Gabriel gets into some strange positions during the show

The former Genesis singer has already toured round Europe and will do a number of dates in the US and Canada after playing Birmingham and London this week.

"It was the lone figure of Peter Gabriel entering the stage that really brought the house alive, and the next two and a half hours showed the reason why," said Jackie Bailey, who saw the Manchester show.

But what do you think?

This debate is now closed. Please see below for a selection of your comments.

Having been to the final German concert in Cogne yesterday I have to say: mindblowing performance. I've seen him several times So Tour, US Tour, always a different show but it is always ... mindblowing! Please, Mr. Gabriel, do it like on the US Tour... Take a (short) time out and then hit the road again! Mr. Gabriel is one of the few in the music business that is a real artist in the pure meaning of the word!
Lucky, Germany

I waited 17 long years to see him perform live. It was worth it.
Kim Forrester, England

UNREAL! Don't take ten years again though, please Peter.
Mark Poole, Liverpool

I attended the Wembley show on Thursday and all I can say is... stunning. An absolutely great show with great performers. Peter Gabriel has lost nothing of the magic he had in the earlier days. It was worth every Euro I converted into pounds!
Manuela Thiel, Germany

In a word - fantastic! Peter's voice is as strong as ever and he is a generous performer both to the audience and to those he works with Pauline Rowe, England

This was quite simply the most imaginative arena show I've ever seen. Gabriel and his band are exceptionally strong musically and the extraordinary visuals were just icing on the cake - but what a show! From the stark minimalism of Here Comes The Flood and Father, Son (just PG at the piano), through the relatively straight performances of Red Rain, Digging In The Dirt and Secret World, to the geunine rock theatre of Downside-Up (with PG and daughter Melanie walking upside down while still singing) and Growing Up (Peter inside a huge hamster ball), this was five-star magic. And I've not even mentioned the bike, the balloon or the boat! Let's hope it's not too long until the NEXT tour!
Sean Hewitt, England

PG last night at Wembley - normally an awful venue, but last night transformed with the very best in sound and technical wizardry. A fablous show with humour, emotion, and a great track listing of memorable tunes, highlights were Here Comes the Flood and Solsbury Hill, and dig that crazy jacket for Sledgehammer!!
Lovejoy, Sussex

Like many others, we were in high anticipation to see PG at Wembley (21/05). The long wait was worth it. From the two support acts (both of which were personally introduced by PG - a nice touch) to the main event, the whole show was professionally staged, wonderfully lit, and had a fantastic, very loud sound.

Most welcomed were PG's intros to each song, the great support from the rest of the band (and the "orange people") and the choice of songs played.

Only disappointment was that some of my/our favourite songs were not played. But with such a wide and diverse catalogue of material, there's always going to be some great songs left off the playlist - maybe PG can extend the show to 3� hours next time...!

Best gig in ages sums it up...! Thanks Peter and crew - see you next time?
Timbo + Jude-O, UK

The two best concerts I've been to was PG on the SO tour and last night at Wembley. Stunning show that really stirs the emotions. T
Jim Jupp, England

In a word - fantastic! Peter's voice is as strong as ever and he is a generous performer both to the audience and to those he works with. The show was filled with an array of innovative and impressive props and special effects which never distracted but enhanced the quality of the fabulous music. One to remember.
Pauline Rowe, England

I went to see the show at Birmingham NEC and I can only say it was amazing. If it hadn't been for work commitments I would have immediately purchased tickets for his two Wembley dates.

I can only hope it is not so long until his next tour, and that he plays a few more UK dates.
Angela Giesens, uk

What a show! I have visions of his first meetings with stage designers and producers, I can just imagine the raised eyebrows and worried looks when PG tells them he wants to walk upside down or perform in a hamster ball. I remember seeing a quote from him that he was too scared to take drugs in the 70s because he finds his ideas and thoughts scary enough as it is, after Monday's show at the NEC, and every tour since 1983 I can relate to that!

