The album was compiled from live recordings made at four venues across the American Midwest in late 1982. It is effectively a sign-off to the first phase of Peter Gabriel the solo artist. As such, it’s a celebration of all that was achieved on his opening quartet of self-titled long-players, while also standing as confirmation that Peter was an engaged and engaging frontman.

The touring band captured by the recordings consists of Peter, alongside Jerry Marrotta (drums and percussion), Tony Levin (bass and stick), David Rhodes (guitar) and Larry Fast (synthesizer and piano), whilst the iconic cover image of Peter in ‘monkey mask’ make-up was taken by long-time collaborator Armando Gallo.

The CD release contains the full 16-track version of the Plays Live album, long out of print in its full glory.

For many years only an abridged 1CD, 12-track version has been available which omitted the tracks The Rhythm of the Heat, Not One of Us, Intruder and On the Air. These are now back in their rightful place.

The 2CD release utilises the iconic original artwork in a new layout design by Peter Gabriel’s long-time designer Marc Bessant.