Peter Gabriel has condemned the “racist murder” of George Floyd and called on society to think, act and call out persecution.
The legendary British musician and activist observed “Blackout Tuesday” in solidarity with black artists and colleagues in the music industry, and oppressed minorities everywhere.
The fight for freedom will be long and hard fought. “Along with the civilised world I was horrified by the racist murder of George Floyd,” he wrote in a social post.
“This type of brutality needs to be confronted directly, with justice clearly seen to be done whenever & wherever it occurs.”
The “Sledgehammer” singer said he hoped the protests taking place across the United States and around to globe “will not only lead to the addressing of the problems at the root of this, but also encourage a worldwide look at how each country is dealing with racism and religious persecution within their own borders.”
He continued, “Politicians are trying to win support by fuelling nationalism and racism for their own gain. If we don’t like the way things are going we have to speak out and act. The world can only be what we choose to make it.”
Gabriel has been a dedicated and a vocal human rights campaigner throughout his decades-long career. In 1980, he released the anti-apartheid protest song “Biko,” a tribute to the black South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, who died in police custody in 1977. He performed the song on stage at the historic Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute at London’s Wembley Stadium on June 11, 1988.
Gabriel is also a co-founder of The Elders, an international non-governmental organization comprised of elder statesmen, peace activists, and human rights advocates.