The man is a musical, artistic and visual genius. Pity about the ten year wait between tours! A gripe - �15 for a programme is serious rip-off teritory! I didnt see many being sold.
Ian Kidd, Cirencester, England

After a 10 year gap, this was a brilliant comeback. As usual a stunning concert of songs and showmanship. After all, who else would bounce around a stage in a 20ft inflatable ball! Well done Peter...more please!
Phil Crow, England

I've been a fan of Genesis and Peter since 1970, and saw the MEN show on the 18th. It's hard to find the right adjectives to get close to the man's awesome creative genius. WOW!
Peter Vann, UK

Peter mentioned spine tingling moments during the Manchester gig.... I can honestly say that I had at least one of those moments during each and every song on Sunday night. Never has a gig had such an effect on me or moved me so much! I just kept grinning like the Cheshire Cat at every amazing moment.... I hope it's not another 10 years until he tours again or that this isn't his last tour, as I'd gladly go to the ends of the earth to witness again what I witnessed on Sunday night in Manchester.
Michael Charlton, Newcastle upon Tyne, England

My 9-year-old daughter saw the show with us last night in Birmingham and was blown away by the whole experience. We missed the last tour 9 years ago (she was due the week of the show) and were determined not to miss this one. Please not another 9 years wait!!
Andrew Nicholson, Wales

This was my first experience of seeing and hearing Peter Gabriel live in concert, NEC Arena Birmingham. I can honestly say that I was exceptionally impressed, the whole performance was outstanding and spectacular. He is a truly amazing genius.
Ginnie Arnone-Youlton, England

The Manchester gig proved what a great showman PG is. The mix of old and new music is fine and dandy but the visual tricks and treats set him apart.
Stewart Smith-Langridge, UK

I was so happy to have the opportunity to see him live. I honestly didn't think he'd release another album, let alone tour. I wasn't terribly impressed with the concert effects, but he is the most gifted artist around, and the effects are hardly the point. I do wish he'd play smaller venues though.
J Wile, Canada

I was extremely lucky to have front row seats at the Manchester concert - barely six feet from the stage. Having seen Peter perform before I was expecting fantastic staging coupled with an immaculate performance - and was not disappointed. What I didnt' expect to see was the fun, enjoyment and playfulness from the stage and the infectiousness of it on the audience. Highlights for me included Peter zorbing around the stage, him and Melanie singing Downside Up upside down, and the thoughtful and beautiful opening and closing numbers Here Comes The Flood and Father and Son. I'm just sorry I didn't buy tickets for Birmingham and London as well.
Hydebear, Manchester UK

This was an amazing show. From four rows away I felt totally involved - David Rhodes grinned his way through the whole show and so did the audience. Musical theatre at its best, and the voice is still the greatest!
Alan Parkinson, UK

I thought it was fantastic. Generally I go to a lot of smaller gigs and see much newer acts... but of the 'older' generation, Peter Gabriel is one of the few who is still bothered to make an effort rather than sleepwalking through a 'greatest hits' set with anonymous session musicians. The tickets were expensive but it quickly became obvious where the money had gone. Gig of the year so far for me.
Damian Tichborne, England

There are not enough superlatives to describe the show at the NEC last night. The music was a perfect mix of old and new, and the musicians were fantastic. Peter never hit a note wrong, despite the strange positions he got himself into to sing.

Anyone who can get to London, and can get a ticket - go go go!! Just one major turn-off - the price of the merchandise. C'mon promoters - after paying nigh on 40 quid for a ticket, you don't want to have to take out a loan to buy a programme or a baseball cap.
Kate, England

I've seen a lot of concerts by a lot of artists. Quite simply this was the best concert I've seen. Every concert I see from now will probably seem like an anti-climax.
Dave, England

I've seen Peter Gabriel play live twice. The first time was after the release of So and it was a great rock concert. But the second time (earlier this year in Toronto) it was more than a rock concert... it was real show. I was really impressed at what he accomplished as a performer... he used a lot of technology but never let it take precedence over the music. Highly recommended!
Philip Kahn, Canada

Is Peter Gabriel still impressive live? Of course he is. What can I say except WOW! Peter was on stage for two and a half hours and he held the audience in the palm of his hands the whole time. He sang Downside Up suspended upside down, after telling us "I have to do some growing up", he rolled round the stage in a large transparent ball to, you've guessed it Growing Up. This wasn't a concert, this was a production in the fullest terms and all I can say is, please don't leave it another 10 years Peter, after Sunday 18th May we are hungry for more asap. What a star and hats off to the team which this time round included his daughter Melanie. EXCELLENT!
Lyn Elston, England

I saw the current tour in Washington DC last November last year. I was not disappointed! Even though he is in his fifties I think he is as impressive as ever, but for sheer spectacle I think the Secret World Live tour that I saw in Paris in 93 had the edge over this one. Two memorable moments for me in the 80s was him diving into and then being carried around by the audience at the Liverpool Empire in September 1983 and wearing the flower mask when playing the reunion gig with Genesis in 82.
David Humphreys, USA

