From Genesis's theatrical singer to Sledgehammer, WOMAD and Real World — Peter Gabriel, rock's great experimenter.
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Dashed left edge = started before this timeline ·
Dashed right edge = still ongoing
Peter Gabriel: So 16
1950Peter Gabriel born in Chobham, SurreySurreyGrows up in the Surrey countryside.
1967Peter Gabriel forms GenesisCharterhouse SchoolForms the band with school friends.
1972Peter Gabriel wears a fox's head on stageGenesis theatreHis costumes become a Genesis trademark.
1974Peter Gabriel's last Genesis album The Lamb Lies Down on BroadwayConcept double albumHis story of a Puerto Rican youth in New York.
1975Peter Gabriel leaves GenesisFrontman Peter Gabriel left Genesis to pursue a solo career. The remaining members auditioned around 400 singers to find a replacement before deciding that Collins — already singing backing vocals and occasional lead — should become the band's lead vocalist.
1977Peter Gabriel releases his first solo albumSolsbury HillSolsbury Hill is about leaving Genesis.
1980Peter Gabriel releases his third albumBikoWith Biko and the gated drum sound.
1982Peter Gabriel founds WOMADWorld music festivalThe first World of Music, Arts and Dance festival.
1986Peter Gabriel releases SoSledgehammerWith Sledgehammer, Don't Give Up and In Your Eyes.
1986Peter Gabriel tours for Amnesty InternationalA Conspiracy of HopeFollowed by the Human Rights Now! tour in 1988.
1989Peter Gabriel opens Real World StudiosBox, WiltshireStudio and label for world music.
1989Peter Gabriel releases PassionThe Last Temptation of ChristHis soundtrack wins a Grammy.
1992Peter Gabriel releases UsDigging in the DirtAn album about relationships.
2007Peter Gabriel helps found The EldersWith Nelson MandelaA group of world leaders working for peace.
2014Peter Gabriel inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of FameSecond inductionInducted as a solo artist, after Genesis in 2010.
2023Peter Gabriel releases i/oFirst new album in 21 yearsReleased song by song at every full moon.