Security

In the fall of 1982, I saw Peter Gabriel at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto; it is still one of the best shows I’ve seen. I had recently gotten into his music (and his era of Genesis), and then he put out his latest album, Security, and it was a strong release.

His smart and provocative aesthetic grabbed me. It showed itself in cover art (with Hipgnosis) and marketing materials, but also in the lyrics and adventurous musical direction. This was a powerful pull for me in a time when I was still developing my visual taste.

The following summer, he played an outdoor venue at the CNE amusement park. I went a few hours early, randomly hoping to cross paths with my music hero. My patience paid off when an opportunity to access the artist area presented itself. Along with another young fan, we slipped backstage and waited for an opportunity to meet Gabriel. When he passed us in the hallway, I approached him and said hello.

I'd brought a few black-and-white 8×10 prints I'd made from the previous year's concert. He signed one, and when he mentioned that he liked another, I offered it to him.

"I already have lots of pictures of myself," he replied.

Moments later, we were politely but firmly escorted out.

Even while we were talking, I could see Peter looking around at other people who had gathered close. His expression practically said, What kind of security is this? Still, no one questioned us further, and I was even able to sit in my front row seats for the concert.

You could argue that those were more innocent times, but this was only a few years after the shooting of John Lennon and the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan.

The set list from the November 8, 1982, Maple Leaf Gardens show: 

1. The Rhythm of the Heat

2. I Have the Touch

3. I Go Swimming

4. Family Snapshot

5. The Family and the Fishing Net

6. Shock the Monkey

7. Not One of Us

8. Lay Your Hands on Me

9. Solsbury Hill

10. Intruder

11. John Has a Headache

12. Kiss of Life

13. San Jacinto

14. On the Air

Top Image: Peter Gabriel plays live, Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, ON. November 8, 1982.

Second Image: Peter Gabriel tour program, 1988.

Bottom Image: Chris meets Gabriel band bassist Tony Levin before sneaking backstage. Toronto, ON, July 18, 1983.