I performed this song at a southern private high school in the US in October 1986 with full bagpipes -- I WAS NEVER PERMITTED TO PERFORM AGAIN AT THAT SCHOOL. I don't regret a moment of my eight-minute performance. I can still see the looks on the administrators' faces today.
"The rest is up to you" is what Peter said at the end of the song. This was recorded and broadcasting live in 1990 in The National Stadium in Santiago Chile, for the Amnesty International Concert, with Sting, Sinead O'connor and many others artists.
Stephen Biko was an anti-apartheid activist in South Africa who was murdered by police. Peter Gabriel has used the yodel effect on a number of tracks. I've seen him perform this track live. The audience always join in with the end chant creating a special emotional moment.
I love how Gabriel embodies inclusiveness. He brings musicians from around the world, each adding a little flavour, and the end result it emotive, tasteful and just plain awesome. One of the few artists who can not just bring it live, but turn an already great song into an epic.
Gabriel has always embodied the term "World Music". There may be people who are better at it, but I don't know about them. He's still pushing international acts into the spotlight, which I find incredibly amazing. Listen/Watch his "Secret World Live" video is one of the most epic experiences out there and shows the flexibility. Shankar, Papa Wemba, the list goes on and on. As you pointed out, an amazing example of "inclusiveness."
Peter Gabriel was ahead of his time. He always collaborated with artists and musicians from around the world to make his music not only inclusive, but universal.
There's a very moving, important and credible movie telling the story of the death of Steve Biko, played by Denzel Washington, _Cry Freedom (1987),_ well worth a watch. The film received multiple nominations for Oscars, Golden Globes, and even a Grammy.
I think it was said but the song is about Steven Biko a Black South African man & founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, which sought to empower Blacks and protest the strick racial segregationist policy of Apartheid they lived under I'm South Africa until 1994. Due to the popularity of his work He was banned from moving outside of his town. On August 17 he tried meet at night w/another leader when he was stopped check point by police, arrested, interrogated, stripped, beaten for three weeks. He died as the song says in September(6), '77, by repeated blunt force trauma to the brain. At the time of the performance, Apartheid was still the law of the land in South Africa. God Bless.
Thanks guys- I had never seen that live version. I always found the studio version extremely emotional, but this was off the charts. PG is a very political, cause-oriented artist who is also, in my opinion, a genius, across the board. He started with Genesis and then went on to a very successful solo career. I don’t remember if you reacted to him before, but his catalog is deep and varied.
When I saw Peter Gabriel perform this in the 80’s I had no idea what this song was, it was his show closer and it really hit home. His stage presence and use of traditional artists/musicians In his performances is unlike any I have ever seen. Truly one one the best stage performers out there. I suggest you try a live version of “In You Eyes”!
That's a poncho type cape you can find in the Andean region of Peru and Chili. The flutists are a well known group from that region. It is interesting that he's using very "local" musicians to back up his music on this one. In his other recording he's using different back up musicians. Not sure the country this is happening in, but it is in South American. His Spanish ability is noteworthy when he addresses his audience.
I didn't hear that Version of this song! The panflute musicians and the South-American sound with support of Sting (bass & backing vocals) took this number to an other dimention I like very the live version from Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday concert in Wembley Stadium. Peter Gabriel sung it with Simple Minds (btw great Scottish Band) Great reaction - greetings from Poland
To me Biko was more of threat than Mandela he was able to unite all tribes of South Africa and as the song says you can blow out a candle but you cannot blow out a fire that was Biko.✌️ Love Peter Gabriel in your eyes talk about musician from around the world
I was fortunate enough to see Gabriel 3 times. Once before this album this song was on. They were some of the best shows I've ever seen. Loved him in Genesis. Loved him solo.
Saw the So tour in Hollywood at the Greek Theater. Gabriel crowd stuffs the whole venue signing the chant at the end. It went on until he got back to the stage. Incredible moving.
