Peter Gabriel's rendition of 'In Your Eyes' for the 2008 animated film WALL•E is a hauntingly beautiful cover that showcases his unique ability to transform familiar tunes into something truly special. The song, originally written and performed by Don Henley as part of his 1984 album Building the Perfect Beast, takes on an ethereal quality in Gabriel's hands.

Gabriel has always been known for pushing boundaries both musically and theatrically with his live performances. His elaborate concerts are highly choreographed affairs that often leave audiences awestruck. However, when it came to performing 'In Your Eyes,' he deliberately chose a more stripped-back approach, leaving plenty of room for improvisation.

According to David Sancious, who served as Gabriel's keyboardist during the So tour and played on this particular rendition of 'In Your Eyes', the extended ending was largely ad hoc. In an interview with Songfacts, Sancuous recalled: 'We were rehearsing the song and Peter said he wanted to extend the ending.'

This impromptu decision ended up being a stroke of genius. The resulting track is both hauntingly beautiful and emotionally charged – qualities that have become hallmarks of Gabriel's live performances over the years.

Gabriel himself has always been drawn to creating music that transcends genres, eras, or even language barriers. His eclectic taste in covers reflects this philosophy perfectly; from Talking Heads' 'Up' (featured on the 2001 film The Limey) to Tears for Fears' 'Spirits in the Material World,' he has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to re-imagine classic hits into something entirely new and unique.

In the case of his rendition of Don Henley's timeless ballad, Gabriel masterfully distills its core emotional essence down to just a bare minimum. The result is a powerful testament not only to his own exceptional vocal range but also his unwavering commitment to staying true artistically – even when faced with seemingly impossible creative challenges.

The end product is nothing short of magical; an unforgettable sonic tapestry woven from threads both familiar and unknown, yet somehow still unmistakably Gabrielian in its haunting beauty.

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