Peter Gabriel tells of pride at WOMAD success (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Peter Gabriel tells of pride at WOMAD success

6:57pm Saturday 25th July 2009 in Leisure By Alana Lewis

Rock legend Peter Gabriel has already proclaimed this year's WOMAD festival a success.

Spotted in the Red Tent during a set by The Black Swan Effect, the WOMAD said he was having a good weekend.

"It has been really good so far," he said. "We are really pleased with how everything is going."

Mr Gabriel had been watching indie band The Black Swan Effect, who stepped in at the last minute to replace Mongrel.

Lead singer Gareth Hale played four gigs with Mr Gabriel in March this year during his South American tour.

"Gareth did really well," Mr Gabriel said. "It was a really good gig and they played well. They are a good band though."

The Black Swan Effect are signed to Mr Gabriel's record label Real World and singer Gareth Hale, of Box, was pleased to find out his mentor had turned up to watch.

He said: "He was here? Wow, that's good.

"It was brilliant touring with him and he is a nice guy.

"This is the first time we have played WOMAD but we will be coming back."