Welcome New and Old Readers to This Blog

I took a look at my stats for The Perfect Blog Title (which I rarely do) and was shocked to see my readership has gone up.  Perhaps you are new to this blog.  Hello, there.  Welcome to my world.  What have you gotten yourself into?

I started this blog in 2006 to

• help me learn how to blog
• promote my writing
• discuss spirituality 

Let's just say that I failed in all three counts.  I was a witch/pagan back in 2006 but by 2009 I came out as an atheist.  My pagan years were fun and as religions go, it's the best, but jut rings hollow to me now instead of sounding like sweet, clear music.

Shift to Peter Gabriel

How's that for a segue? 

In the last three years or so I've mostly blogged about singer/songwriter/humanitarian Peter Gabriel.  Quite frankly, I love Peter more than I loved any Deity.  Anyway, my shift in blog focus was due to a lack of information from Petergabriel.com but this has really picked up in the past year.  It used to be that I had to hit Google News for PG news (which I would then pass on), but now PG's official Facebook page has taken up the slack, rendering my blog posts superfluous. 

I will still post about Peter Gabriel as the spirit moves me, but check out the Peter Gabriel links on the left for the latest PG news.

And Then 2011 Hit

Last year, my Mom's health has dropped like a rocket.  She took me and my dog in when we were homeless, so you better believe I've been taking care of Mom 24/7 ever since.  This means I have very little time for writing.  Mom's been paying most of my bills because I take care of her, the house and the pets.  I'm really ashamed that I can't contribute more financially to the household, but there it is.

At this point, I suppose I should write something inspiring like "Now that the we content industry has dried up, I can use this as a new opportunity to expand my craft and pursue a new evolution in freelance writing" but that would be bullshit and I will not bullshit you, Gentle Reader.  My web content freelance writing jobs are gone and I have not been able to find other writing work and IT SUCKS.  I used to make an average of $50 a day -- now I'm lucky if I make $5 per day.

I don't see this as an "opportunity."  I see this as a huge neon sign pointing to me with an arrow saying LOSER!

I do not make any money on this blog or my WordPress blog ReasonsNotToCommitSuicide so I can have absolute writing freedom.  So, I don't know what direction The Perfect Blog Title will take from here on out, but at least you won't find any bullshit.

My Demotivational Posters

So, why did I stick these up?  Because I want to place them on one of my Pinterest boards and you can't pin anything from Facebook, where these beauties were originally stored.

That's pretty much the highlight of my life recently -- playing with Pinterest.  It's not like I could write for clients because I have so few of them.

I am still mostly taking care of Mom, who had a knee replacment surgery on 24 May.  She's able to dress herself now (hey -- that may not sound like much, but get YOUR knee replaced.)

Hugo is Two Years Old

Today is Hugo's birthday.  He's 2.  Everyone grab a can in your mouth and strut around like Hugo.

I'm Going to See Peter Gabriel Concert in Philly

After a huge drama that I really didn't need, I finally managed to snare a ticket for Peter Gabriel's concert on 21 Spetember at the Wells Fargo Whatchahoosey (better known as That Place Where the Flyers Play.)  I didn't have to deal with Ticketbastards this time around.  No, this time I had to butt heads with ComcastTix.com.  Unfortuately, some other people had problems with this website, but other people managed to get their tickets without much hassle (other than paying three figures for a ticket.)

Since my Mom's health is going downhill, I'm her caretaker.  Since my profession (freelance writing) has also sunk faster than the Titanic, I cannot afford to hire a "Mom sitter" so no travelling to New York or Germany anymore.  This may be my last Peter Gabriel concert.  Since it may be my last PG concert, I thought I'd splurge and get a Front Row Package (which includes admission to the soundcheck.)  It turns out that Front Row Packages were not available for sale in Philly, even though they were advertised on ComcastTix.com.  I found this out by actually phoning Comcast and trying to get tickets that way.

The pre-sale started at 10am on 29 May.  No, I didn't mention that fact on this blog for 2 reasons:

1. Mom had a knee replacement and she's even more crippled than usual.  It's like taking care of a 200 lb baby that can talk back to you.
2. I wanted to have the best shot of getting a good ticket.  The less PG fans knew about the pre-sale, the better for me.  So I'm an arsehole.  Get over it.

Have you ever had a knee replacement?  Unless you have really good drugs, it's not a lot of fun.  You are basically stuck in a recliner or a bed 24/7.  You are so stiff and sore that you cannot wipe yourself after you use the toilet.  Since Mom could only walk a few steps, she couldn't even get to the toilet and so uses a commode. 

Keep in mind Mom took me and my dog in when we were homeless.  I have no problem with cleaning the commode.  But it's a big production to get Mom on and off the commode.  So I told Mom again and again that I would be busy from 10 to 10:30am.  I got up at 7 to be sure she ate breakfast, used the commode and took medication before 10am.

So you know what happened at exactly at the stroke of 10am.  That's right. "Rena -- I have to pee."

"No, you don't."  I replied, 'cause I have such a stellar bedside manner.  "I'm getting my concert ticket. We discussed this."

"Don't be mean to me.  Making me hold my urine is mean to me."  Now, because of Mom's medications, this isn't true.  Her bladder sends her false signals.  She often claims she has to urinate and finds that nothing's going on down there.  This is the old "choose between me and X" scenario that we all love to loved ones through, don't we?

So I had to abandon ticket-quest and go help Mom.  By the time I got back to the website, it said that all of the presale tickets had sold out.  That's when I phoned and was told the same thing.  I was on Facebook with another PG fan from Florida who said to keep on trying with  the website.  And lo and behold, a ticket for Row 4 suddenly appeared on screen.

Man -- it was less stress to stand in line for 24 hours to get a ticket, like in the good old days.

Peter Gabriel to Sing New Songs During Back to Front Tour

Announced today on Peter Gabriel's Facebook page:

Peter is touring the USA to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his groundbreaking, iconic album So...With the So band..
Playing So as a whole set as well and old and, wait for it........ NEW songs too.
Pre sale ticket password is the word sledgehammer.

New music from Peter Gabriel is like Venus' arms.  Peter has sung new (ie -- unreleased on offical albums) songs in past tours, such as in 2004 when "Animal Nation" and "Babyman" made some appearances and managed to get on a concert DVD. Peter does have a tendeny to ticker with the set list throughout an entire tour, with two or three songs done on a rotational basis or some being done early in the tour onlt to be dropped later.

