WOMAD and Real World Records celebrate the 40th anniversary of a landmark cultural moment with the release of the double album Live at WOMAD 1982. Featuring previously unheard performances by Echo and the Bunnymen, Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds, The Beat, Robert Fripp, The Drummers of Burundi, The Musicians of the Nile, Salsa de Hoy and many more, this recording of the very first WOMAD festival reflects an unrivalled diversity of music programming which has become the festival’s signature over the four decades which have followed.
WOMAD 1982. The Royal Bath and West Showground near Shepton Mallet, Somerset. The heart of the world in the heart of the West Country. A festival of new and traditional arts from four continents and over 20 countries.
Real World Studios 2021. The process of restoring the 40-year-old audio tapes recorded at the first WOMAD festival began, overcoming many technical challenges to ensure these vital, historic performances were saved. This album is a window onto three days of amazing music – highlights from multiple stages, of artists from many corners of the globe.
Live at WOMAD 1982 is out now on Real World Records, and is available on 2CD and 2LP (in gatefold package with fold-up replica 1982 festival poster). Order here.