In London last night...Peter Gabriel Receives BMI Icon Award

Peter Gabriel was given the prestigious Icon Award at the BMI awards in London last night (October 16).

The former Genesis man was handed the award at the plush surroundings of the Dorchester Hotel in recognition of his four decades in the industry and his “influence of generations of music makers.”

Speaking to BBC6music after receiving the award, Gabriel explained that he’s happy to be honoured so many times recently for his work.

He said: “It's a funny thing, because it was a pretty barren landscape for a long time, it's a bit like buses, they come along in fleets. So I guess I should really appreciate them while they're here because these things you only get once in your life and they're special.”

Gabriel has also recently confirmed that he’s performing at the 46664 World Aids Day gig alongside Annie Lennox in December after getting a phone call of a certain famous man.

“It worked, that I said No, and then I got the call from (Nelson) Mandela, and now I am going. He's not an easy man to say no to!"

Scott Colothan