Rather reserved in person, from the earliest days Peter Gabriel always transformed into a fearless performer in front of an audience, a performer who once famously broke his ankle leaping into an audience! During these years, however, Gabriel began to push his showmanship to its limits, deploying a now-notorious variety of masks and costumes: the red dress and fox's head featured on the cover of "Foxtrot"; the flower headdress and unplaceable red triangular mask worn during "Supper's Ready"; the blue batwings of "The
Watcher of The Skies".
Perhaps these ploys were born of necessity: Genesis songs featured increasingly long instrumental passages, during which Gabriel had to do something! Whatever, his performance became the focal point of the band's shows. And his costumes were only part of an ever-more elaborately created live set which featured gauze screens, spectacular lighting and explosions. It was also a show which reputedly put them and Charisma in the hole for upwards of £60,000 by 1973! Still, it paid off.
"Before the band returned to America, they played a stunning concert at London's Rainbow Theatre, on February 9, 1973. A new stage set utilised white gauze draped over the speakers and amplifiers. Gabriel wore a whole range of extraordinary costumes, including the flower mask for 'Supper's Ready,' a curious red box strapped on his head, as well as the famed batwings and capes. The band was given a standing ovation as a mystical atmosphere permeated the theatre that communicated to the band and its audience."
Chris Welch
a fearless performer in front of an audience
"By now their stage act had developed into the realms of theatrical rock, as Peter made extensive use of costumes, masks and make-up. With clever use of lighting, explosions and effects their show became one of the most exciting on the road. As Peter became a star, widely pictured wearing batwings and a fox's head, many began to assume that he WAS Genesis, and perhaps even the sole creator of its ideas and music. But it was obviously a team effort. Despite smouldering frustrations, the band had come a long way since the days of sending a demo to Jonathan King..."