Despite being a fan for the past 17 years, this is the first time I've seen him live, and I'm kind of regretting missing out on all the past tours, if they were as good as this Tracy Yarwood, UK

Staged in the round, this concert provided more innovative theatrics than has been seen at concerts for many a year. The highlight for many would have been the sight of Gabriel inside a clear inflatable ball, reminiscent of a huge hamster ball, which he took on a tour of the stage whilst still singing the number Growing Up. This was, however, just one highlight in a triumphant return to the concert stage after a 10 year absence.

Musically the band were tight and totally in tune with one another following tours of the USA in 2002 and Europe in recent weeks. A mixture of songs, both old and new gave fans a well balanced and powerful set which, through the imaginative way in which each number was presented, will give concert goers happy memories for many years to come. If you can't get to see one of the remaining shows in the UK then make a point of getting the DVD that is bound to be released in coming months. Is he still impressive? You bet he is!
Neil, UK

A stellar show.....theatrical and mesmerising stage with wonderful lead band; the Blind Boys from Alabama. Incredible, worth every cent.
Brenda , USA

Opened up with an awesome version of Here Comes the Flood. Superb gig, amazing stage show.
Lynne Webster, England

He doesn't have the same energy anymore, doesn't run much anymore, but he is still a great showman. Many ideas in this show, and his voice is still amazing!
Tof, Belgium

My wife and I were at the Manchester show last night. To quote Barry Williams, "What a show". An emotional ride. Can't wait for the DVD.
L Coverdale, UK

Absolutely brilliant! You get your money's worth from Peter Gabriel. Two and a half hours of superb music and visual entertainment. Great to see a father and daughter on stage together - I suppose it brings it home just how the years have passed! Despite being a fan for the past 17 years, this is the first time I've seen him live, and I'm kind of regretting missing out on all the past tours, if they were as good as this.
Tracy Yarwood, UK

My husband Peter and I have followed Peter Gabriel's career since Genesis. My husband first took me to see PG in 1982 (Newcastle City Hall) and from then-on I have been as hooked as he is. This concert was every bit as dynamic as those we have seen in the past, and believe me, we have seen them all! This has been a long awaited tour which was well worth the wait.

PG never ceases to amaze with action, lyrics, music content and not forgetting visual effects. We have found his music takes us out of our humdrum lives and into a world of unforetold feelings. We hope it will not be 10 years before the next one. (Although that is a very selfish thought as he has many other interests). Normally we visit two venues for each tour but this time it was not possible.
A Bland, England

Every other time I've seen this craftsman in concert he has produced a show that makes you laugh, cry and just feel privileged to be in his company. Sunday's show did all that, again Robin Fanner, UK

I absolutely love Genesis, and the Manchester show was awesome. Peter's my all time hero, it's a dream come true that I saw him. All my friends were really jealous.
Plucky Swede, Cambridge

10 years on and Peter is still an immense live performer; his show last night was brilliant. The themes created by both the stunning visuals and superb music leaves the rest of the musical world far behind. The show was an all round enthralling experience. Thanks Pete.
Jim Vennard, Scotland

Amazing concert last night! PG played in the round with the set changing after every song. Visually stunning, with good use of video (the two screens showed reverse images of each other, which took a bit of getting used to!) and props. During one song he and Maria were suspended upside down running round an inverted track - has to be seen to be believed! Sledgehammer was a great crowdpleaser and PG, with his suit of lights, allowed the fans to get close to the stage which was nice.

Kudos to "the orange people" who made the show happen! The only minor quibble I had is that they didn't play the anthemic Biko, but you can't have everything.
Rob Williams, UK

I was at Manchester on Sunday and witnessed a spectacle that was simply superb in all respects. From the raw emotion of Here Comes the Flood with just PG's voice and piano to the shameless fun and happiness of In Your Eyes he and the skilled musicians around him did not disappoint. Every other time I've seen this craftsman in concert he has produced a show that makes you laugh, cry and just feel privileged to be in his company. Sunday's show did all that, again. A masterly performance that should go down as one of rock's greatest concerts.
Robin Fanner, UK

Fantastic - the best live show this year. Bouncing up and down in a zorb while singing on a circular rotating stage - need I say more?! Gabriel is back in fine form with a stage show to match.
Paul Doocey, UK

