peter gabriel tour personnel

Peter Gabriel Reveals Details of i/o – The Tour North America Leg

12 Cities Added On Highly Anticipated Tour with More Cities and Shows to Be Announced Soon

Tickets available starting today with fan club presale, general onsale begins friday, march 10 at 10am local on  livenation.com.

Today,  Peter Gabriel  announces details for his long-awaited North American leg of  i/o – The Tour,  a 2023 run across Europe and North America this spring and fall. Produced by Live Nation, the newly announced dates will find Peter Gabriel performing in Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Fans should also stay tuned for future tour date announcements in Washington, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Denver, Austin, Dallas and Houston.

i/o – The Tour  will see Gabriel playing new material from his forthcoming album  i/o , as well as delving into his peerless catalogue of music, with hits, fan favourites and the unexpected. For the shows, Gabriel will be joined by regular band-mates Tony Levin, David Rhodes and Manu Katché. Additionally, new music from the  i/o album is being released on the full moon of each month. The March song release is called Playing For Time.

TICKETS:  The general onsale for  i/o – The Tour  North American leg will start Friday, March 10 at 10am Local Time on  LiveNation.com . Fans will have access to a special presale through Peter’s Fan Club mailing list, starting Tuesday, March 7. 

Citi is the official card of the  i/o – The Tour . Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning Wed. March 8 at 10am local time until Thursday, March 9 at 6pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit  www.citientertainment.com

In Canada, American Express® Cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday March 8 at 10am local time through Thursday, March 9 at 6pm local time. Visit  ticketmaster.ca/americanexpress  to purchase tickets.  Ticket limits & terms apply.

VIP:  Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the pre-show lounge, limited edition gift item & more. For more information, visit  vipnation.com .

Tickets for all European shows are available now at  petergabriel.com .

i/o – The Tour 

May 18                         Krakow, Poland                        TAURON Arena

May 20                        Verona, Italy                             Verona Arena

May 21                         Milan, Italy                                 Mediolanum Arena

May 23                        Paris, France                             Accor Arena

May 24                        Lille, France                              Stade Pierre-Mauroy

May 26                         Berlin, Germany                       Waldbuehne

May 28                        Munich, Germany                     Koenigsplatz

May 30                        Copenhagen, Denmark           Royal Arena

May 31                         Stockholm, Sweden                 Avicii Arena

June 2                         Bergen, Norway                       Koengen

June 5                         Amsterdam, Netherlands        Ziggo Dome

June 6                         Antwerp, Belgium                    Sportpaleis

June 8                         Zurich, Switzerland                  Hallenstadion

June 10                        Cologne, Germany                   Lanxess Arena

June 12                        Hamburg, Germany                 Barclays Arena

June 13                        Frankfurt, Germany                  Festhalle

June 15                        Bordeaux, France                     Arkea Arena

June 17                        Birmingham, UK                       Utilita Arena

June 19                        London, UK                               The O2

June 20                       Nottingham, UK                       Motorpoint Arena

June 22                       Glasgow, UK                             OVO Hydro

June 23                        Manchester, UK                        AO Arena

June 25                       Dublin, Ireland                          3Arena

September 8               Quebec City, Quebec             Videotron Centre 

September 9               Ottawa, Ontario                       Canadian Tire Centre

September 11               Toronto, Ontario                      Scotiabank Arena

September 13              Montreal, Quebec                   Bell Centre

September 14              Boston, Massachusetts           TD Garden

September 16              Philadelphia, Pennsylvania      Wells Fargo Center

September 18              New York, New York               Madison Square Garden

September 30             Chicago, Illinois                       United Center

October 7                    Vancouver, British Columbia   Rogers Arena

October 8                    Seattle, Washington                Climate Pledge Arena

October 11                   San Francisco, California         Chase Center

October 13                   Los Angeles, California           Kia Forum

For complete tour and ticket information, VIP Packages and more visit:   www.livenation.com  and   www.petergabriel.com .

About Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel  first came to international prominence with the success of Genesis, a band that he co-founded while still at school. Since leaving Genesis in 1975, his recording career has included eleven studio albums, film soundtracks for Alan Parker’s ‘Birdy’, Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ and Philip Noyce’s ‘Rabbit Proof Fence’ as well as numerous live albums. His wider musical career has included multiple Grammy Awards, the world-renowned Real World Studios, the formation of the Real World Records label, and in 1980 the creation of WOMAD, the festival that has launched the careers of many artists from around the world and has just celebrated its 40 th  anniversary.

Peter Gabriel co-founded the human rights organization WITNESS (Witness.org) in 1992, the organization that pioneers the use of cameras and technology in human rights campaigning, and in 2007, alongside Sir Richard Branson, he founded The Elders (theelders.org) which was launched by Nelson Mandela.  In 2006, Peter Gabriel was awarded the prestigious Man of Peace title by The Nobel Peace Laureates and in 2008 was also included in the Time 100 list. He has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice. He remains engaged in a wide variety of tech-based businesses throughout a variety of creative industries.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit   www.livenationentertainment.com .

Media Contacts:

For Peter Gabriel, contact:

Kristen Foster (NA National Press) /  [email protected]

Scott Steele (UK national press, online) /  [email protected]

Rob Kerford (UK regional press) /  [email protected]  / 07882 882314

For Live Nation, contact 

Monique Sowinski /  [email protected]

Valeska Thomas /  [email protected]

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Peter Gabriel’s “i/o” Tour: A Night of Iconic Music and Timeless Performances

A few words that come to mind when you think of Peter Gabriel are icon, legend, visionary, genius, and pioneer. Last Saturday night, on October 14th, Gabriel’s “i/o” tour made a stop at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA. This particular show was an addition to the tour schedule, as initially, the tour was announced to conclude at the KIA Forum in Inglewood, CA, the night before, back in March. Before Gabriel made his way to North America, he toured across Europe and the UK, then made his way to Canada in early September. The tour originally consisted of just seven U.S. shows, and less than two weeks after the tour was announced, it was expanded to include 13 more. This show was the second-to-last West Coast date, with the remaining shows taking place in Denver, CO, Austin, Dallas, and Houston, TX. This is Gabriel’s first tour since 2016 when he toured with Sting, who just played the same arena a week earlier. “i/o” is the title of Gabriel’s upcoming album, and it’ll be his first release since “New Blood” (2011). It has been a work in progress since 1995 when it was intended to follow “Up” (2002). This will be Gabriel’s first album of all original material since “Up.” The album is scheduled to be released in December.

When Gabriel tours, he brings out a one-of-a-kind show that only he could put on. Gabriel played a crucial role as the lead singer in the legendary prog-rock group Genesis from 1967 to 1975, while Phil Collins joined the group as its fourth drummer in 1970. With Genesis, Gabriel was known for his elaborate costumes, such as Slipper Man, Lawn Mower, Fox’s Head, Magog, and Flower Mask. Following Gabriel’s departure from Genesis, he released four self-titled solo albums (1977-1982), and his fifth album, the groundbreaking “So” (1986), was the first to feature drum legend Manu Katché, who has also recorded seven albums with Sting, as well as records by Joni Mitchell, Jeff Beck, Tori Amos, and more. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of “So,” Gabriel put together the band from the album for a tour in 2012-2014. “So” reached number one in eight countries and was certified RIAA 5x Platinum, including three of Gabriel’s biggest hits: “In Your Eyes,” “Sledge Hammer,” and “Don’t Give Up,” a duet with Kate Bush. Since “So,” Katché has played on “Us,” “Up,” and “i/o.” For 47 years, bassist Tony Levin (King Crimson, Stickmen) has been performing with Gabriel, and guitarist David Rhodes has been with Gabriel for 44 years. The band also includes guitarist Richard Evans, keyboardist Don-E, Josh Shpak (Trumpet), cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson, and violinist Marina Moore. The crew members, from sound engineers to lighting technicians and camera crew, were all dressed in orange flight suits. Going back to the 80s when Gabriel’s band consisted of Levin, Rhodes, Katché, and keyboardist David Sancious. His band wore trench coats and wireless headsets. There has always been a futuristic aspect to Gabriel’s shows. There were a few times during the show when Gabriel, Rhodes, and Levin all stood and danced together, which was quite special, as it’s something they’ve done since his historic 80s performances.