Hi guys, this was a performance made in Santiago of Chile for the Amnesty International, against the dictatorship. It was on 1990 in the National Stadium, one year after that democracy came.
Peter Gabriel!!! Very nice truly one of the best to ever do it. Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, they gave you all they got with each and every performance! Love it thx guys
I found you both on a Tragically Hip reaction video (as someone who saw them 6 times, including front row at a free show for 80,000+ people for the War Child benefit) and thought you both were brilliant. This reaction video for "Biko" proves that my initial assessment was correct. Keep doing what you do.
You guy’s need to explore Peter Gabriel’s Secret World tour…….one of the best live performances by a unique artist. Highly recommend…….”In Your Eyes” or “Secret World” all with Paula Cole on backing vocals👍
Peter Gabriel was directly responsible for bringing awareness of and subsequent bringing down of apartheid regimes in South Africa. He would play this song as the last song in his concert set every place he played, for years....
Thanks for the reaction. Songs like this and Simple Mind's Street Fighting Years just stir up the emotions. Great song, great voice. I admit the PG songs were requested after I'd spent an afternoon playing out my PG playlist and then jumping online to see what live versions were there. Soo many good live performances out there. Such a great artist... :)
One of those songs you feel in your soul...another version of this is done by the Playing for Change Foundation, part of the Song Around the World collection - really awesome!
This was a performance recorded at the 1990 Amnesty International concert "An Embrace of Hope" in Santiago, Chile. I think there are several other "better" live recordings of Biko, Peter's performance for Nelson Mandela's birthday comes to mind. But this is a very significant performance because Chile's Truth and Reconciliation Commission into the over 30000 tortured and 2200 "Disappeared " Chileans during the Pinochet rule had just been convened. Sinéad O’Connor performed a powerful Nothing Compares 2 U, Jackson Brown did Lives in The Balance, and STING of course performed his haunting song written about the disappeared They Dance Alone. A concert for the ages in Chile.
Another amazing version of this song that I haven’t heard! Every time Gabriel did this song, he did it slightly different. All are amazing & powerful. Thx guys! ❤️
Yes he toured with Sting in 2016 or 2017. (I forget). Came to Denver where I was living but couldn’t get night off. Not sure when this was but certainly much earlier.
When watching the reaction video, I feel old. Heard this song the first time in 1987 :) and still loving it. Peter is such a great humanist. Every live performance differs from the other. What concert is this? I didn't know it yet. I should search Peter Gabriel+sting+biko+sting
Evidence that a song can be powerful in its simplicity. I also have not seen this video, so thanks! May we one day not even notice whether people are of a different race and seek to heal the wounds created in times we did.
The reason the drummer; Vinnie Colaiuta, has a towel and is all wet is because before Biko, he has just played a 17 set of songs with Sting and got a little sweaty.
11. February 1990 - one of the greatest days in history. Biko's contribution to the end of apartheid would never have been forgotten, bot this truly great song and Peter Gabriel enhanced his memory, the impact of his and all other's struggle to end apartheid and surely to some extent accelerated the release of Nelson Mandela and subsequent democratisation of South Africa. Maybe a boringly logical comment, I'm welling up though - from a 50 yr old Danish white cisgender male who grew up with all kinds of rural prejudices, but have managed to throw them away or at least mostly be aware of when they resurface.
I don't believe that was a towel around drummer Vinnie Colaiuta but rather some traditional poncho-type of wrap more common in Central American and South American countries (and Mexico).
How many songs have a real effect on the world? This is one of them. Part of the anti-Apartheid movement that helped bring down the racist regime in South Africa. I have never seen this version before. But how astounding. Singing in Chile for Amnesty International for the memories of the disappeared in that country, and with Sting at his side. How moving. When I've seen Gabriel, he generally ends the show, and lets the audience continue the singing as they leave the stage. The message: it's in your hands now. I've seen him four times so far. First at the Garden when he surprised the audience joining his former Genesis bandmates for the encore of the And Then There Were Three tour. Next time was at the Ritz for the Shock the Monkey tour. Then twice more at the Garden. I'm looking forward to seeing for the fifth time with my daughter this fall.