Thought that PG was brilliant. Having travelled from the Glasgow area and this being the 5th time I have seen him live since 1977 his 5 star performance made the journey worthwhile. The stage show and arrangements were fantastic and I was surprised and delighted that he mixed old and new songs so well. Shame that he is missing Scotland out this time.
John White, Scotland

Although Gabriel performed brilliantly as usual, intimacy was totally lost in the Manchester Evening News Arena, which is, in my view, unsuitable for music events Jazzer, England

I've seen PG in both Boston and Montreal on the Up tour...and at Glastonbury in 1994. He still has the energy and charm that he had 8 years ago!
Jane, USA

An absolute genius and one of the only true performers around. From the most imaginative set stage, designed by Robert Le Page came a superb live performance from Gabriel and his crew. Excellent live versions of new and old songs - proving that he is without doubt one of the all time greats.
Alex Waterworth, UK

Although Gabriel performed brilliantly as usual, intimacy was totally lost in the Manchester Evening News Arena, which is, in my view, unsuitable for music events. When one finds oneself looking at a screen to see properly what one has paid �40 to see, questions must be asked. In fact, it could have been just about anybody down there on that stage. I feel completely cheated - so come on, Peter! Pay some attention to smaller venues!
Jazzer, England

I went to PG's show in the US in December, and all I can say is that Gabriel's still got it! The show was well worth the high ticket of US$150 per person. Not only is Gabriel's music still making the grade, but his shows still pack the trademark Gabriel punch!
Kacey B., USA

The show was simply stunning. The sound was perfect and the visuals were typically innovative. Peter has lost none of his talent for engaging the audience, even though the material demands more than cursory attention.

In this age of plastic, manufactured, faceless pap acts, it's comforting that a truly talented 52-year-old can put on an emotional, high energy piece of rock theatre to shame today's so-called stars.
Andrew Piercy, Manchester

This is a show that demands to be seen by anyone sick and tired of the manufactured music that clogs up the charts Neil, UK

Was at the Manchester concert last night. The staging and visuals are incredible, the band are excellent. If you get a chance to see this show, grab it, and don't miss The Blind Boys of Alabama supporting as well.
Mark Kennedy, United Kingdom

The man is a genius, a shining star in the sea of pap pop - at 53 he can outdo them in every way: singing, songwriting, performance ideas and so on. It's just a shame he takes so long between albums and tours!
Nina B, UK

Phenomenal, can't wait until the London shows. Whether he's bouncing around in a giant hamster ball, or walking upside down on the ceiling, Peter Gabriel has lost none of his inventive stage presence, bur all of this is underscored by wonderful, emotional songs.
Ben Christie, UK

What makes Peter Gabriel so impressive as a live performer is his ability to do something different. The Growing Up show in Manchester clearly demonstrated that he has lost none of his importance as a thinking rock artist. From the opening solo number, through numerous classics and new numbers, Peter and the band held the audience enthralled for the entire 150 minute show.

There were many highlights including a superb version of Secret World, the satire of The Barry Williams Show, the Melancholy of Mercy Street, the joyfulnous of Solsbury Hill and the sheer fun of Sledgehammer.

The theatrical highlight of the evening for many must have been the use of the human equivalent of a hamster ball during 'Growing Up' that saw Gabriel rolling around the stage and playfully bouncing the ball at appropriate moments. This is a show that demands to be seen by anyone sick and tired of the manufactured music that clogs up the charts. You don't get costume changes and dance routines as t! he raison d'etre for the show but you do get imaginative staging, superb playing and one of the clearest PA's I've heard in many a while. The 'In the Round' setting ensures that wherever you are in the auditorium you are guaranteed a superb view. Don't miss this show.
Neil, UK

I thought Peter was spectacular. Living in a small country village I am fed up with huge commercial groups who don't care about the music. Peter clearly does and he is welcome to come and play in the fields near me anytime.
Edwin Lane, Wales

Excellent...I saw the Paris show which proved that he is still one of the most innovative and exciting performers with a superb voice. Let's hope there's no long wait for the next album!
Jatinder, UK

A breathtaking performance from the consummate master. A brilliant blend of music, theatrics and technology.
Phil Walton, England

Waited 10 years to see him for the first time live, and was totally aweseome. Peter made a joke of people arriving late and missed Sevara Nazarkhan. He was 100% correct, an un-believable voice form the Real World collection.
Lee Taylor, UK