Also interesting is that So will be performed in its entirety, which has not been done before.  "That Voice Again" has only been performed a couple of times in a quiet version of Peter and the piano.

Tickets for the Canadian shows are already available, but tickets for the bulk of the tour will not appear until Tuesday, 29 May at 10 AM Eastern Standard Time.

Meanwhile, Mom is on an enviable mixture of morphine and Percoset as she recovers from her knee replacement surgery.  But she is running a fever and has a poor appetite.  In the next couple of days, she may have to be moved to another medical facility if she still cannot stand up by herself.

Peter Gabriel Touring with a Band in North America 2012

... including Philadelphia on 21 September!  He's also hitting Las Vegas (where I guess hitting is the operative word), the Hollywood Bowl and Red Rocks at Colorado.

The Back to Front tour is in celebration of the 25th (or it 26th?) release of the monster hit album So.  Gabriel is hoping to reunite all of the band members from the This Way Up tour of 1986 & 1987.  Apparently, Tony Levin (the bassist)  is a yes. (PHEW!)  I'd love to see Manu Katche on drums backing PG again, but rumor is that he's having back problems, so it's most likely that Ged Lynch may be on the sticks.

There are barely any details being released other then where and when the gigs are and that Ticketbastard -- er, Ticketmaster seems to be in charge of the tickets again.  You will need a password to get into the pre-sale.  There will be soundchecks and soundcheck ticket packages for most of the gigs.  Check out Petergabriel.com for all of the latest tidbits.

I'm really grateful that Real World made this announcement now while I am freaking out about my Mom having to go under the knife for a knee replacement in less than 48 hours.  Tickets for the Philly show go on sale 5 days after she gets her first dose of painkillers.  I figure out that by the time the drugs wear off, it'll be nearly a month after the Peter Gabriel concert.  And THEN she'll kill me when she finds out how many hundreds of dollars I dropped down for just one ticket.

Well, I've packed a lot of living into my 42 years.  At least I'll die with a smile on my face.

Peter Performing in Germany

Peter Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra is currently doing a short tour of German tour, wrapping up in Poland's Life Festival.  Peter is currently scheduled to perform with the orchestra a final time in the Hop Farm Music Festival on 29 June in the UK -- but you never know where the orchestra is going to pop up again. 

Peter is supposedly going to making an autumn tour announcement in the June Full Moon Club Video.  Since this tour is apparently to promote the 25th (and a half) anniversary of the release of So, the tour may be a variation on the 1986 and 1987 This Way Up tour.  That's the rumor, anyway.  We'll find out in June whether there will be a tour and where it will be.  Rumor is that it will be in North America.

While the rumor mill goes on, New Blood Live has been released.  I'm enjoying it more than New Blood.  I'll write a reveiw of it eventually.  My mother is scheduled for knee-replacement surgery later this month and I'm busier than any bee.  Man -- no wonder worker bees only live a few weeks.  They must die of exhaustion.

Secret World Live  is set for a fancy-schmancy blu-ray release on 2 July.  It had been previously released on regular DVD and  before that VHS.  Remember VHS?  Wasn't it cool?  And the freakin' VHS players lasted longer than the DVD players.  Considering that POV  is set to be released in a new version on DVD at around the same time, it looks like there's going to be a lot of PG merchandise in the shops before the holidays.

Hmmm.  Suddenly I have a craving for alphabet soup.

Petergabriel -- the Racehorse

Something odd popped up on Google News under the search term "peter gabriel" -- he was running in a race in New Zealand.  I wondered at the sudden career change, considering that Peter Gabriel is not exactly a gold-medal winning athlete.

It turns out Petergabriel was a thoroughbred racehorse and not the singer-songwriter.  In the United States, if you want to name your racehorse after a living person, you have to get written permission from that person.  I'm not sure what the Jockey Club rules are in New Zealand.

This Petergabriel  was foaled on 10 October 2005.  He's a son of Senor Pete.  He's listed as brown, which usually means dark bay (translation: mostly black with brown highlights.)  He's won just over $33,000 (NZ). 

And he's a gelding.

Anyway, I hope this is one racehorse that doesn't wind up in a can or as an entree.

Taking a Little Break

My mother is having knee replacement surgery next month. This is on top of her two fractured vertebrae, her fractured pelvis (healing fine, thank you) and cracked leg. So you know what that means -- a break for me from writing that doesn't make me any money, such as this blog.

My only good news at the moment was that I won a writing contest over at Knoji. I won a $200 gift voucher to Amazon.com. I bought a heating pad for Mom, treats for the dogs, filter cartridges for the fish, two Real World CDs I had back in the 1990s, pre-ordered Peter Gabriel's Live Blood and several books on horses in art, dogs in art, Genetics for Dummies and a biography of Caligula.

I've got books to read and a mother and pets to care for. See you later!

Peter Gabriel News for March 30, 2012

Just a couple of quick notes and then I'm off to collapse again.

New gigs for Peter Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra:

13 May Life Festival (next to Auschwitz) Poland

29 June Hop Farm Music Festival Kent, UK

The Classic ALbums: So rockumentary aired on BBC4 and a few PG fans took pity on us poor, pathetic, clucking North American PG fans and posted it to YouTube. Thanks to Meeks Geneis Cafe and Ovian. Here's the first 10 minutes to whet your appetite:

Sea Monsters (2007): National Geographic

In 2007, Peter Gabriel worked with old friends David Rhodes and Richard Evans to score a peculiar 3D film from National Geographic called Sea Monsters.  I was bitterly disappointed when the film came out because I am unable to see a 3D film because I have monocular vision. 

Last week, a PG fan kindly sent me this YouTube link of the entire film, about 40 minutes long.  Enjoy!

So Classic Album Episode

Just a quick blog post to let Peter Gabriel fans in the UK know that there will be an episode of the BBC 4 series, "Classic Albums" this Friday night at 21:00.

If you live in North America, you'll have to wait until the VH1 Classic cable channel decides to air the episode. If you're like me, you'll be watching You Tube like a hawk on the day after the UK show's premier.

If you live in Italy, chances are you already know about the Peter Gabriel box set back catalogue of CDs. Take it away, Petergabriel.com.

