Peter Gabriel to tour UK

Musician Peter Gabriel is to tour the UK for the first time in a decade, it was announced today, in a show which sees him performing upside down.

The former leader of Genesis plays while suspended above the stage and upturned in a giant inflatable ball during his spectacular shows.

Gabriel has lined up three dates – in Manchester, Birmingham and London – on his Growing Up Live tour.

The star, whose work includes the No 1 hit single Sledgehammer, also hops on a bicycle and rows a boat during the show, which features his daughter Melanie on backing vocals.

Gabriel – who will perform the arena shows in the round – said he was hoping to add more UK dates to the list.

He said today: “We worked very hard on this production and I am delighted with the results.

“I have however been surprised at the small number of venues in Europe that are able to accommodate our show.

“Consequently Ireland, Scotland and Southern Europe are currently not in the first list of dates, but we are working very hard to find ways to include them.

“It’s been a lot of fun so far and we are really looking forward to the European dates.”

Gabriel – who last week landed a Grammy nomination – will play recent songs and greatest hits from his 25 million album-selling career.

His UK dates are:

:: May 18 – Manchester MEN Arena.

:: May 19 – Birmingham NEC Arena.

:: May 21 – London Wembley Arena.