Peter Gabriel Unveils Single From His First Album In 20+ Years

Peter Gabriel has made the most of the New Year by returning to music - he's just released the first single from i/o, his first album of original material since 2002's Up.

The single is called Panopticom, a song that stems from the idea "to initiate the creation of an infinitely expandable accessible data globe," according to his website. He adds, "Let’s create the Panopticom together in an open, benign and generous way, that informs inspires and protects all the passengers on this big blue ball."

Panopticom features "electronics" provided by the legendary Brian Eno, David Rhodes (guitar), Tony Levin (bass), and Manu Katché (drums). The single artwork was designed by the artist David Spriggs.

Following the release of the first single from i/o, Gabriel will unveil a new song on each full moon of 2023. "Some of what I’m writing about this time is the idea that we seem incredibly capable of destroying the planet that gave us birth and that unless we find ways to reconnect ourselves to nature and to the natural world we are going to lose a lot,” Gabriel wrote. "A simple way of thinking about where we fit in to all of this is looking up at the sky… and the moon has always drawn me to it."

In November last year, the Sledgehammer singer announced that he would tour the UK and Europe for the first time in seven years. 

"It's been a while, and I am now surrounded by a whole lot of new songs and am excited to be taking them out on the road for a spin. Look forward to seeing you out there," Gabriel said of the tour announcement. Fans will hear new songs and "hits, fan favourites and the unexpected".

Peter Gabriel was recently honoured with a Silver Clef award at the O2 Silver Clef Awards for his excellent contribution to music. 

Receiving the accolade, he said: "I'm delighted to receive the O2 Silver Clef award. I've always believed the role of music goes way beyond entertainment, and I'm convinced that sound and light have a critical role to play in therapies and healing in the future. 

It's wonderful to see Nordoff Robbins using music to reach young people, who otherwise would feel much more isolated and vulnerable, and giving them a means of expressing their emotions. I'm working on a project called Reverberation – on the impact of music on the brain and body, so this award is very timely. I fully support Nordoff Robbins' belief in exploring and expanding the positive role music can have for everyone in our society."

Fans willing to travel to see Gabriel perform live can catch him all through Europe and the UK in May and June 2023. Tickets go on sale this Friday, 11 November. More details are here.