Following a 20-minute intermission, set two began with “Darkness,” with Gabriel and the band performing behind a screen, which they also used for the following song, “Love Can Heal.” “Don’t Give Up” was performed on a riser behind the band, with Gabriel and his cellist/backing vocalist Witter-Johnson singing Bush’s parts. If there’s one song in particular where Katché went all out, it was “Red Rain,” which he played intensely while keeping the volume relatively low. The second-to-last song was “Live and Let Live,” from “i/o,” in which Gabriel talked about South African President Nelson Mandela (1994-1999), who the song is about, and how he stood with those responsible for his imprisonment and the death of his friends. How he shared the lesson of forgiveness. Set two came to an end with one of Gabriel’s biggest hits, “Solsbury Hill.” Gabriel would return for a double encore, with the first consisting of “The Tower that Ate People” and “In Your Eyes.” During “In Your Eyes,” the multiple screens in the back showed half of each member’s face and would do a closeup of their eyes. The show finished with “Biko,” which was written after the death of South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko in police custody in 1977. As the show came to a close, each member, one by one, walked off the stage as they chanted “Oh, Oh, Oh,” and Katché was the final member to walk off as he kept the beat going through the end. As always, Gabriel gave a performance like no other.

Photo by Alex Kluft

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Peter Gabriel announces North American tour dates and shares new single “Playing For Time”

Peter Gabriel has revealed details for his long-awaited North American leg of i/o – The Tour, a 2023 run across Europe and North America this spring and fall. Produced by Live Nation, the newly announced dates will find Peter Gabriel performing in Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Fans should also stay tuned for future tour date announcements in Washington, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Denver, Austin, Dallas and Houston.

i/o – The Tour will see Gabriel playing new material from his forthcoming album i/o, as well as delving into his peerless catalogue of music, with hits, fan favourites and the unexpected. For the shows, Gabriel will be joined by regular band-mates Tony Levin, David Rhodes and Manu Katché. Additionally, new music from the i/o album is being released on the full moon of each month. The March song release is called Playing For Time.

TICKETS: The general onsale for i/o – The Tour North American leg will start Friday, March 10 at 10am Local Time on LiveNation.com. Fans will have access to a special presale through Peter’s Fan Club mailing list, starting Tuesday, March 7.

Gabriel has also released the 3rd track from the upcoming album titles “Playing For Time” which you can check out here:

Full tour dates with Europe/UK and North America below: 05-18 Krakow, Poland – Tauron Arena 05-20 Verona, Italy – Verona Arena 05-21 Milan, Italy – Mediolanum Arena 05-23 Paris, France – AccorHotels Arena 05-24 Lille, France – Stade Pierre-Mauroy 05-26 Berlin, Germany – Waldbuehne 05-28 Munich, Germany – Koenigsplatz 05-30 Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena 05-31 Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena 06-02 Bergen, Norway – Koengen 06-05 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome 06-06 Antwerp, Belgium – Sportpaleis 06-08 Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion 06-10 Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena 06-12 Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena 06-13 Frankfurt, Germany – Festhalle 06-15 Bordeaux, France – Arkea Arena 06-17 Birmingham, England – Utilita Arena 06-19 London, England – The O2 06-22 Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro 06-23 Manchester, England – AO Arena 06-25 Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena

North America 09-08 Quebec City, Quebec – Videotron Centre 09-09 Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Tire Centre 09-11 Toronto, Ontario – Scotiabank Arena 09-13 Montreal, Quebec – Bell Centre 09-14 Boston, Massachusetts – TD Garden 09-16 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Wells Fargo Center 09-18 New York, New York – Madison Square Garden 09-30 Chicago, Illinois – United Center 10-07 Vancouver, British Columbia – Rogers Arena 10-08 Seattle, Washington – Climate Pledge Arena 10-11 San Francisco, California – Chase Center 10-13 Inglewood, California – Kia Forum

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Peter Gabriel announces rare North American tour in support of new album “i/o”

Peter Gabriel today announced a North American tour — his first in more than a decade — in support of his forthcoming new studio album i/o , unveiling 12 dates in the U.S. and Canada this September and October with at least a dozen more shows to come.

The shows announced today follow Gabriel’s previously unveiled European tour this May and June, and begin Sept. 8 in Quebec and run through an Oct. 13 concert in Los Angeles, with stops in between in Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, Chicago and more.

See full dates below.

A presale for those shows begins at noon Eastern today, March 7 — with the general on-sale following at 10 a.m. local time Friday, March 10. See petergabriel.com for full ticketing details.

But there will be more North American shows. In email to fans, Gabriel’s team advises: “Stay tuned for future tour date announcements in Washington, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Denver, Austin, Dallas and Houston.”

The tour will find Gabriel joined by longtime bandmates Tony Levin, David Rhodes and Manu Katché.

Gabriel has not yet announced a release date for i/o , his first album of new music since 2002’s Up . But he has released several new songs, including “Panopticom,” “The Court” and — just this week — “Playing for Time.”

You can hear all three of those new tracks below.

Peter Gabriel 2023 tour dates

EUROPE May 18: Krakow, PL – Tauron Arena May 20: Verona, IT – Verona Arena May 21: Milan, IT – Mediolanum Arena May 23: Paris, FR – AccorHotels Arena May 24: Lille, FR – Stade Pierre-Mauroy May 26: Berlin, DE – Waldbuehne May 28: Munich, DE – Koenigsplatz May 30: Copenhagen, DK- Royal Arena May 31: Stockholm, SE – Avicii Arena June 2: Bergen, NO – Koengen June 5: Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome June 6: Antwerp, BE – Sportpaleis June 8: Zurich, CH – Hallenstadion June 10: Cologne, DE – Lanxess Arena June 12: Hamburg, DE – Barclays Arena June 13: Frankfurt, DE – Festhalle June 15: Bordeaux, FR – Arkea Arena June 17: Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena June 19: London, UK – The O2 June 22: Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro June 23: Manchester, UK – AO Arena June 25: Dublin, IE – 3Arena

NORTH AMERICA Sept. 8: Quebec City, QC – Videotron Centre Sept. 9: Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre Sept. 11: Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena Sept. 13: Montreal, QC – Bell Centre Sept. 14: Boston, MA – TD Garden Sept. 16: Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center Sept. 18: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden Sept. 30: Chicago, IL – United Center Oct. 7: Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena Oct. 8: Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena Oct. 11: San Francisco, CA – Chase Center Oct. 13: Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum

PREVIOUSLY ON SLICING UP EYEBALLS

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Presale codes anyone?

Found the Live Nation presale code for Thursday which is OPENER. Anyone have the mailing list code? I wasn’t able to join the email list as the signup confirmation emails are getting blocked.

can ya add a edmonton show ??

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Peter Gabriel Announces ‘i/o’ North American Tour Dates, Drops New Single, ‘Playing for Time’

By Jem Aswad

Executive Editor, Music

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Produced by Live Nation, the newly announced dates will find Peter Gabriel performing in Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The announcement adds that “Fans should also stay tuned for future tour date announcements in Washington, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Denver, Austin, Dallas and Houston.”