After a short delay, PG's full moon video for March 2012 went up.  There was not one word about the Rush Limbaugh/ Sarah Fluke controversy.  Perhaps PG is well past the episode and is looking forward to his multitude of future projects, including getting back into the studio.

Peter Gabriel Pissed Off At Rush Limbaugh

The man everyone loves to hate, Rush Limbaugh, has really sunk to a new low now. He's gone and pissed off Peter Gabriel. Gabriel, who could have given Jesus Christ lessons on turning the other cheek, today did the unusual action of asking his people to ask Limbaugh' people to never play his music again on his show.

Last week, Limbaugh eviscerated young college student Sandra Fluke because she testified before Congress in favor of goverment supported birth control. No, I don't get it, either. I just follow the Gabriel aspect. As Limbaugh was ranting against the young woman, he played "Slegehammer" in the background.

Limbaugh states that he was just joking when he described Flute as "a slut", but nobody's laughing -- especailly Gabriel, who today, on vacation in California, had one of his employees post on all of his official websites:

'Peter was appalled to learn that his music was linked to Rush Limbaugh's extraordinary attack on Sandra Flute.(sic) It is obvious from anyone that knows Peter's work that he would never approve such a use. He has asked his representatives to make sure his music is withdrawn and especially from these unfair aggressive and ignorant comments.'

Hopefully, the rest of Gabriel's vacation will go more smoothly. I wonder if PG picked up his staff member's spelling error. Probably not.

Peter Gabriel Releasing Many Products in 2012

...but, sadly, no new music. This information is from the pg-fr.com community forum and has not been announced by Real World. So take with a grain of salt.
PG is reportedly set to release:

* the 25th (or is it 26th?) So Anniversary Special Edition in September
* the CD to last year's New Blood in 3D concert video
* the 1994 concert film Secret World on blu-ray
* the 1987 concert film POV on DVD (different version than the VHS release and remixed sound)

He will be doing a short tour of Germany in May with the New New Blood Orchestra. But he's also planning to do a brief world tour in September with the more traditional rock band. Whether he will play at WOMAD's anniversary show in the UK is still unknown.

I won't be seeing any PG shows or any other concert pretty much for the rest of my life. My Mom is basically crippled now and needs constant attention (even though she insists that she doesn't.) Believe it or not, when I have to choose between Mom and PG, Mom wins. But I'm sure there will be many fans who will post reviews, YouTube videos or photos so PG that are housebound can live vicariously for a few minutes at least.

Peter Gabriel Asking for "Moon Effect" Studies

The February vlog from Peter Gabriel to his fans contained an exciting but brief bit of news, that he is back in the studio working on "fast, groove-based songs" but no samples were given. He spent far more time talking about the moon and its supposed effects on people and water.

Peter chose the moon as the symbol for his tours since 2002, but has yet to really learn any hard science about the moon. Or so he claims. I have a really hard time believing that he could be that much of an idiot than to believe in the so-called moon effect (such as there are more dog bites or murders during the full moon). Peter asked if any scientists could send him any information, but really, he should've just searched online. Or he could've hired one of his staff to do it.

But no, I guess it's down to the fans to do the work. Well, just in case Peter happens to see this, just click here.

The moon is beautiful, inspirational and a source of wonder and great mythology. The moon's affect on tides is an incredible thing. There is no need to dress up the moon in abilities that it has not been proven to have (unless it is presented as ficton.)

The moon is a great symbol. That won't change. But as for actual proof of the moon influence on people, dogs or even plants -- well, it just ain't there, kiddo.

Speaking of lunacies, I started a new blog, ReasonsNotToCommitSuicide. Can you tell that my life is circling the drain?

It's Peter Gabriel's Birthday

On this day in 1950, Peter Gabriel was born. He's done a lot since his birth, including capturing my heart, and I hope he outlives me. Perhaps if nobody wishes him a happy birthdy he won't get any older. (Well, too late for that, I guess.)

For the last few years, I've been sticking this image up on PG's Birthday. It is a Photoshopped image from the late lamented Solsbury Hill fan site.

PG is currently in Europe riding the waves of local respiratory infections, finalizing the So 25th anniversary special edition and (gasp!) working on new music.

Horrible Web Page Using Peter Gabriel's Music to Promote Religion

I was on Bing images tonight trying to find new Peter Gabriel images (you know, as you do) and came across this.

At first, it looks like a Peter Gabriel fan page, doesn't it? It has nice big images of PG and mentions lyrics to Against All Odds (the movie, I guess, not the Phil Collins single.) But then it starts talking about PG being bipolar (he isn't) and then mentions PG's song Perspective.

And that's when you realize that PG is being used to promote a Christian group in India called Perspectives.

Now that's just sick -- and really deceptive instead of perceptive. It also uses copyrighted material from professional photographers. One reason I have not monetized this blog is because if I don't make any money from it, I have freedom to use some of PG images used for promotion. And let's get real here -- churches are businesses.

Does Real World know about this crap? I doubt this was endorsed by PG, who keeps his spiritual opinions pretty private in the last decade.

Below is a YouTube video from a German TV broadcast in 1978.

Peter Gabriel to Have a Busy 2012

Peter Gabriel is already having a busy 2012. Around Christmas, he became a grandfather when his second daughter and sometime background vocalist Melanie gave birth to a boy named Ira. "I'm now officially old," Gabriel declaired during his January vlog to fans on his offical website. He apparently also somehow aquired a dog for his hotel in Sardinia. Due to the draconian UK quarantine laws, I guess the dog is staying in Sardinia.

Peter also participated in the SOPA protests; did a plea for the charity Bonobo Hope; is scheduled to film a "Classic Albums" documentary on So until 23 January (no knowing when the air date will be.) Later this year he has his father's 100th birthday party to attend in April and may be at the Pre-Grammy award festivities to honor his friend Sir Richard Branson.

And, oh yeah -- Peter is touring Germany in May. PG once again changed his mind so that the Germany dates will be with the New Blood Orchestra -- despite his inisiting last year that his work with orchestras was "put to bed". There may be more dates in the fall, but nothing has been figured out yet. PG gave "the fall" as his only clue as to where the tour would be. Perhaps Italy? (As in, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire?) Perhaps America, since Americans tend to say "fall" rather than "autumn"? If you haven't figured it out by now, PG likes to play with words and heads.

