Peter Gabriel has returned with a new song called “Panopticom.” It serves as the lead single to i/o, his upcoming first new album of original material in 21 years.
“Panopticom” features contributions from Brian Eno (synth), David Rhodes (guitar), Tony Levin (bass), and Manu Katché (drums).
In a statement, Gabriel said that the song “is based on an idea I have been working on to initiate the creation of an infinitely expandable accessible data globe: The Panopticom. We are beginning to connect a like-minded group of people who might be able to bring this to life, to allow the world to see itself better and understand more of what’s really going on.” Read his full statement below.
Beginning with today’s release of “Panopticom,” Gabriel will unveil a new song on each full moon of 2023. “Some of what I’m writing about this time is the idea that we seem incredibly capable of destroying the planet that gave us birth and that unless we find ways to reconnect ourselves to nature and to the natural world we are going to lose a lot,” Gabriel explained. A simple way of thinking about where we fit in to all of this is looking up at the sky… and the moon has always drawn me to it.”
Additionally, each new release of music will come with a specific piece of art. In the case of “Panopticom,” the track is accompanied by a cover image by the artist David Spriggs.
While a release date for i/o is still forthcoming, Gabriel has already announced a supporting tour. “The i/o Tour” consists of 22 shows across the UK and Europe between May and June. Get details here.
Last year, Gabriel collaborated with Arcade Fire on the song “Unconditional II (Race and Religion),” contributed music to an Earth Day charity album curated by Eno, and covered “Here It Is” for a Leonard Cohen tribute album.
Artwork for “Panopticom”
