By 1982, Peter Gabriel had firmly established himself as a bold and innovative solo artist, stepping out from the shadow of his time as the frontman of Genesis. His first three solo albums had showcased his willingness to push creative boundaries, blending progressive rock with world music influences and introspective lyricism. Tracks like “Biko” and “Games Without Frontiers” had earned critical acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a visionary artist, though his commercial success was still modest compared to his Genesis years.

However, Gabriel’s ambition extended beyond music. In 1982, he launched the inaugural World of Music, Arts, and Dance (WOMAD) festival, a groundbreaking event aimed at celebrating global sounds and cultures. Despite its artistic promise, the festival was a financial disaster. Poor attendance and high production costs left Gabriel personally liable for debts exceeding £100,000—threatening not only his career but his home.

Background

After leaving Genesis in 1975, Peter Gabriel embarked on a solo career that showcased his restless creativity and willingness to challenge musical conventions. His first three albums, all self-titled but nicknamed by fans as Car (1977), Scratch (1978), and Melt (1980), marked a significant departure from the progressive rock sound of his Genesis years. Instead, Gabriel explored a wide range of styles, blending experimental rock with elements of world music, electronic textures, and deeply personal, socially conscious lyrics.

These albums garnered critical acclaim for their innovation. Car introduced his new direction with tracks like “Solsbury Hill,” a heartfelt reflection on his departure from Genesis. Scratch pushed further into avant-garde territory, while Melt became a critical breakthrough, with songs like “Biko” highlighting Gabriel’s commitment to political activism and “Games Without Frontiers” achieving chart success. By 1982, Gabriel had built a reputation as a boundary-pushing artist, though his commercial success remained modest compared to his former band.

Driven by his growing fascination with world music, Gabriel envisioned a platform to celebrate and amplify the sounds of diverse cultures. This passion led to the creation of the World of Music, Arts, and Dance (WOMAD) festival. WOMAD was not just a music event; it was a cultural exchange designed to introduce Western audiences to global artists and traditions, blending genres and styles from across the globe. Gabriel believed that music could transcend borders and foster understanding, making WOMAD a project that embodied his artistic and humanitarian ideals.

The Crisis

The inaugural WOMAD (World of Music, Arts, and Dance) festival took place on July 16-18, 1982, in Shepton Mallet, England, with a lineup that reflected Peter Gabriel’s ambitious vision for a global celebration of music and culture. The festival featured an eclectic roster of international artists, including the Drummers of Burundi, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Ethiopian artist Mahmoud Ahmed, alongside Western acts such as Gabriel himself, performing both solo material and collaborations. WOMAD was a cultural milestone, designed to bring diverse musical traditions to a Western audience.

Despite its artistic significance, the festival was a financial disaster. Attendance was far below expectations, with only around 7,000 tickets sold, far short of the number needed to break even. Several issues contributed to its failure:

• Poor Promotion: The festival struggled to communicate its unique appeal to a broad audience, with marketing that failed to connect with mainstream music fans.
• High Costs: Bringing together artists from around the world and producing a multi-day festival required substantial financial outlay, which far exceeded ticket revenues.
• Niche Appeal: While the lineup was diverse and groundbreaking, it lacked major commercial draws to entice casual concertgoers unfamiliar with global music.

By the festival’s end, WOMAD was left with a crippling debt of over £100,000. Gabriel, who had personally financed much of the event, found himself in a dire financial position. He faced the very real possibility of losing his home and jeopardizing his career.

Genesis to the Rescue

In the wake of WOMAD’s financial collapse, Peter Gabriel’s former bandmates from Genesis—Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and Phil Collins—stepped in to help. Despite Gabriel’s departure from the band in 1975 to pursue his solo career, their friendship remained strong, and they rallied to support him in his time of need. Their solution: a one-off Genesis reunion concert to raise funds and pull Gabriel out of financial jeopardy.

The concert took place on October 2, 1982, at the Milton Keynes Bowl in Buckinghamshire, England. Billed as “Six of the Best,” the event was significant as it marked the first and only time that the original Genesis lineup—Gabriel, Banks, Rutherford, Collins, and guitarist Steve Hackett—performed together after Gabriel’s departure. It was a historic moment, both for fans of the band and for the members themselves, as it symbolized unity and solidarity.

The show itself was memorable for several reasons. The weather was cold and rainy, creating challenging conditions for both the performers and the audience. Despite this, the atmosphere was electric, with tens of thousands of fans braving the elements to witness the rare reunion. The setlist included classic Genesis tracks such as “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway,” “Firth of Fifth,” and “Supper’s Ready,” alongside other fan favorites that highlighted the band’s progressive rock legacy. Gabriel, ever the showman, donned theatrical costumes reminiscent of his time with the band, delighting the crowd with a touch of nostalgia.

Financial Outcome

The financial outcome of the concert was substantial, generating enough revenue to cover the £100,000 WOMAD debt and stabilize Gabriel’s precarious finances. Beyond the monetary success, the concert stood as a testament to the personal and professional bonds between Gabriel and his former bandmates. Despite their creative differences and the passage of years, they came together in a moment of genuine camaraderie to help one of their own.