[pullquote quote="One thing that really appeals to me is this idea of music being a living thing that has an evolution." credit="Peter Gabriel"]We’ve often said there’s nothing better than live music, but when a performer decides to beef up their back catalogue with orchestral elements, they run the risk of taking themselves way too seriously. Example: Symphony & [lastfm]Metallica[/lastfm]. Tonight [lastfm]Peter Gabriel[/lastfm] pulled off a tasteful transformation the with his New Blood Orchestra. Two words — added emotion.

Listeners nationwide were were treated to brand new orchestral reinventions of classic tracks and lesser-known gems spanning the GRAMMY-winner’s solo career in this Live on Letterman webcast. It’s not every day you get to see a 46-piece orchestra take the stage of the Ed Sullivan Theater — let alone, an orchestra fronted by a progressive rock pioneer.

If you missed tonight’s spectacle, it’s available on-demand right here, so continue on and embrace Gabriel on a deeper level.

Watch Peter Gabriel’s Live on Letterman performance on demand in the player above.
[photogallerylink id=103101 align=left]Tonight the NEW-New Blood Orchestra added a richness and emotion to these blockbuster hits, taking them to an entirely new place while Gabriel’s smokey voice hovered above.

Peter Gabriel just performed Red Rain!!! #DavidLettermantaping—
Peter R Beam (@GoCats1322) November 10, 2011

[photogallerylink id=106697 align=left]Gabriel performed his remodeled tracks for nearly an hour, kicking off with “Red Rain” set against a dramatic backdrop at the Ed Sullivan Theater. He spoke briefly (thanks for the shout-out to us bloggers, by the way) and stuck to what he does best — deliver the goods.

This is awesome! Peter Gabriel Live on Letterman on CBS.com: soc.li/k2MQdiQ—
  (@ChrisAlis) November 10, 2011

So incredibly excited to finally see Peter Gabriel perform. Time to cross Petey Gabes off my bucket list.—
Scott Bernstein (@heyscottyb) November 09, 2011

[photogallerylink id=70750 align=left]Gabriel has not just pasted an orchestra over top of his more popular songs — swapping guitars, electric bass, drums and keyboard for orchestral power and beauty. The 61-year-old is reshaping familiar tunes like to match his maturity.

The name New Blood Orchestra have indeed injected new blood into the far reaches of Gabriel’s back catalogue.

@EricStangel @Late_Show peter gabriel is an amazing performer and im proud to say i got to see him live—
Jason Susavidge (@Gr1mSag3) November 10, 2011

Set List
Red Rain
Wallflower
Intruder
Signal To Noise
San Jacinto
Mercy Street
Rhythm
Solsbury Hill
Biko

Watch Video From Peter Gabriel’s ‘New Blood – Live in London’ DVD