I've seen how much you guys are into Simple Minds, so you should check out the version of this song from the Nelson Mandela birthday concert at Wembley.
One class song.pan pipes music is great you should check out "MOTHER EARTH" Wuauquikuna (Official Music Video) they are are great lads. Wuauquikuna in English means brothers.If you do I'll share it with loads of Wuauquikuna fans.Cheers and all the best from England.
Apartheid was a political hot button and because the white wealthy in Sun City (a resort destination) in South Africa were so out of control artists (such as Peter) refused to play there (have concerts). At one point an album was done with many many artists called Artists Against Apartheid, and was an awesome display of musicians, singers and political, human rights call to arms. Check it out some time.
Gotta bad version. The version on PG3 is the definative version. Scrap all the other shit. The melting face is the original version, do that or its just shit.
He sings passionately and rightly about the abhorrent death of Steve Biko an activist who knew his stance put him in great danger yet made the conscious decision to continue he died in police custody in 1978 , yet th world conscious freedom fighting activist is silent over the industrial wholescape rape of white working class women in hi own country, after this song was acclaimed did he stay around and protect South Africa’s future , no he fucked off back to his Wiltshire home and cheated on his partner ,
I performed this song at a southern private high school in the US in October 1986 with full bagpipes -- I WAS NEVER PERMITTED TO PERFORM AGAIN AT THAT SCHOOL. I don't regret a moment of my eight-minute performance. I can still see the looks on the administrators' faces today.
It can happen here in the North, too, I am very sad to say.
"The rest is up to you" is what Peter said at the end of the song.
This was recorded and broadcasting live in 1990 in The National Stadium in Santiago Chile, for the Amnesty International Concert, with Sting, Sinead O'connor and many others artists.
Stephen Biko was an anti-apartheid activist in South Africa who was murdered by police.
Peter Gabriel has used the yodel effect on a number of tracks. I've seen him perform this track live. The audience always join in with the end chant creating a special emotional moment.
The stadium in South Africa went on with the chant for an hour when this was performed live.
They are probably too young to know about South Africa. I remember it very well. To them Nelson Mandela is just a name.
@@kesleycottrell1416 well, it's the house where Del and Rodney and Gra.... Nevermind lol x
One of the greatest written song of all time.
Gabriel is a musical savant. One of the real gifts to the world.
I saw this song performed live in Detroit, it was just as moving then and brought us all to our feet with tears in our eyes. Peter is so special!
A fucking beautifully succinct review.
I love how Gabriel embodies inclusiveness. He brings musicians from around the world, each adding a little flavour, and the end result it emotive, tasteful and just plain awesome. One of the few artists who can not just bring it live, but turn an already great song into an epic.
What a joy to have these talented artist in this incredible decade of great music..
Gabriel has always embodied the term "World Music". There may be people who are better at it, but I don't know about them. He's still pushing international acts into the spotlight, which I find incredibly amazing. Listen/Watch his "Secret World Live" video is one of the most epic experiences out there and shows the flexibility. Shankar, Papa Wemba, the list goes on and on. As you pointed out, an amazing example of "inclusiveness."
Peter Gabriel was ahead of his time. He always collaborated with artists and musicians from around the world to make his music not only inclusive, but universal.
There's a very moving, important and credible movie telling the story of the death of Steve Biko, played by Denzel Washington, _Cry Freedom (1987),_ well worth a watch. The film received multiple nominations for Oscars, Golden Globes, and even a Grammy.
That bass Sting’s playing is the very same one he used for the recording of The Police album, Synchronicity
I think it was said but the song is about Steven Biko a Black South African man & founder of the Black Consciousness Movement, which sought to empower Blacks and protest the strick racial segregationist policy of Apartheid they lived under I'm South Africa until 1994.
