumphreys]

I'm glad you chose that video. The first time I watched it I didn't know what was going on. And you blow me away when you do the "do re mi's" so fast.

[@schefiban]

I saw Peter in concert in 1983 in Worcester Massachusetts. It was a life changing experience. He was touring in support of his fourth studio album Security. Most notable where his renditions of San Jacinto and Lay Your Hands on Me. Performing the latter tune, Peter fell back into the audience and was passed around, right over me in fact. I’ve never felt an audience as connected to a performer than I did at hat concert.

[@marcanglin7127]

The ultimate song of personal empowerment.

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

The first album was produced by Bob Ezrin, and he's talked about the project in several interviews. He really enjoyed working with Peter.

[@bennettskb555]

Doug, your exploration, review and musical insight is totally inspirational. Many many thanks from the UK

[@topsykretts5701]

I love the version with the New Blood Orchesta. It brings always tears to my eyes, when they play "The Ode to Joy" on the 7/4. So uplifting. Everytime.

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

That is my song. Thank you thank you thank you. I've seen him three times and once more in a Genesis encore back in the day. I hadn't made the connection to Rael before. Great to hear.

[@marcpetak114]

Just love this song everytime I hear it! Timeless! Regret never getting to see Peter, but love the live videos of this track. Thanks, Doug!

[@bolandjd]

Brilliant choice! Such a timeless song. Someone probably already mentioned it, but Robert Fripp actually did not play on this one; it was veteran session man Steve Hunter playing the exquisite Travis picked acoustic riff on the studio recording. I miss that guitar work in the live versions. Also, Peter’s flute! I get it that he never considered himself a serious flutist, but I love his playing in the early Genesis stuff and I kind of wish he kept at it in his solo work.

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

When Fripp played on tour with Gabriel, reluctantly, he actually played from off-stage.

[@officialpierluk]

i don't know if you'll read this commentary but i just wanted to say thank you a lot for your amazing videos and the joy and love for music you have. it's been a hard month for me for many reasons relationshipwise and really stressful and your videos are always a comfort to me. i am passionate about music and your analysis and genuine reaction is one of the rare things that make me feel lighter and it helps me a lot so thanks!

[@wbaconus]

The dance move you do Doug is called the ladder. You’re welcome. I love your videos man! I’m finding it easier to learn some theory with your commentary

[@PatrickKelly-lz3pv]

Thank you Doug your eloquent explanation of the make up of this fantastic song and additional information will make listening to this song even more satisfying.

[@Ontheroxxwithsalt]

I grew up in Boston and this is the song playing during the morning news when school closures for the whole greater Boston area scrolled on the television screen on snow days. Sitting excitedly in front of the tv screen, waiting to see your city name was excruciating. Today it takes me back and gives me a feeling of FREEEEEDOM!!! Lol Nothing better than knowing school was CLOSED and the day ahead was about to be filled with snowball fights, sledding, and hot cocoa! The days of innocence that were so wonderful and we were fresh and unspoiled.

[@joebalusikiii5811]

I've held this belief about "change" in life; you can resist and push against inevitable change or embrace it and ride the wave. "Solsbury Hill" has always encouraged embracing change musically for me. The bouncy structure the song lives in is immensely positive.

[@richpeltier9519]

I was shocked to hear that Fripp played on this track. That's something I would normally know. Good news for my ego, it's not true. Steve Hunter performed all the guitar parts. In fact he had to triple them, because Bob Ezrin wanted it that way. Per Wikipedia. Rich the Ancient Metal Beast

[@TheVirtualWatcher]

There I was, preparing to tell you about Little Solsbury Hill in Batheaston, just to the east of Bath, and I find you've done your homework ... Peter's 'Real World Studios' are in Box, about 4.5 miles east of Little Solsbury Hill.

[@pattardn]

"Home" is the place where, as long as there is life beating, change is eternal and so it is the place to move to, to be yourself.

[@Habück]

"Secret World" is my favourite

[@PropBoyGinge]

This is STILL one of my all time favourite songs. It's so uplifting just in it's melody. It's a song that you can hear something different in every time you hear it.

[@StewartUSAF]

I love how the whole thing sits in the unsettled 7/4 until the 4/4 bars on "'Son,' he said, 'Grab your things, I've come to take you HOME.'" Symbolically, it's unsettled until he's come to take us home.

[@Barbaste]

my favorite singer period. I could sing along the whole lamb album instantly. saw him live twice 88, 90, a mystical experience. shock the monkey was shocking the way he moved and jumped, biko at night with a spotlight aimed at the moon - we were levitating

[@ralphskyperion1699]

Absolutely fabulous song and reaction Doug. In Your Eyes from the secret world live tour is also superb and is one of my favourite ever live performances.

[@Fibonacci64]

I saw him live in Stockholm 1977, doing this track. His first solo tour. Fantastic, it was new and not the famous track as we know it by now. He started with "Here Comes The Flood" alone on piano, ended with the same song with full band. Really great, I was only a kid (born 1964).