PG has mentioned that he is working on "new stuff" -- but don't get excited. He's been saying that since 1980. This year so far it appears that PG will have very little time in the studio. There is some noise that PG may score a Bollywood film for director Nila Madhab Panda.

As for me, things continue to be bad, but at least I managed to get my driver's license back. Mom had a terrible fall on New Year's Day and is losing control of her legs. She can no longer drive and needs help getting into and out of a car. Scince I took over car duties, Mom's intake of Xanax has dropped considerably. Now I know why her nerves were always shot. I thought it was me. Turns out it was having to face traffic on Baltimore Pike.

Articles of Peter Gabriel I've Written

Sorry for the self-indulgence, but I'm just trying to gather together the best of the many web articles I've done about Peter Gabriel's biography. Who knows -- maybe someone will enjoy reading these. Stranger things have happened. I didn't write the PG article in this Italian magazine but it's a good image and it's my blog so there.

Peter Gabriel, BC (Before Charterhouse)

Why Is Peter Gabriel So Slow?
Why do fish swim? Why do birds fly?

Black and White Photography Brings Out True Beauty Talks about the making of the So cover.

Sexy Hair Loss Solutions For Men Where I chronicle PG's losing battle against baldness.

Remember 1986? Peter Gabriel Asks Fans For Memories of So

Quick update this time around. If you have memories, memorabilia, press clippings, autographs or even weird diary entries realting to So, Gabriel's most popular album to date, Real World wants to hear from you.

In 2012, Gabriel is hoping to release a special anniversary edition of So, including the best of what fans submit. Entires close 9 January 2012.


I wonder if they'd like to read some So-inspired erotic dreams I had at the time?

Nah, I didn't think so.

Peter Gabriel Live at Letterman Concert Reivew and More

I finally managed the concert review from November 9. Enjoy.

In other Gabriel fun, I also wrote Top 10 Misconceptions About Peter Gabriel.

PG's touring wraps up today in Mexico for 2011. He may go back to New York City to check in on Witness and relatives, but usually he takes most of December off. This time around he has a great reason for staying at home -- his first grandchild, a boy, is expected in December.

My health continues to plummet, but at least now I can sit up. I'm still working on the new blog Dreaming of Peter which is now monetized. I'm also spending a lot of time trying to find new clients, since most of my old clients had a financially catastrophic 2011.

Had an interesting conversation with my Mom. We were watching a Rolling Stones concert. I asked Mom, "So -- does Keith Richards look more like a vampire or a zombie?"

"Zombie," Mom sanswered without hesitation. "You have to be good looking to be a vampire."

Anyway, let's end with an interview done with Jools Holland earlier this year:

Things Aren't So Great At the Moment

I'm still working on the review of Peter Gabriel at Live On Letterman. Since I'm not getting paid for the review, it has slipped down my priority list.

Peter and the New New Blood Orchestra went to South America for his final tour of 2011. Unfortunately, things got to a really rocky start at the SWU Music Festival in Brazil, which ultimately resulted in PG and his oldest daughter Anna receiving death threats from fans of a Brazilian band.

On my 42nd birthday (when PG played in Argentina) I had to go for an in-office, fully-awake-for-this uterine biopsy (which I think is the title of Stephen King's next novel.) The procedure had to be stopped because my cervix refused all admissions. Now I know what it's like to be raped by a Clydesdale. Why do doctors always say, "You may feel some discomfort" when they really mean, "You're gonna wish you were DEAD!"

Unfortunately, work in my profession has come to a crawling stop. Fortunately, this means I suddenly have time freed up to start a blog that may bring in some oney (unlike this one.) It'll be about lucid dreaming and is tentatively titled Dreaming of Peter. I'm including a link to it but as you can see it's not ready for prime time (or Google AdSense) just yet.

Just for the heck of it, I'll close this post with a YouTube video of PG's cover of the Kinks' "Waterloo Sunset." Until next time:

Still Recovering from Peter Gabriel "Live on Letterman" Gig

Eventually, I'll get enough energy to write a proper review. Some highlights:

* I sat about row 9, directly in front of PG's mike stand.
* Adam from Real World managed to get many Pg fans free tickets at the last minute.
* I got Ben Foster and Tom Cawley's atuographs and chatted with them for a little.
* PG did stop and give about a dozen fans autographs
* I got a nod, wave and a "Thank you" from PG
* This guy sat in front of me.

PG, Ben, Tom and the New Blood Orchestra are currently in South America for his last mini-tour of 2011.

In the meantime, here's a clip of PG being interveiwed by David Letterman:

Going to See Short Peter Gabriel Concert in New York City

Somehow I seem to have won a pair of virtual tickets to see Peter Gabriel and the latest incarnation of the New Blood Orchestra on the "Live at Letterman" music series. There was a very brief contest on for the forum members at petergabriel.com. Thanks to Adam at Real World for not forgetting about PG fans who dislike Facebook contests (or who are like me and are, erm, banned from PG's Facebook page.)

I got the good news on Wednesday, Nov 1 bit still haven't received my virtual ticket via email. If you're in the same boat I am in, emails will most likely not go out until Monday, Nov. 7.

There's been a few contests for these free (!) tickets on the Internet. You can only get in through these contests or by other sundry channels. You cannot purchase tickets through any outlet, even from The Late Show with David Letterman. The entire audience capacity at the Ed Sullivan Theatre is 1200, but this concert may be only 400 seats. Well, we'll find out when we get there.

Concert starts at 9pm but all ticket holders or "production guests" (ie -- your name is on the guest list) need to be at the Ed Sullivan Theater by 8pm sharp. We will NOT be getting in to the David Letterman show taped earlier that day, even Peter Gabriel is the guest musical artist.

Here's also the official Terms and Conditions for winning a coveted seat from Real World or whomever. Click over here to Real World's page. I'm sorry, but all constests are over. They were popping up so quick and entry time was so soon (and with me trying to figure out my unexpected NYC trip) I just did not have the time to post them all up.

Roll on Wednesday!

Peter Gabriel On David Letterman Nov. 9

Peter Gabriel and the latest incarnation of the New Blood Orchestra will perform on David Letterman in the Ed Sullivan Theatre on Wednesday, November 9. Good luck getting tickets! Peter has been in New York since last week (or so) in order to rehearse for the mini Mexico & South American tour later this month. Looks like he's decided to do a brief dress rehearsal.