Due to the popularity of his work He was banned from moving outside of his town.
On August 17 he tried meet at night w/another leader when he was stopped check point by police, arrested, interrogated, stripped, beaten for three weeks. He died as the song says in September(6), '77, by repeated blunt force trauma to the brain.
At the time of the performance, Apartheid was still the law of the land in South Africa.
God Bless.
Thanks guys- I had never seen that live version. I always found the studio version extremely emotional, but this was off the charts.
PG is a very political, cause-oriented artist who is also, in my opinion, a genius, across the board.
He started with Genesis and then went on to a very successful solo career. I don’t remember if you reacted to him before, but his catalog is deep and varied.
When I saw Peter Gabriel perform this in the 80’s I had no idea what this song was, it was his show closer and it really hit home. His stage presence and use of traditional artists/musicians In his performances is unlike any I have ever seen. Truly one one the best stage performers out there. I suggest you try a live version of “In You Eyes”!
And a bonus, Sting on stage with Peter. What a blessing.
That's a poncho type cape you can find in the Andean region of Peru and Chili. The flutists are a well known group from that region. It is interesting that he's using very "local" musicians to back up his music on this one. In his other recording he's using different back up musicians. Not sure the country this is happening in, but it is in South American. His Spanish ability is noteworthy when he addresses his audience.
This is a very important song. Peter is making sure this song doesn't let this story die.
Great reaction. Did you notice that the bass player and other vocalist is Sting from The Police...
How could you miss that this is Sting playing bass, and that is not a towel but poncho... traditional Chile, Mexican clothing he wears or imitating
I didn't hear that Version of this song! The panflute musicians and the South-American sound with support of Sting (bass & backing vocals) took this number to an other dimention
I like very the live version from Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday concert in Wembley Stadium. Peter Gabriel sung it with Simple Minds (btw great Scottish Band)
Great reaction - greetings from Poland
Mandela day is awesome song too!
To me Biko was more of threat than Mandela he was able to unite all tribes of South Africa and as the song says you can blow out a candle but you cannot blow out a fire that was Biko.✌️
Love Peter Gabriel in your eyes talk about musician from around the world
I tear up every time. Powerful.
I tear up every time I hear this moving masterpiece.
I was fortunate enough to see Gabriel 3 times. Once before this album this song was on. They were some of the best shows I've ever seen. Loved him in Genesis. Loved him solo.
Saw the So tour in Hollywood at the Greek Theater. Gabriel crowd stuffs the whole venue signing the chant at the end. It went on until he got back to the stage. Incredible moving.
Hi guys, this was a performance made in Santiago of Chile for the Amnesty International, against the dictatorship. It was on 1990 in the National Stadium, one year after that democracy came.
Very cool. Chile has had their battles for libertad.
With Sting there it might have been an Amnesty International concert.
Peter Gabriel!!! Very nice truly one of the best to ever do it. Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, they gave you all they got with each and every performance! Love it thx guys
Brilliant choice! An important track from an exceptional artist.
I found you both on a Tragically Hip reaction video (as someone who saw them 6 times, including front row at a free show for 80,000+ people for the War Child benefit) and thought you both were brilliant. This reaction video for "Biko" proves that my initial assessment was correct.
Keep doing what you do.
You guy’s need to explore Peter Gabriel’s Secret World tour…….one of the best live performances by a unique artist.
Highly recommend…….”In Your Eyes” or “Secret World” all with Paula Cole on backing vocals👍
Sting playing bass as part of the house band never gets old
Peter Gabriel was directly responsible for bringing awareness of and subsequent bringing down of apartheid regimes in South Africa. He would play this song as the last song in his concert set every place he played, for years....
Thanks for the reaction. Songs like this and Simple Mind's Street Fighting Years just stir up the emotions. Great song, great voice. I admit the PG songs were requested after I'd spent an afternoon playing out my PG playlist and then jumping online to see what live versions were there. Soo many good live performances out there. Such a great artist... :)
One of those songs you feel in your soul...another version of this is done by the Playing for Change Foundation, part of the Song Around the World collection - really awesome!
