petergabriel.com

http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2011/06/review_peter_gabriel_at_red_ro.php It was a great show

Really wish I could have been there. The United Center is no Red Rocks, but looking forward to the show. Had to LOL looking at some of the comments to the article you posted. One commenter says, "I was very disappointed. The ticket should have read, New Blood Orchestra, with the top billing, then Peter Gabriel. I wanted to hear HIM sing HIS songs, not some unknown artist." Makes me wonder if this guy thinks Peter still looks like he did on the cover of So. :-]

In a word: incredible. Thanks, Peter!

I don't go to many concerts. And I've never seen Peter Gabriel perform. I loved the show at Red Rocks Amphitheater. When I first saw Peter standing on the stage . . . . singing . . . . . it was such an incredible feeling. I felt so lucky to have the opportunity to be so close to this live music. And to see Peter in person for the first time. That feeling in the inner part of my body was emotional AND physical. I guess it was that area between my heart and my upper throat. I haven't smiled like that in a long time. After all these years of listening to his music and his lyrics - it was a privilege to see Peter perform live. Some people have written about going to tens or hundreds of Peter Gabriel shows - how do they fit them in their schedule? How do they afford it? Would I have felt this incredible feeling if it was my 41st Peter Gabriel show? I'll never know. I guess one reason I haven't gone to many concerts is because of the following: Many people go because concerts are just something to do in their free time. They talk during the performance. They repeatedly walk down the isle to get food/drinks or smoke cigarettes. They email or text using their blackberry/iPhone devices. They hang out at the sides of the seat rows and talk to other people. Yeah, I know - none of these things are illegal or immoral, but for these people, I gotta ask - really? When it rained, someone in front of me put on her raincoat with a hood. So did I. Alright, cool so far. But then she pulled out an umbrella, too. Are you kidding me? And there were a few people who yelled out things when Peter was talking between songs. It prevented me from hearing the entire sentence that Peter was in the middle of. I'm glad they were enthusiastic, but . . . . that pissed me off. I wonder if Peter knows there are still people like me - people who are seeing him perform for the first time (even this late in his career); people who are completely focused on the performance; people who want to hear every word he says between songs; people who feel a tingling sensation upon seeing Peter sing live . . . . into the microphone for the first time. I have to think he knows these things. Peter seems pretty intelligent. Yeah, he knows. My sincere thanks to Peter Gabriel for coming to Colorado. And it was a real treat to see his daughter Melanie perform with him, too. This was and will be the most important experience for me in 2011.

This was my 4th time seeing Peter (London for 'SO' and 'US' and 'UP' in Denver). I would say by far this concert was the best one for me. Even though I was a little nervous taking my wife with me who's not as hard core fan as I am, the orchestra format totally blew us away! Peter's vocals I thought were better than his studio recordings. The orchestra was so amazing that his old songs like Blood of Eden, In Your Eyes and Mercy Street (my all time favorite song) had a completely new feeling. I had regretted so much missing out last year when Peter came to Los Angeles so this was a total treat for me. I had 3rd row seat and for those of you familiar with Red Rocks, this is as dramatic as it gets. I have seen Sting twice, Seal, Duran, REM, Prince, most of the big stars but none of them compare to experience Peter provides. To give those of you interested in a little insight of the concert format, Peter came and joked about how he took 'Rock' out of the 'Rock and Roll' for this tour. He said that in a rock concert artists have ability to hide behind the instruments but in this case they are totally exposed so lets see how it goes.(I am paraphrasing). He introduced Ann Brune who sang 2 songs. Within 5 mins, music for 'Heros' started. Peter and the whole orchestra hid behind the screen and the song started. You could not tell whether they were playing live or recording since the sound quality and Peter's voice was so amazing. As the Hero's music picks momentum and gets loud the screen lifts up and Peter just goes out of town. He did mentioned that for every city he was changing the songs to try something different. He finished the first set with Biko. After 15 mins break, music to San Jacinto. The music was so amazing that we were all stunned. I have heard this live at least 3 times and many on DVD, but I don't have words to describe the power in his voice. He did not miss a beat! He closed the show with 'The Nest That Sailed.'. All instrumental but absolutely amazing. Much better than the version on OVO CD. Oh and btw, the starting part of San Jacinto with fast keyboard, it was played on piano. Since I was only 3rd row, I couldn't believe the person playing with the speed. It was incredible. This is my first time blogging so those of you interested in more details, I'd be happy to share more. As you may be able to tell, I am a huge fan since I saw Peter in early 80's at Earl's Court UK. My iPhone, iPad or car iPod never leave without Peter's catalog. I am counting days for CD and DVD release of the New Blood!

Thank you Dagobah and PGDenverFan for your interesting reports!