Popular on Variety

Of the new single, was written and produced by Gabriel, recorded at his Real World Studios in Wiltshire and The Beehive in London, and features Tom Cawley on piano. The orchestral arrangement, by Ed Shearmur, was recorded at British Grove Studios in London with a number of players who previously featured in the New Blood Orchestra.   ” ‘Playing For Time’ is a song that I have been working on for a long time and have performed live, without lyrics, so some people may be familiar with it. It’s been an important song for me. It’s about time, mortality and memories and the idea that each of us has a planet full of memories which get stashed inside the brain.   It is more of a personal song about how you assemble memories and whether we are prisoners of time or whether that is something that can actually free us. I do think it’s good to push yourself towards more bold or interesting experiences because then you will have richer memories to feed you when you get to my age. You also get taught by every meaningful experience that you go through.”  

Citi is the official card of the i/o – The Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets in the U.S. beginning Wed. March 8 at 10am local time until Thursday, March 9 at 6pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. In Canada, American Express Cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday March 8 at 10am local time through Thursday, March 9 at 6pm local time.

 i/o – The Tour

May 18                     Krakow, Poland                   TAURON Arena

May 20                     Verona, Italy                       Verona Arena

May 21                     Milan, Italy                          Mediolanum Arena

May 23                     Paris, France                       Accor Arena

May 24                     Lille, France                      Stade Pierre-Mauroy

May 26                     Berlin, Germany                  Waldbuehne

May 28                     Munich, Germany                 Koenigsplatz

May 30                     Copenhagen, Denmark         Royal Arena

May 31                     Stockholm, Sweden              Avicii Arena

June 2                     Bergen, Norway                  Koengen

June 5                     Amsterdam, Netherlands       Ziggo Dome

June 8                     Zurich, Switzerland               Hallenstadion

June 10                    Cologne, Germany                Lanxess Arena

June 12                    Hamburg, Germany              Barclays Arena

June 13                    Frankfurt, Germany              Festhalle

June 15                    Bordeaux, France                Arkea Arena

June 17                    Birmingham, UK                  Utilita Arena

June 19                    London, UK                         The O2

June 20                    Nottingham, UK                   Motorpoint Arena

June 22                    Glasgow, UK                       OVO Hydro

June 23                    Manchester, UK                    AO Arena

June 25                    Dublin, Ireland                    3Arena

September 8             Quebec City, Quebec            Videotron Centre

September 11           Toronto, Ontario                  Scotiabank Arena

September 13           Montreal, Quebec                 Bell Centre

September 14           Boston, Massachusetts          TD Garden

September 16           Philadelphia, Pennsylvania     Wells Fargo Center

September 18           New York, New York             Madison Square Garden

September 30           Chicago, Illinois                   United Center

October 7                 Vancouver, British Columbia  Rogers Arena

October 8                 Seattle, Washington             Climate Pledge Arena

October 11               San Francisco, California       Chase Center

October 13               Los Angeles, California          Kia Forum

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Peter Gabriel Announces 2023 North American Tour Dates

By Allison Hussey

Peter Gabriel has revealed a new string of North American dates for his I/O Tour , beginning in early September and running through mid-October. Gabriel has also shared another new song, “ Playing for Time ,” from his forthcoming album, I/O . See all of the new dates and check out “Playing for Time” below.

Gabriel has shared the new songs “ Panopticom ” and “ The Court ” in recent months without sharing any additional album details. Ahead of the North America tour, he’ll embark on his previously announced European leg , his first shows in nearly seven years. The tour stints are connected to both the new album, on which Gabriel has been working for the better part of two decades, and a celebration of Gabriel’s landmark LP So .

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Peter Gabriel:

05-18 Krakow, Poland - Tauron Arena 05-20 Verona, Italy - Verona Arena 05-21 Milan, Italy - Mediolanum Arena 05-23 Paris, France - AccorHotels Arena 05-24 Lille, France - Stade Pierre-Mauroy 05-26 Berlin, Germany - Waldbuehne 05-28 Munich, Germany - Koenigsplatz 05-30 Copenhagen, Denmark - Royal Arena 05-31 Stockholm, Sweden - Avicii Arena 06-02 Bergen, Norway - Koengen 06-05 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Ziggo Dome 06-06 Antwerp, Belgium - Sportpaleis 06-08 Zurich, Switzerland - Hallenstadion 06-10 Cologne, Germany - Lanxess Arena 06-12 Hamburg, Germany - Barclays Arena 06-13 Frankfurt, Germany - Festhalle 06-15 Bordeaux, France - Arkea Arena 06-17 Birmingham, England - Utilita Arena 06-19 London, England - The O2 06-22 Glasgow, Scotland - OVO Hydro 06-23 Manchester, England - AO Arena 06-25 Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena 09-08 Quebec City, Quebec - Videotron Centre 09-09 Ottawa, Ontario - Canadian Tire Centre 09-11 Toronto, Ontario - Scotiabank Arena 09-13 Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre 09-14 Boston, Massachusetts - TD Garden 09-16 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Wells Fargo Center 09-18 New York, New York - Madison Square Garden 09-30 Chicago, Illinois - United Center 10-07 Vancouver, British Columbia - Rogers Arena 10-08 Seattle, Washington - Climate Pledge Arena 10-11 San Francisco, California - Chase Center 10-13 Inglewood, California - Kia Forum

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By Matthew Strauss

By Jazz Monroe

By Nina Corcoran

• Peter Gabriel

Peter Gabriel Announces 2023 Tour

by Tina Benitez-Eves November 8, 2022, 11:20 am

For the first time in nearly a decade, Peter Gabriel announces an official solo trek outside of North America. The singer returns to Europe and the U.K. in 2023 for his “i/o The Tour,” which supports his forthcoming album of the same name.

Videos by American Songwriter

The tour, which kicks off on May 18, in Krakow, Poland, and concludes on June 23, in Dublin, Ireland, consists of 22 shows across U.K. and Europe.

“It’s been awhile and I am now surrounded by a whole lot of new songs and am excited to be taking them out on the road,” Gabriel said in a statement. “Look forward to seeing you out there.”

Gabriel previously teamed with Sting on the road in 2016 for the pair’s “Rock Paper Scissors” trek. He last toured solo in 2014 with the “Back to Front Tour,” which commemorated the 25th anniversary of his fifth album,  So . He released his most recent album of new, original material in 2002 with Up . In 2010, Gabriel unveiled a covers albums Scratch My Back , followed by 2011’s New Blood , a collection of orchestral re-recordings of songs spanning his career.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Peter Gabriel (@itspetergabriel)

Though a release date for  i/o  hasn’t been announced, more details of the album are forthcoming. Earlier in 2022,  Gabriel said he had a number of new songs he was “trying to get finished” and initially planned to release something by the end of 2022. In 2021, Gabriel posted a series of photos featuring himself with longtime drummer Manu Katché, guitarist David Rhodes and bassist Tony Levin, at his Real World Studios in Wiltshire, England.

Gabriel also shared that he and his band worked on 17 songs in 10 days.

“I’m excited by what is being cooked at the moment,”  said Gabriel when he first began teasing new music in 2020. “I have been slowed down quite a lot by lockdown. We’ve not been able to have Dickie [engineer Richard Chappell], but I have enough songs that I like, to make a record I’m proud of.”