If you ask me the playing for change version is the best version of them all . but can't go wrong with any version of Biko
Just reading the comments below....No one noticed or mentioned STING ? Peter Gabriel is a BRILLIANT artist and performer ! He is very young here.
This was a performance recorded at the 1990 Amnesty International concert "An Embrace of Hope" in Santiago, Chile. I think there are several other "better" live recordings of Biko, Peter's performance for Nelson Mandela's birthday comes to mind. But this is a very significant performance because Chile's Truth and Reconciliation Commission into the over 30000 tortured and 2200 "Disappeared " Chileans during the Pinochet rule had just been convened. Sinéad O’Connor performed a powerful Nothing Compares 2 U, Jackson Brown did Lives in The Balance, and STING of course performed his haunting song written about the disappeared They Dance Alone. A concert for the ages in Chile.
Another amazing version of this song that I haven’t heard! Every time Gabriel did this song, he did it slightly different. All are amazing & powerful. Thx guys! ❤️
Yeah right, every live performance differs from the others. Always an experience
GREAT CHOICE, Guys! greetings from ARGENTINA. one question: is that man...STING??
Very very great choice !!!
Yes... it's Sting !! ;-)
Yes and Vinnie Colaiuta in the drums. Amnesty int. tour played in Buenos Aires too like the week before and Charly Garcia joined them
Yes he toured with Sting in 2016 or 2017. (I forget). Came to Denver where I was living but couldn’t get night off. Not sure when this was but certainly much earlier.
@@rogeroran2911, Santiago de Chile 1990
@@agustinas960 thank you
When watching the reaction video, I feel old. Heard this song the first time in 1987 :) and still loving it.
Peter is such a great humanist.
Every live performance differs from the other.
What concert is this? I didn't know it yet. I should search Peter Gabriel+sting+biko+sting
Evidence that a song can be powerful in its simplicity. I also have not seen this video, so thanks! May we one day not even notice whether people are of a different race and seek to heal the wounds created in times we did.
The reason the drummer; Vinnie Colaiuta, has a towel and is all wet is because before Biko, he has just played a 17 set of songs with Sting and got a little sweaty.
Give you a favour and try " Genesis " with Peter Gabriel with the song " Carpet crawlers "! Just brilliant!
An amazing song. Plus you guys missed it was Sting on bass and some vocals in this performance!!
The camera didn’t miss him! 🤣
Definitely watch Cry Freedom Sir Richard attenborough film 🇬🇧😥🙂😊❤
Gotta do the Biko version of this also. This is his best frontiers, easily.
YOURE AN AMAZING COUPLE
Fun fact Simple minds recorded this also & performed it with Peter Gabriel for the Nelson Mandela concert.
11. February 1990 - one of the greatest days in history. Biko's contribution to the end of apartheid would never have been forgotten, bot this truly great song and Peter Gabriel enhanced his memory, the impact of his and all other's struggle to end apartheid and surely to some extent accelerated the release of Nelson Mandela and subsequent democratisation of South Africa. Maybe a boringly logical comment, I'm welling up though - from a 50 yr old Danish white cisgender male who grew up with all kinds of rural prejudices, but have managed to throw them away or at least mostly be aware of when they resurface.
Watch the video clip of the song. That will give you a little more context.
This is one of the most powerful and emotionally expressive songs ever.
Denzil Washington played Biko in a film by Richard Attenborough, its amazing
Great Version of this!!!!!!
God he was really still so very young.
Standing next to him on bass is Sting from "The Police"
Biko from studio album!!!
I don't believe that was a towel around drummer Vinnie Colaiuta but rather some traditional poncho-type of wrap more common in Central American and South American countries (and Mexico).
Hi watch the film cry freedom, it will give you a good idea of who Steve Biko was and what he fought for.
