Peter Gabriel on 1986 single "Don't Give Up"

Peter Gabriel on 1986 single "Don't Give Up"

Peter Gabriel has revealed that traditional USA singer Dolly Parton was his first choice to sing on his classic 1986 single "Don't Give Up" – and that Kate Bush was only drafted in as her replacement.  The former Genesis singer admitted that he originally asked Parton to contribute vocals for the track, but she had turned his offer down. 

However, Gabriel – who has re-recorded the single with singer Ane Brun for his forthcoming album "New Blood",  out on October 10 – said he was "glad" that Bush ended up taking singing duties for the track instead of the country legend.

"There's an interesting story about this song," he said. "Because there was a reference of America roots music in it when I first wrote it, it was suggested that Dolly Parton sing on it". He went on to add: "But Dolly turned it down… and I'm glad that she did because what Kate did on it is… brilliant".

Gabriel's new album "New Blood" follows his 2010 covers record "Scratch My Back", and sees a host of Gabriel's classic tracks re-imgained but minus guitar, bass and drums.