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A big thanks to Radiation City for kicking off their tour and launching their new album at a WITNESS event in Silicon Valley last week.

Discover more about the band & listen to their music

Peter was at The Ivors earlier this month to present Randy Newman with the PRS for MusicSpecial International Award.

Whilst he was there M Magazine caught up with him for a quick discussion on World Music, ideas for a new music festival, and the importance of finding your groove when writing songs.

Peter Gabriel's orchestral arranger for Scratch My Back and New Blood has now released his own latest work via B&W's Society of Sound, where members can download very high, studio quality digital audio. John Metcalfe's musical experience ranges from his classical work as viola player and leader of the Duke Quartet, to being part of Durutti Column, as well as orchestral arranger for artists such as Simple Minds, Bat For Lashes, Blur - as well as Peter. The new release The Appearance of Colour features musical collaborations with pianist Tom Cawley, The Carducci Quartet and renown cellist Matthew Barley. It is a beautiful new work where intimate modern chamber music touches elements of electronics.

View this release on the Society of Sound

John Metcalfe has curated the Monomedia concert series at Kings Place in London.  He and his band, with special guests, are performing as part of the concert series on Saturday 11 May.

Book tickets now

"So sad to hear that the big man with the big heart has gone.

For anyone that worked with him, he was family.

When he turned the tap on, music poured out of him, as it did in Woodstock.

Everything about Richie was large, warm and passionate, his gentle eyes, that magical gravelly voice, the bold intense performances, and in his second life, in his commitment to all the kids he worked with.

I'm sure he had his darker moments - a voice that ' lived in ' doesn't come without pain, but what he gave to us was always about hope, about what he could give and never about him.

I feel very lucky to have known and worked with him."

PG

"We are all very sad to learn about the news of Storm Thorgerson's death this morning. He was a smart, very gifted artist, who could be warm and nurturing, difficult and obstinate in equal measure. His work was highly original and influential. We will all miss him badly as a man and artist".

PG

Storm Thorgerson, who, with his design company Hipgnosis, created the covers for Melt, Scratch and Car working in collaboration with Peter. Discover more about these artworks via the links below.

Peter Gabriel 1 - Car

Peter Gabriel 2 - Scratch

Peter Gabriel 2 - Melt

I was very sad to learn of the death of Phil Ramone. Phil made so many classic records. He was a perfectionist and influenced both how records sound and the way we make them.

When we were putting together our first Real World Recording Week we invited musicians from all over the world to spend a week writing and recording music together. It was quite ambitious and only made possible by the generosity of all those who took part. Phil was one of the first people to offer his services, and he paid his way over to the UK to join us. He took on the production of a Toto La Momposina record, and gave all of his energy and experience to the project. His talent, his passion for music and his kindness were inspiring. We will miss him.
Peter Gabriel

The Bell is a popular independent pub in arty Walcot Street, Bath, known for live music and cultural events, home to Bath Fringe Festival, constantly commended by CAMRA and often in the national press and various guides for their ales, their ambience and their music. The current owner has decided to sell and a group of regulars and staff members are initiating a Community Buyout.

Peter, along with various other musicians both local and international have given their support to the plan to keep The Bell in business and open as a vital venue for music (as well as beer).

"For more than thirty years Bath has evolved as a great place for music and especially for nurturing new talent in many areas.

The Bell has always been a key part of Bath's live music scene, often giving musicians their first break and always providing music that is vibrant, diverse and free.

All the best with your campaign."

PG

Peter recently stopped by at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. During his time there he spoke with three crewmembers on board the International Space Station directly from the ISS Flight Control Room at Mission Control. Topics of discussion included life and work on orbit during Expedition 34. Flight Engineer Chris Hadfield even played a few chords on his guitar, directly from outer space.

This week will be the last opportunity to purchase VIP tickets for Peter's forthcoming tour in Europe this Autumn. The cut off date for VIP tickets is Friday 15th February at 12.00 (GMT).

Towards the end of 2012 Peter curated a playlist of TEDTalks which he felt would stand the test of time. From printing a human kidney to the learning revolution - view his selections over on the TED website.

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the event, TED follows the ethos "Ideas Worth Spreading" and their conferences gather some of the brightest and creative minds from across the globe, discussing technology, entertainment, design.