Matthew Perry funeral: Iconic '80s pop track left star-studded congregation in tears
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A private funeral took place for late ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry who was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles on Friday, November 3. He was 54 at the time of his death.
The service which was attended by Perry's ‘Friends’ co-stars, family, and other friends ended with a rendition of Peter Gabriel's song 'Don't Give Up’
The song includes a beautiful verse that goes, “No fight left or so it seems, I am a man whose dreams have all deserted, I've changed my face, I've changed my name, But no one wants you when you lose.”
The track left everyone in tears as they remembered their friend and deal pal, Perry vividly.
However, there’s an interesting bit of history of how this song came into being and how composer and songwriter, Peter Gabriel used the inspiration of a nation’s economic difficulties to piece the song together.
What’s the story behind Pete Gabriel's song ‘Don’t Give Up’?
The song which was played at Perry’s funeral first came out in 1986. Gabriel was accompanied by pop star Kate Bush who lent her beautiful voice to the song.
As per Song Stories Matter, the inspiration behind “Don't Give Up” was a Dorothea Lange book titled “In This Proud Land” which featured photographs of everyday life conditions during the Great Depression in America.
This reminded Gabriel of the economic difficulties that England faced under Margaret Thatcher.
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The artist then decided to write the song about these difficulties from the perspective of a man and a woman in a relationship.
At first, Gabriel wanted Dolly Patron to sing as the female lead in the song but after rejection, went to her friend Kate Bush who had earlier provided vocals on Gabriel's songs 'Games Without Frontiers' and 'No Self Control'.
The song was recorded at Gabriel’s home studio in Ashcombe House and appeared as the third track on his 1986 album 'So'.
What does the Peter Gabriel song ‘Don’t Give Up’ mean?
The song tells the story of the couple during economic difficulties. The man, portrayed by Gabriel, is unemployed and feels beyond hopeless. The woman, portrayed by Kate Bush, encourages him with words of hope and love.
Gabriel spoke about the song with Spin magazine and said, “It’s not just a song about a woman supporting a man in a demanding relationship.”
He added, “The chief thing dragging them down is unemployment, which is presently tearing the social fabric of Thatcher’s England apart … Without a climate of self-esteem, it’s impossible to function.”
The song peaked at 72 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Matthew Perry's family departs from his funeral with heavy hearts. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/kEVs7fUgXn
— Iris (@Iris_i_Life) November 4, 2023
‘Friends’ stars and family members attend Matthew Perry’s funeral
Friends co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, and David Schwimmer, arrived as a quartet — all dressed in black suits and somber as they prepared to say their last goodbyes to Perry, as reported by DailyMail.
An onlooker told DailyMail, “There was not a dry eye in there. There were a lot of tears and laughter. Only close friends and family spoke.”
After the service, Perry was buried in a dark wooden coffin in a family-only ceremony.
Friends co-stars attend Matthew Perry's funeral. pic.twitter.com/Upsrn32k2N
— Iyan Velji (@IyanVelji) November 4, 2023
Recently, the remaining cast of ‘Freinds’ released a joint statement after Perry’s death.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,' the cast said in a joint statement on Monday. There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”
"In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."