Peter Gabriel (UK)

➡️ PETER GABRIEL – Celebrated Musician & Voice for Peace & Human Rights

Peter Gabriel is a British musician and human rights activist. He came to fame as the original frontman of Genesis, but is equally celebrated for his solo career and decades-long commitment to activism and humanitarian causes.

In 1992, he co-founded the organisation Witness, which empowers people to use video and technology to expose human rights abuses worldwide. The organisation has trained thousands of activists globally, which has helped to document abuses in areas such as Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Amazon. He uses this platform to raise awareness of important issues and inspire change.

Issues close to his heart include apartheid, global poverty, ending police brutality and political oppression, and environmental protection.

Jump straight to our resources on ➡️ Peter Gabriel

Explore our comprehensive guides on -

• Human Rights & Human Rights Defenders

• Israel's War on Gaza

• The Elders & Richard Branson

• Peace One Day

• Steve Biko & the Black Consciousness Movement

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In his career as a musician, Peter released seven albums with Genesis and a further eleven as a solo artist. In 1980, alongside others, Peter founded WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance), an international festival that celebrates the world's many different forms of art. Since its founding, WOMAD has presented over 150 festivals in 40 countries.

Gabriel uses his global influence to support important issues and raise public awareness. One of his most extensive campaigns involved the anti-apartheid movement. His song "Biko," which was released in 1980, is a powerful tribute to South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko. It went on to become an anthem for the movement and was performed at numerous high-profile benefit concerts, including the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute in 1988.

Also in 1988, in a demonstration of his support for Amnesty International, Gabriel participated in the Human Rights Now! world tour. It featured artists like Bruce Springsteen and Sting and brought significant attention to human rights abuses worldwide.

Gabriel is a committed supporter of The Elders, an organisation of global leaders who work together to advocate for social justice, human rights, and peace. In fact, the concept was born from a conversation between himself and fellow humanitarian Richard Branson. They took the idea to Nelson Mandela, who went on to gather together a group of like-minded leaders, including Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, and Mary Robinson.

Formally established in 2007, the Elders work together to advocate for social justice, human rights, and peace by providing independent, ethical leadership and guidance on important global issues such as poverty, education, and HIV/AIDS. Their mission is to build a world where people live in peace, are conscious of our common humanity and our shared responsibilities for each other, the planet, and future generations.

Gabriel is also a prominent environmental advocate and supports the Earth Day Network by promoting Earth Day activities and contributing to events which raise awareness about environmental issues. He has also worked alongside Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth to promote environmental conservation and prevent biodiversity loss. As a champion for sustainable energy, he has endorsed and participated in campaigns like the "10:10" initiative.

Gabriel has spoken out against the atrocities being committed by Israel in Gaza. He is a member of Artists4Ceasefire and publicly advocates for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. He supports the international condemnation of illegal settlements, apartheid conditions, war crimes, and excessive civilian casualties.

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"Peace only happens when everybody's human rights are respected, and that must be what we campaign for" - Peter Gabriel

Gabriel's contributions to the arts, peace efforts, and humanitarian causes continue to inspire over the generations. This year, alongside Better World Info, Peter Gabriel is a collaborator in the global initiative Peace One Day and their 2025 celebrations.

Author: Rachael Mellor, 20.09.25 licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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