Prog-Rock Icon Peter Gabriel "Horrified" By George Floyd's Murder

Musician and activist Peter Gabriel, the original lead vocalist for prog-rock band Genesis, condemns the death of George Floyd. He did this in a Twitter statement Monday, June 1.

"Along with the civilised world I was horrified by the racist murder of George Floyd," his three-part statement on Twitter began. "This type of brutality needs to be confronted directly, with justice clearly seen to be done whenever & wherever it occurs."

Gabriel promoted world music and gave independent artists a platform. Aside from this, he co-founded the human rights groups "WITNESS" back in 1992. He wrote that they have been helping groups monitor police violence. "I hope these protests will not only lead to the addressing of the problems at the root of this," his statement continued.

He also warned about politicians trying "to win support by fuelling nationalism and racism for their own gain." Peter Gabriel concluded his statement by saying that "The world can only be what we choose to make it."

Peter Gabriel's statement also included a copy of an announcement from Real World and World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival (WOMAD). Both the recording label and the international festival announced that they wouldn't be conducting any business. This move is in observance of "Black Out Tuesday." The same statement of support was also posted on the record label's official website.

Fellow Musicians and Record Label Owners in Solidarity

The 70-year-old British musician joins the number of artists who have condemned the death of George Floyd. Rapper and Grand Hustle Records CEO Clifford Joseph Harris, better known as T.I., posted on his Instagram page last Thursday, May 28. He called for support on a Blackout Day. He scheduled his post on July 7. "Nobody spend S**T on this day️ IF you Give AF about the murders, lynchings,& oppression of people of color!!!" the hip-hop "Trouble Man" posted following George Floyd's death.

Eminem, American rapper and co-founder of hip-hop label Shady Records, has also announced his label's support of the Black Out Tuesday. "On this day, we will dedicate our time and efforts to help prevent social injustice and explore ways to assist in the fight against racial inequality." Shady Records' announcement also called for people to donate to several nonprofit organizations, including NAACP- Detroit Chapter and Black Lives Matter.

Slim earlier encouraged people to "speak up." He also shared his "Untouchable" track. It describes America's racism from the viewpoint of a privileged white person.

These statements come after George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died after Minneapolis law enforcement officer knelt on his neck during an arrest attempt. The video of the arrest made rounds on the Internet last Monday, May 25. It sparked nationwide outrage that led to protests across the country.

Peter Gabriel: Champion of World Music and Human Rights

Peter Gabriel first rose to prominence as the frontman of Genesis from 1967 to 1975. He later pursued a solo career, releasing "Solsbury Hill" as his debut single. He has released a total of nine albums, starting with four eponymous albums numbered by fans, and includes the best-selling 1986 album "So."

As a champion of world music, he co-founded the WOMAD international arts festival in 1982. The annual festival aims to celebrate the different forms of arts, dance, and music. Seven years later, Gabriel founded Real World Records to provide a platform for world music artists.

He has also released the anti-apartheid song "Biko" in 1980, inspired by the death of South African activist Steve Biko in 1977. Peter Gabriel has also performed in several benefit concerts for human rights, including the 1988 "Human Rights Now!" tour of Amnesty International.

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Peter Gabriel, Black Lives Matter, 'Icon'