Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. March 28th 2010.

When Peter Gabriel released his latest offering Scratch My Back, there were some rumblings from older, self confessed Genesis fans that what Peter was releasing was not in the vein they had been used to.

The album was a covers delight, but with a twist, relying on the concept of using an orchestra to get the music across, rather than the usual tired instruments. Judging by the near capacity audience who had made the journey to the o2 Arena in London, there was a healthy dose of intrigue and curiosity on how the album would play out live.

Peter had already announced that the album would be played in its correct order and he didn’t disappoint as he opened up with David Bowie’s Heroes and one of the 80’s most popular songs, Paul Simon’s The Boy in the Bubble. This song summed up the whole evening as it was a tune that ran along at fair old pace, (a typical trait of Paul Simon’s songs on the Graceland album) but has now been tempered down to the point of being something beautiful.

Peter’s love of playing around with technology was on show as Peter covered Magnetic Fields The Book of Love with some wonderful use of animation on the big screens, culminating in some personal micky taking as Peter’s animated figure lifts up the bride’s veil to reveal his own face.

The first part of the show was culminated with a scintillating version of Philadelphia which drew huge applause from the crowd.

Peter opened up the second part of the gig with San Jacinto and a stunning version of Digging in the Dirt and accompanied by some thought provoking visuals including a mess of wriggling worms, (perhaps with the reference of finally burying the past).

For those who might have worried how some of his older, perhaps more rock oriented songs, may have sounded when played by the New Blood Orchestra, then put away those doubts, for every song was delivered with style and a massive amount of respect, not only to the song but to the reverential audience who had braved the changeable London weather all day.

The wonderful Mercy Street from the 1986 smash So fitted in excellently into the set list, it was hard to remember how the original must have sounded.

Peter and the Orchestra finished a truly wonderful main set with the classic Solsbury Hill from Peter’s first album Car, with the opening chord giving everybody the impetus to get up and dance for the first time that evening.

After a small break in proceedings Peter came back on too deep and heartfelt applause and thrilled the audience one more time with In Your Eyes and a message for all those that had attended the evening in the masterpiece Don’t Give Up. Originally recorded with the incomparable Kate Bush, it took on a completely new vibe with the wonderful Ane Brun taking on the responsibility of filling the great lady’s shoes.

The Orchestra were on top form and complimented Peter’s voice and approach superbly. Led energetically by conductor Ben Foster, they didn’t put a foot wrong all night.

Peter remains one of rocks greatest enigmas, but on this type of showing, there will not be too many who will worry about what the future will hold for one of the nation’s favourite sons.

Ian D. Hall