The Village Voice is offering a competition to win one pair of tickets open until 5 pm EST Friday, November 3.

For those not familiar with David Letterman, PG will most likely do two songs, with only one going to broadcast. Many musical guests play an extra song just for the audience but whether PG will do this is unknown. He may also do a short interview with Letterman-- or not. And yes, Letterman is a fan. (At least, he was in 1994).

Last month in London, Real World managed to secure some pairs of tickets for PG fans on their mailing list for PG's concert with the BBC Orchestra. I'm looking at my email and still no message from Real World offering me a ticket. (Sigh.)

The Good Peter Gabriel News: BBC 2 Concert

Peter Gabriel and the BBC Orchestra recorded a free concert at the Mermaid Theatre on 19 October. An edited version of the concert was aired 20 October and will online from BBC iPlayer until 27 October. In a pleasent suprise, many PG fans living outside of the UK were able to hear the broadcast -- including me. I still haven't come down yet from this unexpected PG high!

This concert is such a treat. Yes, there are some audible glitches, but they give a live gig it's charm, don't they? Yes, four songs were cut out from the final broadcast. But what remains is still crackin' good stuff with lots of passion, tension and release. If you are a PG fan (and I know you are) drop everything and go hear this. (Torrents of the concert may also be available on Genesis -- The Movement.)

It's been a roller-coaster of a year for this Peter Gabriel fan. I got a new CD New Blood and news of a tour of North America -- and could not afford tickets; Mom got very sick and now has osteosporosis; and I just received a temporary diagnosis of adenomyosis. I got banned from the PG Facebook page but was allowed back on the PG Forums. I've received some information from sources I will not reveal that this year that my Internet writings have managed to piss off:

1) Dickie Chappell, Real World's head engineer and part-time photographer
2) Rachael H., PG staff member
3) Peter Gabriel -- yeah THAT Peter Gabriel -- the same guy I've been in love with since June 15, 1986

Ooops.

And yet, there has been this lovely concert dropped into my lap for free. Sure, I wasn't in the audience, but the sound was INCREDIBLE. Thanks to lucky audience member and long-time Gabriel fan David Gurl for providing me the public link to BBC iPlayer and posting this photo on his Facebook page. Listening to this concert was having Halloween, Christmas and losing my virginty all at once.

Off to bask in the afterglow (pun intended.)

The Bad Peter Gabriel News: No More Solsburyhill.org

About 17 years ago, a Peter Gabriel and Apple fan forever to be known as MacCat started what was then the web's first comprehensive Peter Gabriel fan site. It preceded Radio Real World and Petergabriel.com. Many other sites have come and gone (including my short lived site, "In rraven's Eyes".) But after 12 or so years of doing free work and having to quickly find another server, MacCat had to call it quits. Life just gets complicated that way.

Others tried to take it on, but trying to run a free fan site can be terribly stressful. Trust me -- I know. I considered taking over the site and realized that with my poor health and my Mom's poor health (and accidentally pissing off Real World engineer Dickie Chappel), I couldn't do a good job of it. The last admin, Jakks, let the domain expire. Why -- I don't know. Solsburyhill.org is no more.

Solsburyhill.org included extensive information on PG news, music, the unparalleled Peter Gabriel Scrapbook and unmatched humorous bits. MacCat, who wrote as the head of a fictitious "Solsbury Committee", took snark to a whole new level years before the word "snark" became common slang. MacCat published some of my criticisms of PG's music (I was the one who wrote "I Go Swimming: Lost PG Gem or Just Something to Do?") as well a humorous bit comparing Peter Gabriel to guinea pigs (and there are a hell of a lot of comparisons.)

MacCat (and Stephen King) both heavily influenced my writing style. Even though my writing career has temporarily stalled due to the worldwide economic recession, I still had a few years where I paid my bills doing what I loved -- writing. Thank you, MacCat, wherever you are.

With Solsburyhill.org gone, it's like losing the last part of my childhood. I am now truly old.

Peter Gabriel Doing a Whole Mess of Promos for New Blood

If you're a Peter Gabriel fan and did NOT know that his new album New Blood was released last week you offically live under a rock. The last time Peter and his team campaigned so hard on an album was Up (2002.) He's probably been interviewed by journalists from other planets by the time you are reading this. Some highlights:

* Pt 2 of Rolling Stone Interview
* The Arts Desk interview
* PG being stroppy Also note the facepalm-worthy caption that the ever-so-sharp Express put under his photo.

I was hoping to put a link here to my review of New Blood, but my client has been sitting on it for over two weeks. I think I'll just ask the client to delete it since everyone else's reviews have been published.

Overall, I'm disappointed with New Blood. It suffers in comparison to the live shows. If you haven't seen the live shows, then you're in for a treat. Only 3 songs on New Blood are worth the money:

* Red Rain
* Intruder
* Mercy Street

Jury's still out on Darkness and Wallflower. All of the others just do not touch the live versions.

I'm also pissed off that PG wrote a really soppy dedication to his second wife in the liner notes. The last time he dedicated an album to his wife, So (1986) she asked for a divorce about a year later. And no, I don't want him to go through another divorce (like I ever had a shot.) The first divorce put him in therapy for about 15 years -- a second one would probably kill him.

In personal news, my mysterious menstrual pains have returned. It feels like two people are inside me trying to tear my intestines open. (You gotta read a lot of Stephen King to come up with that similie.) I wish I could afford a hysterectomy because this suffering shit gets really old fast.

But let's end on a happy note. This is the world's shortest version of Wallflower, recorded earlier today. The heavily pregnant background singer is Melanie, Peter's second child and youngest daughter. Until next time:

BBC Be in the Audience Contest for Peter Gabriel 19 October (For UK residents only)

That's right. BBC2 has very quietly announced that Peter Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra will do a one-off on 19 October to be broadcast on BBC2on 20 October. 225 pairs of tickets are being given away.

You only have until 5:20pm on Monday 3 October (yes, TOMORROW) to enter. Contest is open ONLY to UK residents. BBC notes that "you must make your own way to and from the event."

You.
Lucky.
Bastards.

2-Part Post: Peter Gabriel New Blood Played Free on Real World Oct 3 & Why It Sucks to be Me

Hello again, PG fans. New Blood now has a release date of Oct. 11 but you may hear to get to hear it for free on Monday, October 3 at Petergabriel.com. Starting at noon GMT (which is about 7am EST) Petergabriel.com will play one track per hour. I'm not sure how this will work out and, odds are, neither will Real World. Good luck!