Peter Gabriel 2023 i/o The Tour Dates: May 18 – Krakow, Poland @ Tuaron Arena May 20 – Verona, Italy @ Verona Arena May 21 – Milan, Italy @ Mediolanum Arena May 23 – Paris, France @ Accorhotels Arena May 24 – Lille, France @ Stade Pierre-Mauroy May 26 – Berlin, German @ Waldbuehne May 28 – Munich, Germany @ Koeingsplatz May 30 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Royal Arena May 31 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Avicii Arena June 2 – Bergen, Norway @ Koengen June 5 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Ziggo Dome June 6 – Antwerp, Belgium @ Sportpaleis June 8 – Zurich, Switzerland @ Hallenstadion June 10 – Cologne, Germany @ Lanxess Arena June 12 – Hamburg, Germany @ Barclays Arena June 13 – Frankfurt, Germany @ Festhalle June 15 – Bordeaux, France @ Arkea Arena June 17 – Birmingham, UK @ Utilitia Arena June 19 – London, UK @ 02 Arena June 22 – Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro June 23 – Manchester, UK @ AO Arena June 25 – Dublin, Ireland @ 3Arena

Photo courtesy: Real World Records

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Peter Gabriel Concert Review: Music, Story-Telling, Visuals & More

Peter Gabriel (r) with Tony Levin, on the tour’s opening night, May 18, 2023

On the rise of each month’s full moon, since January of this year, Peter Gabriel has released a song from i/o , his first album of all new songs since 2002. On October 8, 2023, at the Client Pledge Arena, his Seattle-area fans were treated to live performances of 11 of those songs. Gabriel has always challenged his audience to explore his new music but 11 new songs is a lot to ask. Turns out that it wasn’t, however, as these tunes are woven into Gabriel ’ s rich catalog of work like a warm blanket.

Hanging over the stage is a giant clock with a silhouetted crew member erasing the big hand and immediately redrawing it one minute closer to showtime. At 8:00 p.m., Gabriel, wearing a flat cap and double-breasted brocade jacket, walks onto the stage alone. Referencing the clock, he talks of time being “the big boss” that “has us all in its claws.” He jokes to the audience that maybe they are seeing an avatar of himself that happens to be 20 years older and 20 kilograms heavier than the real Peter Gabriel, who is far away soaking up the sun on some exotic beach with the body of a Greek god. It’s a good laugh before he talks through the heavy themes that will be visited during the night’s performance: the hands of time and mortality, the universe and the origins of life on earth, human connectivity to everything living and dead, the existential threat and vaunted promise of artificial intelligence.

Gabriel segues softly from cosmic ideas to music as his long-time cully, bassist Tony Levin, joins him center stage to sit around the warm glow of a campfire. They kick off the night with an earthy version of “Washing of the Water.” The other band members join them, forming an intimate campfire circle as the song builds to a rousing unplugged crescendo. Sitting among this circle of talented musicians, Gabriel respectfully introduces each. There are the guys who have been by his side on tour and on albums for 40-plus years: Levin on bass, David Rhodes on guitars, Manu Katché on drums, and Richard Evans on guitar and flute. And there are the masterful newcomers: Ayanna Witter-Johnson (cello, piano, vocals), Marina Moore (violin, viola, vocals), Don E (keyboards) and Josh Shpak (trumpet, French horn, keys, vocals). The band launches into an intimate version of “Growing Up” from, Up, before moving from the campfire to the spacious three-tiered set that allowed the audience a good view of each of the nine musicians.

Peter Gabriel (Photo: York Tillyer; used with permission)

The first of the new songs, “Panopticon,” is preceded with a talk about the potential perils of Artificial Intelligence and the aspiration that, perhaps, the technology will be used in the best ways imaginable: advanced communication, universal education, worldwide healthcare for all, and a panoptic data stream that keeps an eye out for the evildoers. “Panopticon” is classic Peter Gabriel with a lilting melody and a buoyant chorus that showcases the driving power of veteran band members Levin, Rhodes and Katché.

Pulsing with a temperate trip-hop beat, “Four Kinds of Horses” is cinematic and dreamy, accentuated by Moore on violin in a duel with Shpak on trumpet. Another talk introduces the song, “I/O,” as Gabriel further explains his belief that everything, living and dead, shares a connection. I/O, he tells us, stands for Input/Output. It’s an easy-flowing and deeply personal song as Gabriel sings, “I’ll be laid to rest in a proper place, in the roots of an old oak tree, where life can move freely in and out of me.”

The new songs continue. “Playing for Time” is an instant classic with a sumptuous melody of piano and strings. The talks continue. Gabriel explains that “Olive Tree” is a song that alludes to mind reading and informs us of an up and coming MRI technology that translates brainwaves to video via an A/I algorithm. Gabriel’s story-telling is engaging and the concert begins to feel like a mash-up of Performance Art and a Ted Talk. Another new song, “This is Home,” is a warm and loving ode to family with a Motown-ish groove.

The finale of the first half is Gabriel’s biggest hit, “Sledgehammer.” In the wake of a set of adventurous new music and scientific revelations, it’s a jolt back to 1986, when Peter Gabriel was the biggest pop star on the planet. “Sledgehammer,” ironically, replaced “Invisible Touch” by Genesis, the band  in which Gabriel established himself, as the #1 song on the B illboard Hot 100 and went on to win nine MTV Music Video Awards. That’s a record that still stands today. With the conspicuous first blast of the trumpet, the audience jumps to its feet as Gabriel dances across the stage, playfully leading the audience to sing along to every sexual double entendre.

Watch “Sledgehammer” from the Boston show in September 2023

The second half opens with the industrial grind of “Darkness.” It’s a jarring start as nothing in the first set was as aggro as this. Appearing from behind a scrim, a parade of shadowy images of Gabriel warns of a dark side: “I’m afraid I can be devil-man, and I’m scared to be divine, don’t mess with me, my fuse is short.” ˆ That mood changes quickly as Gabriel segues to “Love Can Heal,” a gorgeous soundscape of synths and strings that debuted in 2016 while Gabriel was on tour with Sting.

Gabriel shuffles back and forth across the stage singing “Road To Joy,” a song that recalls the funk rock rhythm of “Big Time,” courtesy of keyboardist Don E playing a Keytar and Levin on his emblematic Chapman Stick bass.

The magnificent cellist, pianist and singer Ayanna Witter-Johnson has her moment to shine on “Don’t Give Up.” As Gabriel sings of the despair of a fallen man, Witter-Johnson answers back with hope, love and empathy in the duet originally made famous by Kate Bush.

Three more new songs are introduced in the second set. “The Court” speaks to the abuses of the justice system as Gabriel’s impressionistic verses give way to a definitive refrain: “And the court will rise, while the pillars all fall.” Two songs that have yet to be released are “ Live and Let Live,” a nod to the principles of Nelson Mandela set to a tune of celebration, and “And Still,” an ode to Gabriel’s mother.

Watch “Live and Let Live” as performed in Toronto

With a reference to climate change, Gabriel introduces “Red Rain,” quipping, “It seems every year the weather is getting stranger.” The fan favorite finds the band at the acme of perfection with layers of trumpet, cello, violin and keyboard fills accentuating the percussive heavy track. In an acknowledgement of his contribution, Gabriel credits Katché as the “explosive engine” of the band.

Pointing to the giant clock appearing again over the stage, Gabriel poses the question and answer, “Do you know what time it is?…it’s Big Time,” offering another opportunity to revisit the dance-rock that launched Gabriel into, well, the big time.

Watch Gabriel, live in Dublin in June 2023

Gabriel closes the show with “Solsbury Hill,” his first single after leaving Genesis and, arguably, the most defining song of his career. It is a glorious slice of pop perfection that stomps along to a 7/4 time signature and blushes with jangly guitars. As he skips joyfully across the stage, one wonders if Gabriel still gets the same heart-racing feeling that he had all those years ago when he sings about the revelation that letting go of Genesis was a risk that he had to take.

