Peter Gabriel Pulls Out Of Oscar Performance

Variety is reporting that Peter Gabriel has withdrawn from performing at the Academy Awards in protest. Gabriel was told he would be performing for only 60-65 seconds in a medley of the nominated songs and found that to be unacceptable.

When he originally said yes to performing the song he co-wrote with Thomas Newman, he was under the impression they would be able to perform the song in its entirety. He does not believe the song will work in such a truncated form details the entertainment trade publication.

"It's a bit unfortunate," he said in a video on his website. "The songwriters are a very small part of the filmmaking process but we still work bloody hard and deserve (a bigger part in the ceremony) reports Variety."

Calling himself "an old fart" who can afford to "make a little protest," Gabriel's wish is that the Oscar telecast producers will reconsider the move next year and reinstate full performances of songs.

He is also hoping that the Soweto Gospel Choir will be booked to perform his nominated song "Down to Earth" from "Wall-E."

The Feb. 22 show is a maiden voyage for producers Laurence Mark and Bill Condon. Gabriel still intends to attend the ceremony.

The Academy had no comment on Gabriel's exit.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.