PG is doing his "traveling salesman" bit in doing tons of promo for New Blood. Here's a list of some of the more notable interviews:

* National Public Radio (a half-hour interview)
* Rolling Stone (just a snippet of the as-yet-to-be-published full interview; unfortunately it's only the usual "when is Genesis getting back together" crap)
* PG interviewed by Elbow's lead singer, Guy Garvey
* ABC (American) interview

That should keep you busy for a while.

Now the part about why it sucks to be me. PG fans can stop here if they are looking for more PG news.

I've basically had a headache since August. My strong anchor of a Mom has drastically deteriorated and keeps deteriorating before my eyes. I'm doing most of the household chores, taking care of the pets and my Mom. There's not much energy left over to making money by writing. Not surprisingly, this has lead to an upsurge in my major depression symptoms and well as a more-or-less total liquidation of my bank savings. The good part is that my doctor increased my dosage of two medications and that leaves me stoned until my body adjusts to the dosage. The bad part is that eventually my body will adjust.

Now is a good time for PG's version of Arcade Fire's "My Body is a Cage", filmed at Berkeley in 2011:

Are Peter Gabriel Fans Mentally Ill?

You know you've thought it. The answer is, "No." All Peter Gabriel fans are not mentally ill. Just some of us. I have been diagnosed with endogenous recurring depression, which is a mental illness. It's not a fun mental illness that makes you see neat things or go for days without sleep, but it's still an incurable mental illness.

Source of Misconception

PG himself began calling his fans "lunatics" back in 2002 in conjunction with the release of Up. (The moon was one of the major symbols of Up and the Growing Up Tour. "Luna" = moon. However, PG has kept using the term for nearly 10 years.) In a recent "Welcome to My Facebook Page" message, Peter says, "If you're a PG nut ..." in a way in which was probably not meant as a compliment.

Trickery of Memory

The human memory works on identifying patterns. This can be helpful, such as knowing that all animals with fangs may bite, but can also lead to generalizations in thinking, such as all Peter Gabriel fans are mentally ill. If you meet just one mentally ill Peter Gabriel fan, that's going to stick out in your memory. That strong memory will overshadow the other 30 normal Peter Gabriel fans. Mentally ill people are generally considered to be dangerous. Anything dangerous sticks out in your memory. Normal people are not dangerous and more easily forgettable. See how it works?

What If You Meet a Mentally Ill Peter Gabriel Fan?

It depends on the mental illness, how well it is managed and on just how much of a natural asshole the person happens to be. Liking Peter Gabriel's music, unfortunately, does not magically remove assholery from people. If you've ever met me, you've met a mentally ill PG fan. And I'm a natural asshole, but a harmless asshole. The worst I'll do is curse you out and talk about you behind your back. However, your wallet will remain in your pocket and your back will remain knife-free or any-other-weapon-free.

So now, that this issue is clear as mud, let's watch a video. This is a demo for a song called "Funny Man" that PG recorded in the 1970s but has never seen an official release. Until next time, kids, this is rraven off to pop a Prozac:

Peter Gabriel's 3D Movie and Redesigned Webpage Receive Underwhelming Responses

It's a strange time to be a PG fan. Thanks to the Intenet, there's more material to access, but trying to find out new information about PG's projects can be just as difficult as back in the days of snail mail and rumors put out by Q magazine.

Peter's 3D concert film, Peter Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra: LIVE in 3D has come and gone to Europe and North America (although whether France and Italy will get any screenings is unsure.) Publicity for the film was practically nil. Amazingly, this resulted in almost-empty cinemas -- either that or the few fans who went brought along a lot of extra empty chairs. Peter hmself did not begin doing publicity for the film until 11 September -- which was well after most areas had their one and only showing.

You have to wonder -- does Peter sometimes think, "I've really had it with being sucessful -- let's screw up for a change!"

Fans are divided about Petergabriel.com's completely new design. It's been the first major revamp since 2002. Most fans that I've talked to hate the new design -- "pig's ear" was the most memorable phrase used -- but a few of us actually like like it. (About six at my last informal count.)

Yes, that's right, folks -- I LOVE the new design. (Same to you.) It downloads faster on my old PC and doesn't give me a headache when I read the text. So, THERE. Kudos or complaints go to "cavedwellerrich" from Real World's staff for actually going onto the fan forums and taking some heat. I'm unsure why Rich picked the nickname "cavedwellerrich" but after dealing with PG fans all week, I'D sure as hell like to live in a cave.

Let's conclude this by looking at a snippet of PG's press conference in Montreal on 12 September:

Peter Gabriel's "New Blood" To Be Released Week of 24 October

New Blood, PG's orchestral reworkings of his own songs done in the style of his last album, Scratch My Back (2010) has an official release date of October 24 or October 25 (depending on what country you live in.) Pre-orders are being taken by the usual suspects like Amazon and WOMADShop.

However, in all of the excitement, there's a bit of a problem. Not all of the songs given the SMB treatment will appear on one CD. If you want to get them all, you'll have to fork out for at least 3 CDs. For example, "Blood of Eden" appears on the "regular" version but not the Special Edition or the Deluxe Edition.

Apparently, if you order the album from WOMADShop you also get a free download of "Father Son" -- which does not seem to appear on any CD version. "Washing in the Water", which was released on iTunes and PG's Facebook page for a limited time, seems to have vanished.

A vinyl album of the regular version (and for now the regular version only) will be released on November 7.

I'll be passing on ANY version of New Blood for now, due to poor finances and the fact I'm getting a little tired of hearing reworked material rather than any NEW material.

Some other long-term fans are planning on passing at least two versions of New Blood out of protest of the way the songs are being released. There are some very interesting discussion about this from PG newbies and die-hards alike on petergabriel.com's General forum. Some die-hards expressed extreme disappointment at Real World's super-capitalist decision to dole the tunes out like methadone at a rehab clinic.

I am also disappointed with the way the songs are being released. There also seems to be no reason for one track, "A Quiet Moment" which is NOT a PG song but "ambient noises recorded on Solsbury Hill."

