petergabriel.com

Hi everyone, Peter is a very nice guy and all, and he did manage to settle certain points (e.g. the 24-bit FLAC download versions of some material), but he didn't properly address the most disputed issue of all: the inclusion of b-sides and remixes. While I understand that under the circumstances no other disc can be added to the box itself, I don't see why he hasn't considered offering those b-sides and remixes at least as high-quality downloads, thus still including them in the box-set experience at no further charge. I am not a studio guy so I have no idead how much that would cost for them to produce, but I think a lot of people would be a lot happier to buy the set if they knew that somewhere down the line (maybe not instantly), they would have access to at least some wonderful B-sides such as Curtains and Don't Break This Rhythm etc. That said, DNA sounds like a real treat, but we should convince Peter that it does not compensate for the lack of b-sides (even if only as downloads). Deluxe buyers desire the whole experience as much as possible (and rightly So !), and b-sides form an integral part of that experience, so they cannot wholly be dismissed. I seriously think we should start a petition for at least some b-side downloads included in the package price, such a petition worked in "forcing" the SACD release of Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd. Peter is the kind of guy who would listen if we make a reasonable request, and politely asking for the b-sides as downloads (perhaps only made available in the future) strikes me as a reasonable compromise. After all, we all want this because we love the great man and great musician that he is. Nothing in the rock music arena moves me as Peter's voice and songs do, and a very spiritual friend of mine who knew very little about Peter's music said, as clear as day, on hearing his voice: "He sings from the heart". He does, and that's why we are drawn to his music. With this hunger for anything by the man, I was instantly fascinated by just MP3 snippets of e. g. Don't Break This Rhythm recently, which I had never heard before, even though I have been a die-hard fan since So, having almost all of his catalogue (previously available) on SACD. I am probably buying this Deluxe edition anyway, so I am not "blackmailing" anyone, but it would really be a nice gesture from Peter and Realworld to treat us hardcore fans to at least future access to some of these B-sides as (hi-rez) downloads. Whatever eventually happens, I will remain with all due respect to the wonderful man and musician we all admire around these forums, the bard Peter Gabriel ! I hope the idea of such a petition will catch on with other fellow-fans. Best to you all, Peter Antonyi (Hungary)

That´s a good idea! another idea would be a cd made by fans for fans as a project for the year of interesting things. Peter and Real world could provide support for fans to send in rare and unreleased versions, live versions, b-sides, make a petition which songs should be included and Peter hopefully gives his ok for a release. So fans can share their rarities and don´t have to buy them on ebay. So what about that Marc

I have digitised most of the 12" singles myself but a download of extra "b" sides to the ones he is already including in the box would be a great gesture but a good business decision? - maybe. It is said though always leave the fans wanting more. I just wonder if the "new" so tour will eventually find its way on to a dvd or even dare I say a blu-ray...

Great idea! I support it. It would be a great thing for PG to do

If the unreleased tracks can be made available as MP3 downloads, then surely, to satisfy the hundreds of complaints about the absence of the b-sides, they could easily be made available too. It would still be nice to have official/legal, good quality versions of these tracks.

I just want to be able to hear the unreleased tracks. Remastered versions of B sides like DBTR, Curtains and Across the River would be great of course.