[@alanwhetstone4396]

This is one of the songs I'm going to have played at my services when I passed away

[@JohnBrooking4]

“You can have my things, they’ve come to take me home.”

[@blueswannine8749]

I'm so happy you are looking at Peter Gabriel. I became a bit of a fan when I caught his concert footage to the Secret World tour which I can't recommend highly enough. Even if just for your personal listening I think you would enjoy it. It's amazing - so much joy on stage.

[@bethrappeport9381]

Thank you for using this video for your reaction. It is so joyous that I had to watch it a few more times.

[@plaidchameleon25]

This is one of my favorite songs and this is my favorite version. Three years ago, I was released from the hospital after emergency colon surgery. I had lost 35 pounds of muscle (and a some fat) and I was weak, tired, in pain and alone while recovering. I found this version of the song and it helped me see some hope. There were other songs that helped me get out and exercise, but this one was one that made me get out of bed and try to make the day better than the one before.

[@Ginger57]

Hope you're doing much better! I find his music to have a healing aspect. After my ex spouse ended his life I was in shock and lost. Covid came...this saved me🧡

[@patlatorres7000]

The first time that I heard this song was at about 1:00 in the morning and it just resonated so strongly that I had to go out the next day and buy the album. Listening to the entire album was an absolute eye opener! I hadn't really been into progressive rock, being more of a traditional rock and roll bassist, so I was very unaware of Genesis. This album started me looking beyond what I was used to and probably comfortable with, which has been an ongoing journey continuing up until today, when popular music has started into a sad decline -- BUT, there IS still good music out there, one just has to look outward musically to find it, bluegrass, jazz, classical and into music from years past.

[@MichelleMills1972]

I saw him with Sting in Boston, 2016. Best concert I’d been to. Glad to have seen him.

[@davidmccarthy7499]

Saw Peter live at Bath University when I was a student in 1978 or 1979, long time ago memory gets blurred at my age. Still remember that it was the smallest venue he had performed in years; the performance was amazing. The line "I can see the city lights" is the city of bath. Been on top of Little Solsbury Hill, views of Bath are amazing.

[@chrisselwyn]

You and me both. It was when I was in my final year at Bath University in 1980.

[@brunomeral7885]

I had the cassette "Peter Gabriel plays live" in my car and it turns for month until it dies. What a ride! I noticed in this video that the audio is only from the first concert. If you watch the other concerts with Peter aging, you will ear his voice declining (usual thing with age) but is presence never diminish on scene. He's a true artist.

[@abutterflyloves]

I adore your channel. You seem like such a kindred spirit. Just love your excitement

[@doughorton3635]

Peter's lyrics are always very interesting, even in his more "pop" songs. There's also a very prophetic lyric in the song "Am I Very Wrong?", from the very first Genesis album in 1969, where he sings, "Am I very wrong to want to leave my friends and the curse of the happiness machine?" I don't know if he wrote those lyrics, but I find them very prophetic of his decision to leave Genesis six years later.

[@AirDOGGe]

In some of those concerts like "Growing Up Live" Peter's own daughter is one of the backup singers and even has her own singing parts in some songs.

[@ullanielsengade]

Thank you for this time. If you see the whole Secret World Tour notice, that Peter dances with all his musicians og in this way he creates a very special feeling of enjoying the koncert togehter. I love this koncert because of alle the joy and warmth and love it creates.

[@Islander2112]

In 1982 Genesis did a one show reunion with Peter, and they performed this song, which is awesomely ironic!

[@raybishop1130]

I was there!

[@bobmerrison9389]

I saw him in concert in '24, this song is still a highlight and still sounds fresh.

[@zilla66]

I saw Peter and Sting play together a few years ago. They both sang some of the others songs. It was a great night!

[@DavidG62]

Thank you Doug. Love your presentations

[@mitchellpeters2471]

Thanks, Doug! That is one of my most favorite songs. Loved this when I was a kid in the eighties when I was really discovering music. Thank you, Peter!

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

I always find 7/8 and 5/8 inherently catchy. Robert Fripp produced Gabriel's second solo album - it's probably his most "difficult" album, but it's very rewarding to get into. And, of course, Fripp and Levin have worked together as part of the line-up of King Crimson - a band you need to analyse the music of!

[@SuperNevile]

A good place to start would be the title track of the debut album.

[@janewright2800]

One of my favourite songs and means so much to me xxx PG fan anyway x🦅eagle flew out of the night!

[@robertalmgren3090]

I am making it a life goal to feel as happy as Tony Levin looks when playing in this video.

[@HartmutKarrasch]

The "magic" of this song is the change from 7/4 to 8/4 and back to 7/4!!! Very unique!!! Thank you Doug that you explained it in your video. Some of my friends are thinking "7/4 8/4... what's the difference?" When you studied music (as I did) the difference is ... gigantic... sorry, I had to say that... shame over me... ....and by the way: it's not easy to dance to it😃

[@markkinne4715]

Two takeaways from this song for me are...1 it always makes me smile, and tap my foot. 2 Tony Levin is a beast of a musician.