FUCK THAT! I used to live with Solsbury Hill peeking over the tree lines across the River Avon. I have walked to it a couple of times, although I never bothered to go UP it as the real Solsbury Hill always seemed to be congested with traffic, public urination, dogs barking and drunks singing Pogues' songs in a way that made Shane MacGowan sound like a nightingale. Yeah -- that's REAL ambient. I want ambient noises mixed in between songs, I'll listen to Pink Floyd.

Finally, here's a trailer, released only online, for PG's 3D concert DVD/film:

Let's Try This Again: Peter Gabriel News Late Summer 2011

Hi, there. My bad health and my mother's bad health seems stabilized for now, so a quick update on what mischief Peter Gabriel has been up to.

Last New Blood Dates Announced

He will be trotting the New Blood Orchestra out one more time in Mexico and a couple South American countries. Ticket prces are high, but apparently selling OK. The fun part will be discovering how many Mexicans get to go to the Mexico gigs. I betcha a Snickers bar will be mostly Americans, Canadians and Europeans in the front rows.

No WOMAD This Year

PG could not attend WOMAD at Charlton Park due to catching an upper respiratory infection from his son Isaac. See -- this is why people should never have kids. They're germ magnets.

From the WTF Department

* PG's 3-D film of him and the New Blood Orchestra begins to hit cinemas in late August, depending on what country you live in. The DVD release date keeps getting pushed back. It seems to be October 25 now. What it will be in five minutes is anyone's guess.

However, most American screenings will be for one night, one shot only around September 6. You don't go that one night, you're screwed. No, I don't know why they're doing this, either. Seems they're going to be losing a lot of potential ticket sales this way. Just because the Glee 3D concert movie hasn't done well doesn't man a PG 3D concert will not do well. Remember, Glee is complete overhyped crap. That may have something to do with the movie's poor showing.

Hello, Grandad

PG's youngest daughter Melanie (also one of PG's back up vocalists since 2002) is preggers. She's due in December. I have no idea who Dad is, so don't ask me. Melanie keeps her private life private and that's OK with me. This will be PG's first grandchild (unless the Gabriels have been REALLY successful in keeping another grandkid's existence secret.)

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Perhaps as a publicity stunt for the DVD and film, Peter Gabriel told Mojo that he is thinking of trying out a new Boston baldness cure. The interesting thing about this announcement is that it has received more Internet buzz than did PG's summer tour of North America.

PG's Wikipedia Image Has Changed

to the image now on this blogpost. Photo taken by Allan Warren in 2011. Thank you, Allen for donating this lovely pic. In case you're wondering, Allan, I don't get any money for this blog.

No News is PG News

(Apologies to Mr. Beef for nicking his quote for this post's title)

I'm going to have to stop doing this blog until further notice due to poor health. Sorry.

Remember, if you are looking for PG News do a Google News search for "peter gabriel" and check out PG's Official Facebook page.

Sorry for Lack of PG News

Image of Peter Gabriel signing autographs from Debra Grant.

Yes, there's been a Peter Gabriel North American tour and I haven't been able to post fuck all about it. My Mom's health has worsened; last week she fell and broke her leg. She can't feel any pain in the leg -- and yet it's broken. Go figure. So I've been just a tad bit busy -- doing all of the chores, taking care of the dogs and fish and trying to keep my business going. If I couldn't complain, I'd go insane.

I can note that "New Blood", the CD of orchestrated PG songs, is done production and is due out before Christmas. (Knock on wood.) The Verona concert DVD filmed in 2010 has been scrapped. I assume this mean the footage has been stuck in a vault somewhere and won't be released until after PG's death, but I could be wrong. The Hammersmith London concerts, filmed in March 2011, will be released in 3-D DVD supposedly before Christmas. (Another knock on wood.) It probably will be released because my combination DVD/VCR player died.

Still no word on the So anniversary special release.

There has been mixed reaction to PG's New Blood tour in the press, but a mostly positive reaction from fans. Considering how much money they shelled out for tickets, they BETTER have been happy. Here's a particularly nice review about the Red Rocks gig.

There has been news from South American news sources that PG will play a couple of gigs in Brazil and/or Argentina in November. However, there has not been a single word of this mentioned at any official sources. Hopefully, this won't be another Melbourne.

Remember, if you are looking for PG News (and aren't we all?)do a Google News search for "peter gabriel" and check out PG's Official Facebook page.

New Blood North American Tour Kicks Off

Congrats to Angela, who managed to meet Peter Gabriel during his soundcheck at Berkeley, despite lugging a cast on her leg. I believe she had to clunk up and down nearly 100 steps, too. Well, there is a good reason by PG calls his fans "lunatics."

Fan reviews of PG's New Blood shows have been overwhelmingly positive, but music critics in Califonia are none too happy with the orchestral approach. Check out this savage review from the San Jose Mercury News.

Set lists of each night's gigs are being posted at PG's Official Twitter Page. Thank Dickie Chappel for that.

I've been asked if I will somehow be able to make one of the gigs for PG's tour this time around. That would be a big NO. And it really sucks. I've had a crap life and so Peter Gabriel concerts are about the only things I have to look forward to as my aging body falls apart.

However, if I had known PG was going to tour North America this year, I never would've blown my money on seeing him 3 times LAST year (and then have to deal with a broken computer, several disintegrating teeth and the death of our last cat, Sarah.) Also, my Mom suffered a TIA or mini-stroke on Thursday, although she seems fine now. She argued with the hopsital staff to let her come home and that's a really good sign.

Although I'd love to be able to blog the latest Peter Gabriel news about this tour, I won't be able to because I'M TOO FUCKING DEPRESSED. Yes, I know there's no logical reason to be depressed about missing PG this year when I saw him 3times last year, but whenever PG is around, my logic seems to go right out the window.

For the latest tour news, check out Google News and Peter's Offical Facebook Page.

My Peter Gabriel Motivational Posters, Part II

Well, I had such an overwhelming response from my readers to my first batch of Peter Gabriel motivational posters that I decided to do some more. Thanks, both of you. Enjoy!

My Peter Gabriel Motivational Posters

Because who's more inspiring than Peter? I made these virtual posters as free gifts to the Internet. I will making more periodically. The text was written by me, but the photos are copyrghted, so please do not ty and sell these images. This blog is not monetized, so I do not get any money from them. So there.

My entire collection of motivational posters is on Facebook.

