"Live and Let Live"
Single by Peter Gabriel
from the album I/O
Released27 November 2023
GenreProgressive pop[1]
Length
  • 6:46 (bright-side mix)
  • 7:11 (dark-side and in-side mixes)
Label
Songwriter(s)Peter Gabriel
Producer(s)Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel singles chronology
"And Still"
(2023)
"Live and Let Live"
(2023)

"Live and Let Live" is a song by English musician Peter Gabriel, first released on 27 November 2023 as the final single released in promotion of his tenth studio album I/O,[2] four days before the record's release. It is the final track on the record; the dark-side and in-side mixes of the track are also extended by an additional 25 seconds. The artwork for the single was designed by Nick Cave with his piece "Soundsuit".[3]

Background

According to Gabriel, the song is about forgiveness, tolerance, and optimism. The track was described by Gabriel as "a joyous, rousingly-positive, closing note for the album".[3] Elaborating on this, Gabriel stated:

"If we look at what's happening in the Middle East now or in Ukraine, all sorts of places around the world where there's still violence and brutality, to walk around with a bunch of flowers, preaching forgiveness seems trite and pathetic, maybe. But in the long run, I think people have to find a way. 'Peace only happens when you respect the rights of others' is a quote from the Peace University in Costa Rica and I think that's a really important message for me and for my life. You either belong to that hurt or you free yourself and forgiveness is clearly a super effective way of freeing yourself."[3][4]

The track has also been described as a powerful anthem about love and forgiveness, Gabriel has also stated that when writing the track he had Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu in mind.[5]

Personnel

Orchestra

  • Orchestral arrangement: John Metcalfe and Peter Gabriel
  • Violins: Everton Nelson, Ian Humphries, Louisa Fuller, Charles Mutter, Cathy Thompson, Natalia Bonner, Richard George, Marianne Haynes, Martin Burgess, Clare Hayes, Debbie Widdup, and Odile Ollagnon
  • Violas: Bruce White, Fiona Bonds, Peter Lale, and Rachel Roberts
  • Cellos: Ian Burdge (including solo cello), Chris Worsey, Caroline Dale, William Schofield, Tony Woollard, and Chris Allan
  • Double bass: Chris Laurence, Stacy Watton, and Lucy Shaw
  • Flute: Eliza Marshall
  • French horn: David Pyatt, Richard Bissill
  • Tenor trombone: Andy Wood, Tracy Holloway
  • Bass trombone: Richard Henry
  • Tuba: David Powell
  • Orchestra conductor: John Metcalfe
  • Orchestra leader: Everton Nelson
  • Sheet music supervisor: Dave Foster
  • Orchestra contractor: Lucy Whalley and Susie Gillis

Choir The Soweto Gospel Choir Soprano: Linda Sambo, Nobuhle Dhlamini, Phello Jiyane, Victoria Sithole
Alto: Maserame Ndindwa, Phumla Nkhumeleni, Zanele Ngwenya, Duduzile Ngomane
Tenor: George Kaudi, Vusimuzi Shabalala, Xolani Ntombela, Victor Makhathini
Bass: Thabang Mkhwanazi, Goodwill Modawu, Warren Mahlangu, Fanizile Nzuza
Soloists: Phello Jiyane (Soprano), Duduzile Ngomane (Alto), Vusimuzi Shabalala (Tenor), Fanizile Nzuza (Bass), Victor Makhathini (Male voice Zulu improvisations), Phumla Nkhumeleni (Female ululating and chanting)

  • Musical director / vocal arranger: Bongani (Honey) Ncube

Charts

Chart performance for "Live and Let Live"
Chart (2023) Peak
position
UK Singles Downloads (OCC)[6] 74

References

  1. "Peter Gabriel: i/o – A late addition to your albums-of-the-year list". The Irish Times.
  2. News |, A. B. C. (2023-11-27). "Peter Gabriel drops final song from 'i/o', "Live and Let Live"". KSHE 95. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
  3. 1 2 3 "Live and Let Live". PeterGabriel.com. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
  4. "Peter Gabriel Releases Final 'i/o' Track, "Live And Let Live": Listen". Stereogum. 2023-11-27. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
  5. "Listen: Peter Gabriel Delivers Final 'i/o' Preview on "Live and Let Live"". Jambands. 2023-11-27. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
  6. "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
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