My favorite words ever...You can blow out a candle, but you can't blow out a fire. Once the flames begin to catch, the wind will blow it higher! RIP Steven Biko. Your voice will carry on.
I recommend you also watch Peter performing Biko on his current tour; it’s always the last encore of the show. The song hasn’t lost its power, and Peter may have lost hair, but he still has the same fire.
In the summer of '84, I had an Afrikaner girlfriend, who was appalled at her country's politics. When she went home, I sent her a mix tape with this and other rebellious songs. This was the first on the cassette, along with various Bob Marley, Beatles and Pink Floyd selections. She told me she would drive around Randburg blasting this tape. I love this song live. Peter generally ends his concerts with this song, leaving the stage with the audience still chanting - the message is it's your turn. Also, the "Playing for Change: Song Around the World" version of "Biko" is outstanding.
Peter Gabriel (and Phil Collins also of Genesis) worked against Apartheid So. Africa and promoted peace with their music. Gabriel did concerts for Amnesty International.
Biko indeed was the 2nd & final encore from 2023's Chicago, IL I/O Tour performance & it was indeed just as impacting as the 1st time he performed it decades ago. ;>) Peace
If you haven't seen it, I cannot recommend enough the movie Cry Freedom, starring Denzel and Kevin Kline and directed by Richard Attenborough. Yes, the one they show bits of here.
This song really touched me at the time. After Genesis I wasn't convinced by every single and every album. I like his first live album Plays Live 1983 with his best songs before his commercial success with SO. Tip: Shaking The Tree or Blood Of Eden from or the ballad Don't Give Up from The Secret World Tour (you did In Your Eyes)
Oddly, Peter's choice to use Port Elizabeth as part of BIKO's lyric must had been 'creative license' since Stephen Biko was actually tortured in Pretoria S.A.. Pretoria is based upon the facts of the film 'Cry Freedom' & it's credits...
I really don't understand how someone can be killed for preaching non violence? Just goes to show how messed up the human race is when this type of thing happens. What is wrong with us, have I missed something here?
![Diggy Graves - Red Vineyard [Official Lyric Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8Ro085T0mnQ/mqdefault.jpg)
My favorite words ever...You can blow out a candle, but you can't blow out a fire. Once the flames begin to catch, the wind will blow it higher! RIP Steven Biko. Your voice will carry on.
YOU CAN BLOW OUT A CANDLE, BUT NOT A FIRE. SO TRUE
Peter Gabriel is still the global voice for peace and ✌️
I recommend you also watch Peter performing Biko on his current tour; it’s always the last encore of the show. The song hasn’t lost its power, and Peter may have lost hair, but he still has the same fire.
LOVE THE FACT THAT HE ONLY LOST HIS HAIR & NOT HIS PASSION & FIRE.
I cry every time I hear this song. One of the most moving tributes and social justice songs ever. Powerful.
I saw him sing this in Toronto in 1987, probably one of the most moving songs I’ve ever seen performed, it was magical!
In the summer of '84, I had an Afrikaner girlfriend, who was appalled at her country's politics. When she went home, I sent her a mix tape with this and other rebellious songs. This was the first on the cassette, along with various Bob Marley, Beatles and Pink Floyd selections. She told me she would drive around Randburg blasting this tape. I love this song live. Peter generally ends his concerts with this song, leaving the stage with the audience still chanting - the message is it's your turn.
Also, the "Playing for Change: Song Around the World" version of "Biko" is outstanding.
Beautiful choice. I love this man, his passion and art. Loved this song in concert. Amnesty international and other concerts.
One of the greatest protest songs ever but with a sad story.
A sad story, but truly one of the greatest songs ever written.
Yeap
What a great song to put our lives into perspective. Some of us don’t know how good we have it.
YES A GREAT REMINDER
I rate this among the songs that have changed the world.
Peter Gabriel has a welcoming effect on his listeners. They become part of his songs and he welcomes us.
absolute perrfection, both in the song and your genuine reaction, I loved it.
Peter Gabriel (and Phil Collins also of Genesis) worked against Apartheid So. Africa and promoted peace with their music. Gabriel did concerts for Amnesty International.
Biko indeed was the 2nd & final encore from 2023's Chicago, IL I/O Tour performance & it was indeed just as impacting as the 1st time he performed it decades ago. ;>)
Peace
wooooow truly impactful.
I am crying like a baby
If you haven't seen it, I cannot recommend enough the movie Cry Freedom, starring Denzel and Kevin Kline and directed by Richard Attenborough. Yes, the one they show bits of here.
The book, A Dry White Season, is also a must read.
This song really touched me at the time. After Genesis I wasn't convinced by every single and every album. I like his first live album Plays Live 1983 with his best songs before his commercial success with SO.
Tip: Shaking The Tree or Blood Of Eden from or the ballad Don't Give Up from The Secret World Tour (you did In Your Eyes)
-We can see a classic scene with this song, on the TV show "Miami Vice" in the 1980's, (in last scene of the episode: 'Evan')
There is a movie called Biko. This song is in it . I saw it in 1977 or 78 , absolutely brilliant but sad movie . Hope you find a link to view it.
Love your response ! Upvote! Thank you !!!!
Thank you too!
Sister this song also affects me even today but at least I can say to you that this white brother loves you.
❤
Oddly, Peter's choice to use Port Elizabeth as part of BIKO's lyric must had been 'creative license' since Stephen Biko was actually tortured in Pretoria S.A.. Pretoria is based upon the facts of the film 'Cry Freedom' & it's credits...
I really don't understand how someone can be killed for preaching non violence? Just goes to show how messed up the human race is when this type of thing happens. What is wrong with us, have I missed something here?
Our world!!!!
Why did we stop having concerts for Africa again?