Peter Gabriel has released Panopticom as the first single from his 10th studio album album ‘i/o’.
The former Genesis singer star’s first solo single in seven years features contributions from Brian Eno, bassist Tony Levin, drummer Manu Katché, and guitarist David Rhodes.
He says: “The first 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.”
According to a press release, Panopticom was released on a full moon and subsequent songs from the LP will also come out on nights of full moons.
“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,” adds the musician.
“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.”
The hitmaker is soon to hit the road for a tour across the UK and Europe during the spring.
‘i/o The Tour’ will see the former Genesis star playing new material from his forthcoming album, alongside hits, fan favourites and the unexpected.
“It’s been a while and I am now surrounded by a whole lot of new songs and am excited to be taking them out on the road for a spin,” says Peter. “Look forward to seeing you out there.”
It marks his first solo shows outside of North America since 2014’s ‘Back to Front Tour’, celebrating the era-defining album ‘So’.
Tickets are on general sale now.