In a statement on his website, Gabriel announced: 

“After a years-worth of full moon releases, I’m very happy to see all these new songs back together on the good ship i/o and ready for their journey out into the world.”

With “full moon releases”, the former Genesis frontman is referring to his unconventional album roll-out plan, which involved releasing a new single on the occasion of every full moon in 2023. On top of that, Gabriel gave fans the option between “bright” and “dark” side mixes of the respective songs.  

Listen to the “bright-side” version of the upcoming album’s title track:

The majority of i/o was recorded at Real World Studios in Bath, England and Gabriel’s home studio. Furthermore, a plethora of musicians and producers contributed to the record, including longtime collaborators Brian Eno, guitarist David Rhodes, bassist Tony Levin and drummer Manu Katché. The Soweto Gospel Choir, Swedish all-male choir Oprhei Drängar and the New Blood Orchestra also feature.

A press release on Gabriel’s official website details the upcoming LP’s concept and themes as follows: 

“Throughout the album the intelligent and thoughtful – often thought-provoking – songs tackle life and the universe. Our connection to the world around us […] is a recurring motif, but so too the passing of time, mortality and grief, alongside such themes as injustice, surveillance and the roots of terrorism.“ 

“But this is not a solemn record. While reflective, the mood is never despondent; i/o is musically adventurous, often joyous and ultimately full of hope […]”

Listen to the “dark-side” mix of Gabriel’s most recent single “This Is Home”:

To complement these themes, and building upon an idea initially developed in his Us and Up albums, Gabriel has invited a host of visual artists to create a piece of art to accompany each of the twelve songs on the new record – be it through painting, photography, sculpture or even plasticine. The dozen artists include Ai Weiwei, Olafur Eliasson and perhaps more surprisingly, Nick Cave.

Meanwhile, Gabriel still has a few more dates left on his North American tour which ends on October 21, but so far, he hasn’t made any plans to retire from recording or touring.

Pre-order i/o here.

After Peter left the band Genesis in 1975, he joined the Peace Choir and performed in the single “Give Peace A Chance.” As a prominent figure in promoting peace. He has participated in many ‘human rights’ campaigns. Significantly, Amnestry International 1988 Human Rights Now.

Artist for Action to Prevent Gun Violence, is said not to be a political stand, but rather to encourage America’s to volunteer and vote to eradicate gun violence in the US. With over 470 mass shootings in 2023 already, their voices will be needed more than ever.

Peter Gabriel said in an interview “This needs to stop. So many needless deaths. So much needless suffering. It just needs a little common sense.”

Behind the voices of Artists for Action is the founder Mark Barden. Whose son was tragically and fatally wounded in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in December 2012. As a former professional guitarist himself, he put it all on hold, to dedicate his time to preventing gun violence in the US.

Mark launches the series of united and passionate artist, with it’s first event taking place in New York on September 22nd. Presented by AFA (Artists for Artists) who are known for their support and advocacy in social impact events.

This was their message, “Artist For Action: We are a coalition of artists, musicians and influencers who are taking action towards eliminating the epidemic of gun violence in America. Our platform makes it easy for artists to activate their fans in taking 3 simple steps to prevent gun violence – Volunteer, Donate, Vote. Artist For Action To Prevent Gun Violence is a non-political movement that has come together as one to help prevent future tragedies. We must act now!”

No further dates have been listed as of yet and currently Peter Gabriel is touring in Canada and the US promoting his latest album in 7 years called i/o, which began in May 2023. 

Peter Gabriel has a profound and unique empathy that he communicates through his music and lyrics. His voice will be a invaluable against the prevention of gun violence, due to his knowledge and understanding of the world around him. And that is clearly demonstrated when hearing Peter describe the meaning behind the songs on his new album and the deeper mindset that we must adapt and move forward.

This collaboration is to help build a platform were artists can inspire their fans to get active in the prevention of gun violence. A web page is set up for those who wish to volunteer, donate and vote in this prevention of gun violence and purchase tickets to each show of ‘Artists for Action.’