Watch “Solsbury Hill” from Madison Square Garden on the I/O tour

Before leaving the stage, Gabriel, born Feb. 13, 1950, re-introduces the band for the third, or maybe fourth, time. When they return for the encores he takes a minute to acknowledge the crew as cameras catch each of them at their posts for the audience to see. Throughout the night he has also acknowledged the individual visual artists who created the films that accompany each of the new songs. This is a man who truly appreciates and respects as equals all of the talent that surrounds him.

Related: Our Album Rewind of Gabriel’s So

The first encore is “In Your Eyes.” Having some fun, Gabriel holds the mic to Levin so he can sing “in your eyes” in a very deep basso. Katché kicks in with world beat percussion while Gabriel, Levin and Rhodes do a few simple dance steps that the entire band soon joins in on. The song comes to a pique when Witter-Johnson joins Gabriel at center stage to sing the parts originally recorded by Youssou N’Dour.

The band leaves the stage again but returns to answer the audience’s call for “Biko,” the anti-apartheid anthem that established Gabriel as a human rights activist and generated a monumental impact in the apartheid resistance movement. Telling the story of Steve Biko’s death in the manner of a news reporter, Gabriel quickly has the audience singing the chorus, “Biko, Biko, Because Biko, oh Biko,” and then leads them in a chant with protest fists lifted high. “What happens now is up to you,” he says, leaving the audience to finish the song while each band member follows Gabriel off-stage, one by one, until only Katché’s tom-tom beat remains. It is a solace ending to an enlightened evening of music, story-telling, visual art and the very welcome return of Peter Gabriel.

The i/o  album and other Gabriel releases are available here .

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Related tags, peter gabriel’s first tour in seven years begins in europe next spring.

‘The i/o Tour’ — named after Gabriel’s forthcoming album of the same name — marks his first solo concert since 2014’s Back to Front Tour.

Image: Gonzales Photo / Alamy

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Former Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel has announced his first UK and European tour in nearly a decade.

• READ MORE:  Covet’s tour van stolen in Oakland mere days ahead of tour

The solo artist recently confirmed that he will be hitting the road in Europe next spring. ‘The i/o Tour’ — named after his forthcoming album of the same name — marks Gabriel’s first concert since his 2016 tour with Sting and his first solo headlining show since 2014’s Back to Front Tour.

The tour is set to kick off in Krakow, Poland on 18 May 2023, with dates in Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and the UK before wrapping in Dublin, Ireland on 25 June 2023. A North America leg of the tour will continue in the late summer/fall with dates and ticket information to follow.

According to a press release , the setlist will include new music from Gabriel’s upcoming album i/o , as well as hits and fan favourites from the artist’s extensive catalogue. Gabriel will also be joined by regular bandmates Tony Levin, David Rhodes and Manu Katché onstage.

“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,” the singer said. “Look forward to seeing you out there.

Tickets to the tour go on sale this Friday (11 November). Fans who are signed up to Gabriel’s mailing list can access the pre-sale starting today. The full list of dates is available at petergabriel.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WodnDu3K-8&feature=emb_title

Genesis, the prog-rock outfit of which Gabriel was a founding member, recently sold their publishing rights and master recordings in a $300 million deal with Concord Music.

The deal gives the company ownership of the solo career catalogue of Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, as well as the music they recorded together as a band. Music from their period with Gabriel or his solo material, however, was not part of the sale.

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• Discography
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• Back To Bass Tour 125
• Interviews 510
• Member Exclusive 44
• My Songs 219
• On Stage Together with Paul Simon 65
• Rock Paper Scissors with Peter Gabriel 27
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• Sting: 25 Years 50
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Everyone wins in Peter Gabriel and Sting's Rock Paper Scissors tour...

July 06, 2016.

The two legends were thoroughly invested in collaboration, not competition, at their joint concert Tuesday at the Bell Centre.

By titling their joint tour Rock Paper Scissors, Peter Gabriel and Sting set up the expectation of a healthy rivalry. And walking into the belly of the Bell Centre on Tuesday, the lines appeared to be drawn: a split screen depicting settings from their respective English childhoods (a village field for Gabriel, a shipyard for Sting), and colour-coded banners bearing the signatures of 14 immaculate musicians, evenly divided in number.

The singers met at the lip of the stage early on to outline the battle-of-the-bands concept (and to poke good-natured fun at Gabriel’s physique and aversion to yoga), in the first of several French scripts read by Gabriel. He would lead Équipe Rouge, Sting would lead Équipe Bleue, and their teammates’ outfits boasted the appropriate pops of colour. But by then, the real point of the night was already known: Gabriel, Sting and their musicians were thoroughly invested in collaboration, not competition.

You could tell as much by Gabriel’s opener, The Rhythm of the Heat, which featured almost the full cast on stage (with a notable absentee). The sinister fever dream’s mystery was deepened, the delirious percussive climax was heightened, and it was immediately apparent that the principals had approached this tour as a challenge, not a cash grab.

Gabriel withdrew when Sting bounded out for the sunny If I Ever Lose My Faith in You, allowing both men to enjoy strong introductions. But what appeared to be a simple one-for-you, one-for-me setup quickly became more complex and inspired. Gabriel and Sting often yielded the stage to one another, but they just as often wove themselves into each other’s songs, traded band members and generally kept everyone guessing.

The lack of clear division was reflected by the stage setup, with Blue and Red players intermingling rather than quarantined in blocks. There were familiar faces with clear allegiances: longtime Sting guitarist Dominic Miller, for example, and bassist Tony Levin, whose epic resumé is crowned by his four-decade association with Gabriel. But the band formation constantly mutated; when Sting took a breather during Gabriel’s Red Rain, his violinist Peter Tickell remained to add shades of scarlet. Even when one team mostly cleared out, their presence could often be felt: the best part of Sting’s celebratory Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic may have been the sight of Gabriel and some of his bandmates grooving well out of the spotlights.

There was as much trust as chemistry involved in Gabriel and Sting’s interactions. (A shared history may have helped foster that trust: they shared stages during Amnesty International’s concert tours in the 1980s.) Neither one was precious about his own songs. When Sting took a verse of Gabriel’s tense No Self Control, three songs in, it was a novelty; by the time Gabriel delivered a creeping mutation of his colleague’s If You Love Somebody Set Them Free - with Sting nowhere in sight - you simply wished more A-list artists were brave enough to follow their example and treat the stage as a playground.

That sense of play helped keep the nearly three-hour show clear of nostalgia - remarkable when you consider that, aside from one new Gabriel song, the most recent number dated back to 1999. Sting drew heavily from the Police’s catalogue, and dammit, if Gabriel won’t sing Genesis, he’ll do that too: an abbreviated Dancing With the Moonlit Knight was the concert’s most left-field number, buoyed by Tickell’s violin before a counterintuitive but masterful segue into Message in a Bottle.

You could hear Gabriel’s pleasure in trading lines with Sting on that one, and that sentiment dominated the night. The relish with which Sting commandeered Kiss That Frog suggested he was the one who pushed to include the funked-up Gabriel number. When he chomped down on the “which connection I should cut” verse in Solsbury Hill, Gabriel’s mystical farewell to Genesis, one could sense his own history with the Police being seized upon. Both singers found parts of themselves in the other’s music.

The mutual admiration was evident regardless of whether the spotlight was shared or whether someone was in a supporting role. The pair’s camaraderie as they comically prowled the stage in the closing Sledgehammer was priceless, but so was Gabriel’s subtle harmony in Fragile. Best of all may have been the sight of Sting gleefully dancing amid the backup singers during Gabriel’s climactic In Your Eyes, before trading exultant calls with Red vocalist Jennie Abrahamson.

The spirit of generosity was extended to band members. Gabriel walked the perimeter of the stage as Abrahamson offered a honeyed take on Kate Bush’s part in Don’t Give Up. And if this had indeed been a competition, Sting’s vocalist Jo Lawry would have come close to upstaging everyone when her wordless hurricane tore through The Hounds of Winter’s windswept blues.