PG & Me News for Late May, 2011

I found this image of PG recently on Facebook and thought I'd share. I don't know who the photographer was or if the image was manipulated in any way. Please note that I do not know if the image is copyrighted. Just everyone please assume it is.

Peter Gabriel News

1) Article at Patch.com about how a British pop music memorabilia collector David Miller. It includes this interesting mental image:

Bill Graham, after he closed the Fillmore, opened up Winterland. It was my friend Michael Morton’s idea to get there at 6 a.m.; that was the only way we could get to [spots] in front of the stage. It was a pretty crazy idea, but we were 21. We [then] got the idea that we could stand outside the door and wait; we got The Kinks and Fleetwood Mac that way. They might even come in early for a soundcheck. That’s how we got Peter Gabriel’s autograph.

Peter Gabriel was one of our more interesting ones. We’d occasionally see people who tried to dress up like a rock star. [While waiting] Michael said, “Look at that idiot trying to look like Peter Gabriel. Oh my God! It is Peter Gabriel!” He has these wooden clogs on, and he starts kicking the door. My friend Gary walks up to him and says, “You can kick at that door all you want, but the entrance is over there.” We somehow got his autograph that day. After [the concert] he ran out and literally dove headfirst into the waiting station wagon.

2) PG contributed to this article (up at several websites) about the time when he jammed with two bonobo chimpanzees (the inspiration for PG's song "Animal Nation.") I wonder how many corrections to PG's emails the writer had to make.

3) PG mentioned in his May vlog that he was talking to Ticketmaster about why the ticket prices to his North American shows in June are so expensive. PG noted that he would post their response on Petergabriel.com and his official Facebook page, but nothing has gone up yet. "Because we can," is most likely Ticketmaster's response.

Me News

I'm not yet fully recovered from my concussion. I'll probably never recover from not being able to see a single one of PG's gigs this year, even the show about 30 minutes from my home in Camden, New Jersey. Now I know that's not logical, since I managed to see 3 PG gigs last year, so THAT'S how I know I'm not over my concussion yet. I have sedatives squirreled away just to get me through the day of the Camden gig on June 25.

And, yes, I'm still banned from posting comments on PG's FB page. Thanks for asking!

Just to show PG's staff that I'm not obsessed with PG (I do think about other topics, believe it or not) I've started a Facebook page called My Dog Is Better Than Your God. People without brains need not click the link.

That's it for now. Off to work.

How to Get Banned From Peter Gabriel's Facebook Page

Well, after writing a title like that, I suppose I should go through the steps on how to get banned from Peter Gabriel's Facebook page, but quite honestly, I don't know what I did. One day you can post on the FB page and next you can't. No big loss, anyway. This gives me more time to blog. (Whee.)

On Tuesday, I suffered a concussion. What really hurt was that I was the one who did it to myself. I opened up the door to the SUV -- something I've done thousands of times -- and opened it directly into my right eyebrow. The day after that, I walked directly into a hanging metal produce scale. Well, I always was my own worst enemy.

Unfortunately, I may have to go to the doctor about this concussion, since I scratched my glasses and became goofier than usual. For example, the night I got the concussion, I had to endorse a check. I forgot how to do that. My Mom had to walk me through the steps. She nearly cried because it was she I was endorsing the check to.

Since I've been knocked in the head, I will make an apology to whoever was offended by my comments on PG's FB page. Hey -- sorry. Whatever I wrote. Get ready to delete a LOT of comments, whoever poor pathetic staffer or underpaid intern you are that has to deal with a pop star's FB page. Welcome to the Internet, dude or dudette.

In other PG news, here's a preview of an article that mentions PG a bit in the Des Moines Register.

Off to take an Excedrin.

Ticketmaster Cozy Up to Peter Gabriel in Chicago Competition

EDIT: This contest is now over. Sorry!

That's the official name of the contest, I swear. Embarassing, isn't it?

Ticketbastards is the sponsor, which includes hotel and dinner at House of Blues in Chicago. Oh, yeah, and tickets to the Chicago gig. You can only enter once and must give your birthdate. You can select not to receive promotional emails from Ticketmaster and their partners before entering.

YOU MUST HAVE A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT TO ENTER.

http://www.facebook.com/Ticketmaster?sk=app_172377646142402

If that link doesn't work, go to Facebook and type in the search bar "Ticketmaster United States Peter Gabriel Giveaway"

Damn - wouldn't it be nice if they were actually giving away Peter Gabriel? "Hey, Mom, he followed me home. Can I keep him?"

And you have until June 1, 2011 to enter Real World's ticket giveaway.

Peter Gabriel at the Beach & 2011 Ticket Contest

EDIT: The contest is now OVER. Sorry!

Found this photo today on Facebook and decided to share (until I get a cease and desist, anyway). I am trying to find out just when this photo was taken and who took it but so far all I know is that the beach is apparently not Sardinia, where Peter owns a hotel, but at St Bart's, somewhere in the Carribean. He's damn brave to go out in a swimsuit and relaxed enough not to give a tinker's how he appears. Wearing a swimsuit is something I'll never be able to do again. Lucky bastard!

Anyway, I've been hit with a double infection of sinusitis and pharyngitis so this is possibly the last blog post for a while. This on top of hastily getting two teeth replaced. And to think that one year ago today I arrived in New York City to see PG soundcheck and concert as well as meet some fellow fans.

But if you are a North American Peter Gabriel fan that could not afford concerts, Real World is holding a free to enter contest where you can win two tickets to the venue of your choice during the tour. You also get to go to the soundcheck. The only thing is that you need to list the name of a friend. I've asked Real World what to do if you do not have a friend but I've never received a reply.

Hope you have better luck than this PG photo given a Paint job by myself back in 2008 or so.

Peter Gabriel 2011 Ticket Nightmare and Just Why IS He So Slow?

It's been a really brutal week for me and I don't expect this one to be any easier. My Mom told me she was proud of me for deciding not to go see a PG concert this year to take care of her and the pets. Unfortunately, that doesn't make me feel any better. Ain't nuthin' like the real thing, baby.

Anyway, I don't have the time to do a proper blog entry for Peter Gabriel fans, so I'm just going to cheat and put up links to other works I've done about PG this week. Off to collapse now:

* Ticketmaster/Live Nation Problems Plague Peter Gabriel Fans
* Why Is Peter Gabriel So Slow?