Peter Gabriel, Stewart Copeland, Serj Tankian Contribute to Gaza Relief Album ‘2 Unite All’

November 6, 2014 10:36 AM

Peter Gabriel (Michael N. Todaro/Getty Images)

By Brian Ives

A rare Peter Gabriel song and a collaboration between former Police drummer Stewart Copeland and System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian highlight a new compilation called 2 Unite All, a benefit album to raise funds for humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.The album, which is out now, is produced by an organization called Project Peace On Earth.

Gabriel’s song has been out of print for years (although a live version is available on his Secret World Live DVD); “Across The River” was originally released on the 1982 WOMAD compilation Music and Rhythm and also features Copeland.

In a press release, Gabriel spoke of his decision to participate.

“Although I am sure both the Palestinian and Israeli people would benefit enormously from a just and fair two-state agreement based around the ’67 borders, we have watched the Palestinians subjected to more and more suffering for far too long, especially in Gaza,” he said. “Meanwhile their long held land is repeatedly stolen by force for illegal settlements. I am not and have never been anti-Israeli or anti-Semitic; I am anti-Israeli government policy, anti-injustice, anti-oppression and anti-occupation.

“There is clearly a growing movement around the world willing to speak out, including my own country’s Parliament. I am happy to be one of these voices now asking the Israeli government, ‘Where is that two state solution you have so long said you wanted?’ and more simply, saying, ‘Enough.'”

In the release, Tankian’s comments were a bit more pointed: “Helping to rebuild the lives of Palestinians in Gaza is a necessary and noble worldwide humanitarian prerogative that we must not shy away from. It’s the least we can do for a people that have suffered under an occupation, embargo, and invasion.”

“Our music may not be able to rebuild homes nor bring back victims of violence, but at least it can soften hearts,” Copeland, who collaborated with Tankian on “Spinning Mysteries at the Sacred Groove,” added. “Hard hearts allow violence in the Holy Land and softening up allows persuasion. Even the most flinty realpolitik analysis shows that ‘Kumbaya’ is more credible than ‘They Must Go.'”

The album also features contributions from Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen and former Cure member Porl Thompson (who now goes by the name “Pearl Thompson”).