Occasionally, a collaboration didn’t click, or a song came across as too insular for the occasion. Sting’s smooth vocal tamped down the raw nerves that run through Gabriel’s Shock the Monkey. Gabriel’s new song Love Can Heal was intensely moving, especially noting the dedication to slain British MP Jo Cox, but felt extracted from a solo gig. So did San Jacinto, even as Gabriel - the biggest of big dreamers - limited the brooding number’s necessary theatrics to a mirror that sent a beam of light ricocheting across the arena.

#These stood out as potential missteps only because of the unbridled enthusiasm both stars brought to each other’s music, and to the evening’s concept. Anyone in the 16,460-strong crowd expecting a rote co-headline show received so much more from what has turned out to be a daring, presumably once-in-a-lifetime tour (inspired in part, it should be noted, by Sting’s 2014-15 dates with Paul Simon).

Sting may have exaggerated when he promised a night of spontaneity: you can’t meld two outstanding bands so tightly and leave a substantial margin of error. (Witness the way the lineup subtly changed shape as Don’t Give Up led into The Hounds of Winter.) All the more remarkable, then, that the absolute joy on stage masked whatever painstaking work led up to this adventure. Regardless of whether someone came in cheering primarily for Équipe Rouge or Équipe Bleue, everybody won this game, and everybody clearly had a blast playing it.

(c) Montreal Gazette by Jordan Zivitz

Check out more reviews from the Montreal show of the tour at  http://www.sting.com/tour/montreal  where you can also leave your thoughts about the show, post your photos etc. Also remember to check and use the hashtag #RockPaperScissors on Twitter!

RECENT STORIES

In the final New York City-area appearance of their Rock Paper Scissors joint tour, Sunday in Coney Island, New York, Peter Gabriel and Sting acknowledged current events with song dedications, and thrilled fans with hits galore. During this joint tour, Gabriel and Sting perform each others’ songs, both solo and as duets, and also sing their own hits...

In a lot of ways, there were some unfair expectations on Sting and Peter Gabriel's joint "Rocks, Paper, Scissors" tour, which came Saturday night to the DCU Center in Worcester. The sold-out show promised two music icons with deep, familiar catalogs. The risk was the show becoming sort of a jukebox musical, all spectacle but soulless from decades of dull repetition. That the show met expectations was a testament to the two legendary musicians and the excellent musicians backing them. That they surpassed expectations is nothing short of remarkable...

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''Abau effect'' by Ivanov: quick trip to Tatarstan for four days and $500

On 15 March, the Tatarstan State Committee for Tourism presented a new branded route ''Tatarstan: 1001 Delights''. Within four days, tourists are promised to be shown key objects of our republic not in the usual format of a ''point-to-point bus trip'' but close communication with locals during excursions, master classes, unobtrusive class of the Tatar language and acquaintances with the history of Turkic dishes in halal establishments. Realnoe Vremya's report tells the details how the ''abau effect'' will be made for ''a bit raised price'' for Tatarstan guests.

It's called a wow effect in English, in Tatar, it's ''abau'' effect

The route ''Tatarstan: 1001 Delights'', which was presented in Marhaba halal restaurant (the visit to oligarch Ayrat Bashirov's establishment is included in the tour) will last for four days and include three cities – Kazan, Sviyazhsk and Bolgar. Groups of up to ten people are made, while a personal attaché will accompany them. In addition, the guide will also have a function of acquainting guests with the Tatar language.

Chairman of the Tatarstan State Committee for Tourism Sergey Ivanov explained the difference of the new branded tour from already existing. According to the speaker, the routes that exist now in Tatarstan focus on certain objects only (a tourist goes on a bus, he is brought to one point, then to another one and so on), while the creators of the new tour decided to go further.

The route ''Tatarstan: 1001 Delights'' will last for four days and include three cities

''Now tourism develops all over the world to get the greatest experience as a traveller. People don't want to be tourists – they want to be travellers. In other words, they want to discover something new to them, they want individualisation, they want to learn local lifestyle, live like locals, try what locals eat. The new route was precisely created in accordance with world trends,'' Ivanov explained. ''A person must go home and say: ''Yes, the Kremlin is beautiful, Bolgar is beautiful, the mosque is beautiful, but during the trip, I took a sword in my hands, put chain mail on, tried to be a medieval knight, I crossed a river by boat like 300 years ago, I knew what the traditional tea ceremony is, I knew how people eat chak-chak and so on.''

As director of the Tatarstan Tourism Development Centre Dilbar Sadykova explained, the programme is built with a visit to tourist sites and sightseeing points that are known to many people. However, the manner of presentation and dialogue will be unique: ''It's important for us that every traveller takes pleasant impressions and emotions. It's called a wow effect in English, but in Tatar, it's ''abau'' effect.

''The prices are probably higher than standard group tours to Tatarstan''

A tour price varies depending on accommodation. If you book a single bed in three-star Nogay hotel, the tour will cost 30,990 rubles (a double is 25,990). Four-star Relita for one person is 31,990 (an option for two people is cheaper again – 26,990 rubles). Five-star Mirazh with accommodation for one person will be 40,990 rubles (the option for two is 32,990). Sergey Ivanov fairly notes: ''The prices are probably higher than standard group tours to Tatarstan. But our task is not to compete with standard products.''

Dilbar Sadykov also commented on the tour's price by announcing the data on how much tourists spent while staying in Tatarstan: ''Men, by the way, spend about 26,000 rubles, while women – a bit less – 23,000 rubles. There is a question: ''Is it because they travel with men or alone?'' Sergey Ivanov replied with a joke: ''Men pay in Tatarstan.''

Dilbar Sadykova explained lasting trips were a difficulty for many travellers

For the mentioned sums, guests will have the following programme: on the first day, tourists will acquaint with the history of Tatar cuisine in a halal restaurant in which they will be treated to not only chorba, manty and other dishes but also told their history and revealed secrets of ancient recipes. We need to note that alcohol is strictly prohibited in the establishment (different teas are the main option), also there is a room for prayer. Then the guests go on tour to the Kazan Kremlin where they will meet Tatar Queen Syuyumbike who will tell them about the Kremlin's secrets. Then there will be a walk by cycle rickshaw on the embankment, a visit to the big wheel and, finally, a tea ceremony where the guests will acquaint with Tatar traditions through interaction and a costumed show.

The second day is dedicated to the trip to Sviyazhsk where the locals will tell the tourists the island's legends. The guests will also taste Russia cuisine, horse yard and Sviyazhsk workshops. The third day is optional – a trip to Bolgar or ''soaking'' in a spa complex. As Dilbar Sadykova explained, such a decision was made because lasting trips are a difficulty for many travellers: ''In general, the route is oriented to the audience from 25 to 35 years. But one can have a rest in the spa complex for body and soul on the third day and then visit Urban Panorama complex and exhibitions of the office of the State Hermitage on the third day, so it will suit all.''

The last day is dedicated to Tatarstan pleasures: guests will go on an excursion to the Old Tatar Settlement accompanied by Grandma and Grandpa who will also acquaint the guests with the Tatar language, songs and cuisine. The travellers will also go for a walk on the Kaban embankment, know the 18 th- century architecture. And degustation of Tatarstan liquors in Arysh Maye museum shop is the final point.''

According to the chairman of the Tatarstan State Committee for Tourism, the route was created together with the local community of tour operators

''If we successfully work this year, we plan to present it in the international market''

According to the chairman of the Tatarstan State Committee for Tourism, the route was created together with the local community of tour operators: ''Now five tourism companies fulfil it (Kazan Travel Bureau, Travel&Work, Persona Grata, Sputnik-Hermes-Kazan and Kazan Tourism and Information Centre). We offered all companies, five tour operators replied, and we started to work. We hope there will be a certain number of tourists by the first date of the tour, and then we will gain speed.''