[@jasonremy1627]

You've got to do the Secret World Live version of "In Your Eyes". It's so good.

[@Dan-C-71]

It is, but the Growing Up Live version is my favorite.

[@pennylarkinisthebest]

I agree. The version with Paula Cole is absolutely stunningly brilliant.

[@lordstickybunz]

I remember first hearing Peter Gabriel in 9th grade when my history teacher played us shocked the monkey it really stirred something in me

[@LuisGarcia-ee2tr]

What a singer Gabriel. The epic songs with Genesis, like "Supper ready", "The musical box", and so many. And then his solo career. Fascinating.

[@ianp9086]

I’ve been lucky enough to see him on all those tours - brilliant performer!

[@xyprophis3067]

I will never get enough of this track!!!! Absolutely Awesome

[@donna3465]

If you haven’t watched Gabriel’s “Secret World” concert in its entirety on YT, you’re missing out on a masterpiece of a concert. It’s fantastic.

[@christopherheckman7957]

This song was playing on the radio where I had lunch today. One of those synchronicities.

[@classicraceruk1337]

Solsbury hill is a magical song. I love it to bits.

[@johnhalstead5938]

The previous comments are so spot on. Bump, Bump, on... turning water into wine. So infectious, where have these words been written or spoke? Oh, I know.

[@kevinroche3334]

I saw the first ever performance of this on Christmas eve at the rainbow theater, London, with Tom Robinson!

[@TheErazar]

Really appreciate that you provide additional information on the songs. Great content, great song, thanks Dough!

[@chrisjohnston3512]

I had an old friend who used to work in a furniture warehouse. He told me all day the guys would work away with rock music playing and do air guitar and air drums along with whatever was playing--except when this song came on. They'd all sing along.

[@djsoulfilter]

Love this song! Another one of my favs is Red Rain!!

[@DrNothing23]

^^YES^^

[@meganhelvering9578]

LOVE Red Rain ❤️ will always have a special place in my heart

[@nzmarco]

What a fabulous concert. The fun the audience and band shared is awesome.

[@emjem99]

You simply must do Biko. One of the most moving, emotive, stark and confronting songs ever, IMHO.

[@danielbrenton3434]

Doug, I was delighted to see you chose this song, and I had literally found this very same video a few days ago. This version is more up-tempo than the original album version, and I think it captures the joy of the song better because of it. You mentioned the Chapman Stick that Tony Levin is using, and I took a quick look over your videos posted here to see if you had done a reaction/analysis to any King Crimson. If I may suggest, you might enjoy the technical skills of Levin and Fripp on "Discipline" from '81, and I was thinking of either "Elephant Talk" in which Levin excels on Stick, or "Frame by Frame" which features some of Fripp's extraordinary guitar wizardry. Glad I ran into you, sir. It was fascinating hearing your commentary on Yes and ELP. Keep up the good work.

[@kenrik2105]

I was blessed to experience Gabriel’s first tour at Winterland SF in April 1977. He played his entire first album. It was an amazing experience.

[@markramsay6399]

Great video - great tune ! Mark.

[@GuyHindle]

One of my favourite THINGS ever - I mean EVER... I recommend this widely

[@garywright7686]

One of my favorites. Peter Gabriel's first solo album came out in my freshman year of college. My first exposure to Tony Levin as well. Tony would later turn up as member of what was at the time my favorite band, King Crimson.

[@adriangoodrich4306]

Back at last, after a horrid few work weeks. Doug, superb reaction to my favourite PG song. I loved it when it was first released, and I think we Prog fans all realised back then it was about him moving on from Genesis. Such an uplifting song, as was your review. I've been up on Solsbury Hill. The "City Lights" are those of the lovely city of Bath, lying below. And I can fully understand him experiencing a spiritual epiphany there. I honestly think he had had enough of the controlling musical influence of Tony Banks, supported by Mike Rutherford - something Steve Hackett likewise found a little later. He wanted to be able to better express himself musically, and huge respect to him for taking the decision, which the song explains. I think you picked EXACTLY the right video too. As always...loved it Doug. Thanks.

[@MisterWondrous]

Believe you me, this song and album was spelunked for meaning, as were many of his cryptic transmissions. At the time I was intuiting spiritual connections amongst many of the progressive music visionaries, and so, of course, a strange yet attractive and deeply intelligent woman at a party, in an old Victorian home, in the Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte, handed me the book "Meetings with Remarkable Men" by Gurdjieff, and before long I realized what those connections were. Peter's album, that some call "Melt", contains some of the philosophy, particularly "No Self Control", which explains much of the problems that still exist among humans. We don't know how to stop, we don't know how to stop. "Solsbury Hill" was a bit of a victory song, for Peter and fans. It reminds me of slipping out the back door of a job I hated, into the bright sunlight of freedom, and yes, uncertainty.

[@Richard_Jones]

The bike was from the Growing Up Live tour. That my friend was a show and a half!