And the performance of Denzel Washington as Biko was fantastic.
That was Sting from The Police on the bass, by the way.
Lo amo ♥️
In through the wire also another classic.
ummm is no one noticing Sting? this is a tremendous performance
Especially moving in Chile, which has its own history of oppression (sponsored by the US). Ironic, when so many Americans have never heard of Biko..
The drummer is wearing a shawl, a garment common to places like Chile and India..
I imagine the towel means it's an encore.... Off and back on so to speak.
How many songs have a real effect on the world? This is one of them. Part of the anti-Apartheid movement that helped bring down the racist regime in South Africa. I have never seen this version before. But how astounding. Singing in Chile for Amnesty International for the memories of the disappeared in that country, and with Sting at his side. How moving. When I've seen Gabriel, he generally ends the show, and lets the audience continue the singing as they leave the stage. The message: it's in your hands now.
I've seen him four times so far. First at the Garden when he surprised the audience joining his former Genesis bandmates for the encore of the And Then There Were Three tour. Next time was at the Ritz for the Shock the Monkey tour. Then twice more at the Garden. I'm looking forward to seeing for the fifth time with my daughter this fall.
Watch the movie Cry Freedom. Starring Denzel Washington playing Stephen Biko. Excellent movie!
Even tough the story is centered on Kevin Kline anytime Denzel is onscreen as Stephen Biko you feel the performance, amazing
I've seen how much you guys are into Simple Minds, so you should check out the version of this song from the Nelson Mandela birthday concert at Wembley.
„September 77, Port Elisabeth, Weather fine! It was Business as usual in Policeroom 619!…..
That‘s where and when Steven Biko was killed!…….
One class song.pan pipes music is great you should check out "MOTHER EARTH" Wuauquikuna (Official Music Video) they are are great lads. Wuauquikuna in English means brothers.If you do I'll share it with loads of Wuauquikuna fans.Cheers and all the best from England.
There is a movie that came out in the 70's, Maybe it's just called Biko .
Can you hear a bit of Dave Mathews in this?
somebody confirm for me...is that Sting playing bass?
Thats Sting singing with him guys
Denzel Washington made a movie about Stephen Bico.
Have you noticed that bass player is Sting ?
The drummer has a towel because playing a show is like a workout, you sweat. A lot.
Sting is the bass player there
If music be the food of love´ Play on......William Shakespeare....1602.
Everyone is missing STING
Huch Sting. lol
Was Inti Illimani perform too? I saw a chilean flag.
Bee-Co, best anti racist song ever!
Can you please react to Peter Gabriel song called DARKNESS
His most heaviest song
Please
Is that Sting playing bass?
do I hear synth bagpipes? If so, then OK....
Have you reacted to Sting on base at this wonderful performance 😥🙂🙂☺🤔😊
Apartheid was a political hot button and because the white wealthy in Sun City (a resort destination) in South Africa were so out of control artists (such as Peter) refused to play there (have concerts). At one point an album was done with many many artists called Artists Against Apartheid, and was an awesome display of musicians, singers and political, human rights call to arms. Check it out some time.
Beeko
I hope you see Sting in this videon?
maybe only thing missing was bagpipes............next time?
the fucking Holocaust colours he is wearing killed me ..
Sorry bass
Y'all don't BIKO
Know Biko. This was a man
Gotta bad version. The version on PG3 is the definative version. Scrap all the other shit. The melting face is the original version, do that or its just shit.
You should know how to pronounce this. It is important!
He sings passionately and rightly about the abhorrent death of Steve Biko an activist who knew his stance put him in great danger yet made the conscious decision to continue he died in police custody in 1978 ,
yet th world conscious freedom fighting activist is silent over the industrial wholescape rape of white working class women in hi own country, after this song was acclaimed did he stay around and protect South Africa’s future , no he fucked off back to his Wiltshire home and cheated on his partner ,
Sting on bass Peter with the Police!!!
Wasn't that sting on bass?