''This year we plan to present our route in the Russian market. It's clear it's not a mass product. But we want it to become a brand,'' said Ivanov. ''The number of visits next year can be bigger, the number of groups can also increase. If we successfully work this year, we plan to present it to the international market. There will be probably small changes because foreign tourists are different from ours, domestic ones.''

Dilbar Sadykova notes that after Tatarstan accepts the first group of tourists on the new route, some corrections can be made, and even new places can appear.

''Of course, we want to show all places in Tatarstan: Chistopol, Yelabuga, Tetyushi and so on. Somebody is interested, for instance, in oil extraction in Almetyevsk. But the tour's task is to show key places for four days. There already was a project of the tour that had more points. But analysis showed that such an option doesn't completely suit for a holiday in a normal regime. I think after hosting the first group, there will be some amendments. There is also an idea to launch branded routes and visit other places,'' Sadykova concluded.

• Maksim Platonov

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Realnoe Vremya is an online newspaper, providing business news and sectoral analytics, up-to-date information about the development of economy and technology in Tatarstan, Russia and the whole world. Every day Realnoe Vremya’s Editorial board prepares materials and interviews with the leaders of different sectors and markets on the most relevant topics.

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Visiting Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan in Russia

Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan and the 6th largest city of Russia . It officially bears the title of the “Third Capital of Russia” due to its rich cultural and historical heritage. It also serves as the Capital of Tatarstan. Furthermore, this beautiful city is on the banks of the Volga River and Kazanka River. It is noted for its centuries-old religious tolerance. So, the Cathedral of all Religions is a true example of its religious harmony. Nearly half of its residents are ethnic Tatars. So a visit allows you to experience the unique foods and traditions of Tatar culture.

How to Get To Kazan Russia

Kazan is located about 800 km east of Moscow and easily accessible by train. Although, we reached there from Novosibirsk and after visiting it went to Moscow. While Vosstanie-Passazhirskaya is the name of the train station that mainly serves Kazan city. Whereas you can book your train ticket from the Russian Railway Website .

Kazan has one international airport that operates several domestic as well as a few international flights. The airport is about 25km from the city center. Further, you can reach the city center by bus, Train or Taxi.

To go to Kazan in your own car is another way. From Moscow, you can follow the M7 route to reach Kazan in around 12 hours. Whereas from Perm, you can follow the E22 route to reach Kazan.

How to Get Around Kazan Russia

The transportation system of Kazan city composes of trains, buses, trolleybuses, and taxis. The fare of one ride is 25 Rubles.

• Most of the attractions of Kazan city can be visited on foot. Especially you can visit the most of city attreactions at the area from Kazan Kremlin to Millenium Park via Bauman street .
• Kazan subway is a more convenient way to getaround the city of Kazan into Russia. It is listed among Guinness World Records as the shortest metro system in the world. Kazan Subway has 5 stations and one can get from one end to another for 10 minutes.
• Lat but not the least, Taxis in Kazan are also affordable. Therefore, you can call a taxi by using Yandex Taxi App.

Where to Stay in KAzan Russia

You can book a dormitory bed in the city center Hostel for under $10. You can find a good hostel from a large number of hostels around Bauman Street. I have booked with People Hostel for my short stay in Kazan. Besides, it was very near to Kazan Kremlin.

Initially, we had a plan to visit Kazan as a day trip while going from Novosibirsk to Moscow on our long Trans Siberian Train Route. However, due to a change in our plan, we have to cancel our next ride to Moscow and consequently opt for air travel from Kazan. So, we decided to take a little rest while our stay in Kazan.

Places to see in KAzan Russia

I regretted that I have only one day for this fairytale city. Due to some unforeseen reasons, I have to shorter my original plan. So, I have left Kazan City in such a way that seems I never came to this city. This city has abundant sights with a rich historical background that it can offer to its tourists. I spent my day while walking from one point to another. So, I decided to start my day at Kazan Kremlin.

Kazan Kremlin

I left my luggage at my hostel and came out for my day’s tour to Kazan City. I followed the Bulak Cannel and took my way toward Kazan Kremlin. After a few minute’s walk, I passed beside the Pyramid Cheops hotel(Piramida Kheopsa). It was a beautiful Hotel with Egyptian themes. Finally, I crossed Levo Buachava Street and entered Kremlin Park. If you go slightly further toward Kazanka River then you can reach Kazan Circus.

Entrance to Kazan Kremlin

The entrance to Kremlin park is exotic. You can enter the park after passing through a three-step Heart lane. Here you can get a beautiful photo of the Kul Sharif Mosque from a unique angle. Here a large row of steps leads me to the Gigantic wall of the Kazan Kremlin. Now Starting from Preobrazhenskaya Tower, I passed to another unnamed tower and finally reached Taynitskaya tower. Not to mention there were a couple of Viewing platforms to watch the left side Panorama views of the city. Taynitskaya is one of the two entry points to Kazan Kremlin. Also, the Spasskaya Tower on the Southern side is the other point of entrance.

Entry Fee to Kazan Kremlin

Entry to Kazan Kremlin is free. However, you have to take an entrance ticket to one of the many inside museums. The ticket range is 150 to 300 Rubles for different Museums. However, you can take a day ticket for 700 Rubles and enjoy your day while visiting these museums. The list of inside museums is quite high. Although, some of them include

• History Museum of  the state of Tatarstan
• Museum of The courtyard of the CAnyons
• Hermitage Kazan Center And Museum of Natural History of Tatarstan
• Manzeh Exhibition Hall
• Museum of Islamic Culture in Kul Sharif Mosque
• Histry Museum of Annunciation Cathedral

Kazan Kremlin from my Eyes

When I entered the Kremlin the first look of the Uphigh view was splendid. I was the three different shapes of building in my first view. That was Suvumbike Tower like a conical one, The palace Church resembles with a layer of rectangles and Presidency Palace. All these points were on my left side. On my right side were the Museum of the courtyard of canyons and Kazan Hermitage compounds.

Just after this view, the Cathedral of Annunciation popped up from the left and the Kul Sharif mosque from my right. These two buildings that were popping up from two different sides made a spellbound effect on me. The color combination and architecture were just fantastic. After then I went through the small garden that has the attraction of Monument to Kazan Kremlin Builders.

After visiting the Kremlin, I spent a little time on the eastern observation deck. From this deck, you can spot a large number of Kazan attractions beyond the Kazanka River. At the far end, you can spot the Kazan Arena, Farmers’ palace, Kazan Cathedral, and a few more.

Farmers’ Palace and Park

After spending a couple of Quality time, I head forward to Farmers’ Palace. I came out from Voskresenskaya tower which is at the east/North end of Kazan Kremlin. I have to come back along the outward of Kremlin. Here I have crossed the road and entered into the Farmers’ Palace and Park.

This Palace is a building that serves as the Ministry of agriculture and the food Republic of Tatarstan Russia. Although it is state-building even then It is a must-see place in Kazan. You can definitely admire the entrance that reflects the objective of the building and office. After its construction in 2008, this building has quickly become one of the city’s most famous modern landmarks. 

Cathedrals of Kazan City

Now I took the Southern route and my next stop was a couple of Blue and White cathedrals. The first one was the Church of the Great Martyr that was just beside the Farmers’ palace. You have to take a left turn while going back to Kazan Kremlin Road. It is a stone church that is related to Saint Paraskeva. It is an old church that was restored and partly rebuilt in 1904.

