"Live and Let Live" is a song by English musician Peter Gabriel, first released on 27 November 2023 as the final single released in promotion of his tenth studio album I/O,[2] four days before the record's release. It is the final track on the record; the dark-side and in-side mixes of the track are also extended by an additional 25 seconds. The artwork for the single was designed by Nick Cave with his piece "Soundsuit".[3]
| "Live and Let Live" | ||||
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| Single by Peter Gabriel | ||||
| from the album I/O | ||||
| Released | 27 November 2023 | |||
| Genre | Progressive pop[1] | |||
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| Songwriter(s) | Peter Gabriel | |||
| Producer(s) | Peter Gabriel | |||
| Peter Gabriel singles chronology | ||||
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Background edit
According to Gabriel, the song is about forgiveness, tolerance, and optimism. The track was described by Gabriel as "a joyous, rousingly-positive, closing note for the album".[3] Elaborating on this, Gabriel stated:
"If we look at what's happening in the Middle East now or in Ukraine, all sorts of places around the world where there's still violence and brutality, to walk around with a bunch of flowers, preaching forgiveness seems trite and pathetic, maybe. But in the long run, I think people have to find a way. 'Peace only happens when you respect the rights of others' is a quote from the Peace University in Costa Rica and I think that's a really important message for me and for my life. You either belong to that hurt or you free yourself and forgiveness is clearly a super effective way of freeing yourself."[3][4]
The track has also been described as a powerful anthem about love and forgiveness, Gabriel has also stated that when writing the track he had Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu in mind.[5]
Personnel edit
- Peter Gabriel – lead vocals, backing vocals, piano, synths, programming, tambourine
- David Rhodes – guitars
- Tony Levin – bass
- Manu Katché – drums
- Melanie Gabriel – backing vocals
- Brian Eno – additional synths, morph kit
- Oli Jacobs – programming
- Katie May – clay pot
- Richard Chappell – programming
- Paolo Fresu – trumpet
- Steve Gadd – brush loop
Orchestra
- Orchestral arrangement: John Metcalfe and Peter Gabriel
- Violins: Everton Nelson, Ian Humphries, Louisa Fuller, Charles Mutter, Cathy Thompson, Natalia Bonner, Richard George, Marianne Haynes, Martin Burgess, Clare Hayes, Debbie Widdup, and Odile Ollagnon
- Violas: Bruce White, Fiona Bonds, Peter Lale, and Rachel Roberts
- Cellos: Ian Burdge (including solo cello), Chris Worsey, Caroline Dale, William Schofield, Tony Woollard, and Chris Allan
- Double bass: Chris Laurence, Stacy Watton, and Lucy Shaw
- Flute: Eliza Marshall
- French horn: David Pyatt, Richard Bissill
- Tenor trombone: Andy Wood, Tracy Holloway
- Bass trombone: Richard Henry
- Tuba: David Powell
- Orchestra conductor: John Metcalfe
- Orchestra leader: Everton Nelson
- Sheet music supervisor: Dave Foster
- Orchestra contractor: Lucy Whalley and Susie Gillis
Choir
The Soweto Gospel Choir
Soprano: Linda Sambo, Nobuhle Dhlamini, Phello Jiyane, Victoria Sithole
Alto: Maserame Ndindwa, Phumla Nkhumeleni, Zanele Ngwenya, Duduzile Ngomane
Tenor: George Kaudi, Vusimuzi Shabalala, Xolani Ntombela, Victor Makhathini
Bass: Thabang Mkhwanazi, Goodwill Modawu, Warren Mahlangu, Fanizile Nzuza
Soloists: Phello Jiyane (Soprano), Duduzile Ngomane (Alto), Vusimuzi Shabalala (Tenor), Fanizile Nzuza (Bass), Victor Makhathini (Male voice Zulu improvisations), Phumla Nkhumeleni (Female ululating and chanting)
- Musical director / vocal arranger: Bongani (Honey) Ncube
Charts edit
| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles Downloads (OCC)[6] | 74 |
References edit
- ^ "Peter Gabriel: i/o – A late addition to your albums-of-the-year list". The Irish Times.
- ^ News |, A. B. C. (2023-11-27). "Peter Gabriel drops final song from 'i/o', "Live and Let Live"". KSHE 95. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
- ^ a b c "Live and Let Live". PeterGabriel.com. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
- ^ "Peter Gabriel Releases Final 'i/o' Track, "Live And Let Live": Listen". Stereogum. 2023-11-27. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
- ^ "Listen: Peter Gabriel Delivers Final 'i/o' Preview on "Live and Let Live"". Jambands. 2023-11-27. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
- ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 December 2023.