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Gabriel’s No Drums, No Guitar Policy
With dates going on sale soon, Peter Gabriel’s four-date journey through North America this spring promises to be an entirely different experience, even for the former Genesis frontman as he promises nights of “no drums, no guitars” – just a 54-piece orchestra.
Gabriel will be touring in support of his upcoming Scratch My Back album scheduled to land in stores March 2. What makes this album different is that the work features Gabriel’s interpretations of songs by other artists, including Radiohead and David Bowie.
Photo: AP Photo
Portugal’s Rock in Rio-Lisbon.
Described as the “Scratch My Back project,” the album is the first of a series of releases in which Gabriel and other artists reinterpret each other’s songs. The selections include Arcade Fire’s “My Body Is A Cage,” Bon Iver’s “Flume,” David Bowie’s “Heroes” and Lou Reed’s “The Power Of The Heart.”
Other tracks on the album are Paul Simon’s “The Boy In The Bubble” (which Gabriel premiered at last summer’s
Another unique aspect of the album (and tour) is that Gabriel is nixing the usual rock instruments by not including drums and guitars. Instead, Gabriel lined up a 54-piece orchestra for the album and tour.
Oh, yes, the tour. Just four dates, but a lot of Gabriel with the artist devoting one set to the new album and a second set to his own tunes.
It begins April 28 in Montreal at the Bell Centre, followed by two shows at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall May 2-3 before wrapping up at the L.A.’s Hollywood Bowl May 7.
Although the Bell Centre has yet to announce details, an American Express pre-sale for the Radio City Music Hall gigs begins this Sunday, Feb. 7 while the public onsale begins Feb. 16. The Hollywood Bowl show goes on sale Feb. 15. For more information on Gabriel, the tour, Scratch My Back and everything, please click here for the artist’s Web site.