The second one The Kazan Cathedral was even more majestic. It is as beautiful but less rated than the Kazan Cathedral of St Petersburg.

Chernoye Ozero, The Black LAke

Here I took a route to Bauman Street. On the way, I made a small detour and reached Chernoye Ozero. Chernoye means black and Ozero means lake. So, this small artificial lake is called Black Lake. There is a garden in the eastern part of this park. Its main entrance is known as the famous and romantic “lovers arch”.  The park often hosts festivals and concerts here. It is also commonplace for locals to walk on the outer jogging path. You can also sit on one of the benches and read a book or just relax.

Peter and Paul Cathedral Kazan

This golden yellow cathedral painted with turquoise mosaics was a true gem in the heart of the city. We have also visited a cathedral with the same name in St Petersburg beside the Neva River. Although, its counterpart in St Petersburg is a part of the fortress. However, this one is an active prayer place and its bright colors are a feast for our eyes. Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox church that was built in 1722.  It was partly reconstructed in 1824-1825. While a more large-scale reconstruction took place in 1888-1890. As it was very near to Bauman Street that was my next and last stop, so, I couldn’t visit it from inside.

BAuman Street KAzan

The main pedestrian street of Kazan starts From the Kremlin and ends at the “Ploshchad Tukaya. It is a pleasant walk of about 2km. . As Kazan’s busiest pedestrian street where you’ll find the highest concentration of restaurants, cafes, monuments, and souvenir shops in the city. After visiting Peter and Paul Cathedral, I came to this historical street. You can see many fun performers in the afternoon till night. Many other prominent sub streets also make their way from BaumanStreet. One of which, the Musa Jalil street is also a famous one among foreigners. It is the best place for lodging in Kazan too. After visiting this street, I decided to go to my Hostel.

What we missed in Kazan Russia

The first and foremost thing is that we believe we missed the whole of Kazan. This city is not for one-dayers. At least it needs three days that include a full day of Kazan Kremlin. It was a shame if we couldn’t visit the Cathedral of all religions. Besides a full day to visit Sviyazhsk is also recommended. Sviyazhsk is a beautiful island about 65km from the city center and one can reach it in one hour. Last but not the least, the Museum of Socialist life is another top attraction to see Kazan History.

Hey, This is Rashid and I am here to share my Wide Angle Dreams with you, with the aim to provide you a Wide Angle to catch your bucket list dreams of travelling and trekking. If you love to travel but feel that you are bound in tough daily routines and find very little time to catch your travelling dreams, then you are at a right place.

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Top 12 Things to Do in Kazan, Russia

Russia's most impressive Kremlin isn't in Moscow

Kazan is not one of Russia 's most famous tourist cities, which makes sense when you consider that it's not in Russia —at least not completely. Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, which sits within Russia 's official borders, but whose government operates autonomously in many capacities, due to the large populations of ethnic Tatars who live within its borders.

A trip to Kazan, to be sure, is like no other experience in Russia, thanks to the city's millennium of history, the diverse population (and the fact that it manages to live mostly in peace) and a standard of modernity you might not expect outside  Moscow or St. Petersburg .

Tour Russia's Most Unique Kremlin

One thing many travelers don't realize, if they've never visited Russia, is that there is no such thing as "The" Kremlin, though the one in  Moscow  usually gets the most attention.

Every Russian city of a certain size has a Kremlin (which means "citadel" in Russian), and they all feature a combination of government, religious and military buildings inside a wall, often over a body of water (the Volga River, in Kazan's case).

The Kazan Kremlin has a decidedly Islamic character, owing to the city's large Muslim population and the mosque that exists within the citadel.

Visit the Temple of All Religions

Kazan has long gained accolades not only from within Russia but from all around the world, for the fact the Christians and Muslims have lived together here in peace for nearly a millennium.

Although it's easy to see this harmony lived out among locals, one site that pays homage to co-existence is the aptly-named Temple of All Religions.

This sacred site, which features multiple architectural styles in order to achieve its aim, sits just outside Kazan's city center.

Experience the World's Religions Individually

Of course, you're welcome to appreciate Kazan's religious eclecticism in a more piecemeal fashion, if that suits you.

Within the aforementioned Kazan Kremlin, for example, you'll find the blue-domed Kul Sharif Mosque, as well as the Annunciation Cathedral, which represents Russian Orthodox Christianity.

Religious sites are abundant outside the Kremlin as well, from Märcani Mosque to St. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.

Relax in a Variety of Green Spaces

Kazan is well-known within Russia for the quality of life its citizens enjoy, and a big part of this is the wide variety of green spaces in the city. The most popular of these is Millennium Park, built to commemorate the city's 1,000th birthday in 2005. Other Kazan Parks include the Central Park of Culture and Park Imeni.

Cool Off at an Exciting Water Park

Kazan is also home to a park of another sort, in the form of Riviera Aquapark. This park comes in handy too, since Kazan is much hotter than other cities in Russia, with summer temperatures that regularly rise into the '80s and '90s. A trip to Riviera Aquapark is a particularly good choice if you won't have the time to explore the lakes you find in Tatarstan outside Kazan.

Go Back in Time to the Soviet Union

Though Kazan was never a purely Russian city, it was nonetheless under the control of the Soviet Union during the country's entire existence. A stop at the quirky Soviet Lifestyle Museum is not so much a lesson in Soviet history (though there is plenty of artwork and other propaganda in case that's your thing), but a compelling comparison of how things were under the USSR government vs today's largely autonomous regime.

Shop for Local Tatar Handicrafts

Like Moscow , Kazan is home to its own GUM department store, as well as a number of other "big box" retailers that would have Stalin rolling over in his grave. Heading to the more traditional Koltso shopping area, meanwhile, allows you to browse local Tatar handicrafts, including Tubeteika hats that are a common sight throughout Central Asia.

Check out a Variety of Festivals and Other Cultural Events

Kazan, like many other Russian cities, features a variety of festivals and other cultural events throughout the year, many of which are international and cosmopolitan in their scope. Music festivals devoted to opera and jazz roll through the city in February and August, respectively, while a high-profile festival dedicated to Muslim cinema from around the world returns every September.

Discover Local Tatar Culture

Of course, a trip to Kazan presents plenty of opportunities to experience and celebrate local Tatar Culture, whether that entails shopping for clothing items as above, sampling Tatar cuisine as below, or participating in the Karavan Festival in May, which takes places not only in Kazan but throughout the Republic. If you're interested in Tatar Culture, this might be the best time of year to visit Tatarstan!

Enjoy the Tasty Tatar Cuisine

Tatar food is a bit more evergreen than conspicuous displays of traditional culture, though some items seem more appropriate in warm or cold weather than others.

Ukha  fish soup, for example, is a more welcome choice to slurp down during the frigid winter months, while chak-chak doughnuts are more palatable when the temperature rises into the 80s and 90s. 

Ride a Riverboat During the Summer

Speaking of the warmer months, it is during this period exclusively (May to October, give or take) when boats travel on the Volga River that runs through Kazan.

While some companies do exist for the purpose of taking tourists on pleasure rides along the river, you should keep in mind that many of these boats are essentially water buses.

While this means they're affordable, they can also be quite crowded, making for an authentic experience, but a less than idyllic one.

Get Out of Town

Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, but it's not all there is to the Republic. You could take a day trip to Raifa Monastery, which sits on the shores of a lake whose chilly waters are perfect for a dip during the summer.

The town of Bolgar is a little farther (if you do visit on a day trip, it'll be a very long day), but has been important throughout Russian history, and is currently a pilgrimage site for Muslims.

Finally, Christopol feels more like the rest of Russia, with a 1700s aesthetic that may have you feeling like you're in the time of Catherine the Great—or closer to Helsinki than to Istanbul, as it were.

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