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Kate Bush - Wow (Limited Edition Hand Numbered on Splatter Vinyl)
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KATE BUSH History
Kate Bush was born Catherine Bush on 30 July 1958 in Bexleyheath, Kent, and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential artists in British music history. Combining art rock, progressive rock, pop, folk and theatrical storytelling, Bush created a body of work unlike any other, earning a reputation as one of the most original singer-songwriters of the twentieth century.
Displaying remarkable musical talent from an early age, Bush began writing songs as a child and recorded numerous demo tapes while still a teenager. One of these recordings eventually reached David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, who immediately recognised her extraordinary potential. Gilmour financed professional recordings and helped secure Kate Bush a recording contract with EMI, launching one of the most distinctive careers in popular music.
Bush was 19 when Wuthering Heights reached number one in the UK in 1978. The debut single drew on Emily Brontë’s novel, introducing the literary references, character-based writing and theatrical vocals heard in her later work.
The Kick Inside, her debut album, included The Man with the Child in His Eyes, Moving and Strange Phenomena. Bush wrote the album’s songs, establishing the personal songwriting voice that continued through her subsequent records.
Lionheart followed later in 1978, with Never for Ever, The Dreaming and Hounds of Love appearing during the 1980s. These albums developed increasingly detailed production, varied vocal characters and unconventional song structures.
Hounds of Love (1985) has two distinct sides: a first half containing songs such as Running Up That Hill, Cloudbusting and the title track, followed by the connected sequence The Ninth Wave. The structure makes the complete album a different experience from a collection of its singles.
Running Up That Hill reached number one in the UK for the first time in 2022 after its use in Stranger Things. The renewed attention arrived nearly 37 years after the song’s original release and brought the 1985 recording to a new audience.
After the 1979 Tour of Life, Bush concentrated on studio work rather than regular concert tours. She returned to an extended run of stage performances with Before the Dawn in London in 2014.
This decision only added to her mystique. For decades she made very few public appearances, becoming one of music’s most private and enigmatic figures. Her absence from the stage fuelled enormous excitement when she returned in 2014 for the Before the Dawn concert residency in London. Tickets sold out within minutes, and the performances received widespread critical acclaim.
Bush’s production role grew alongside her songwriting. She co-produced Never for Ever with Jon Kelly before producing The Dreaming and Hounds of Love herself. Her recordings, videos and stage productions developed around closely connected musical and visual ideas.
Bush’s catalogue developed through carefully arranged studio albums rather than a continuous cycle of touring. Her influence extends far beyond art rock, with musicians across progressive rock, alternative music, pop and electronic genres citing her as an inspiration.
The Kick Inside, The Dreaming and Hounds of Love offer contrasting examples of Bush’s writing and production. Albums with connected sequences, such as Hounds of Love and Aerial, are especially rewarding in their complete running order. Check whether an edition contains the original studio programme, additional material or a live interpretation such as Before the Dawn.
Displaying remarkable musical talent from an early age, Bush began writing songs as a child and recorded numerous demo tapes while still a teenager. One of these recordings eventually reached David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, who immediately recognised her extraordinary potential. Gilmour financed professional recordings and helped secure Kate Bush a recording contract with EMI, launching one of the most distinctive careers in popular music.
Bush was 19 when Wuthering Heights reached number one in the UK in 1978. The debut single drew on Emily Brontë’s novel, introducing the literary references, character-based writing and theatrical vocals heard in her later work.
The Kick Inside, her debut album, included The Man with the Child in His Eyes, Moving and Strange Phenomena. Bush wrote the album’s songs, establishing the personal songwriting voice that continued through her subsequent records.
Lionheart followed later in 1978, with Never for Ever, The Dreaming and Hounds of Love appearing during the 1980s. These albums developed increasingly detailed production, varied vocal characters and unconventional song structures.
Hounds of Love (1985) has two distinct sides: a first half containing songs such as Running Up That Hill, Cloudbusting and the title track, followed by the connected sequence The Ninth Wave. The structure makes the complete album a different experience from a collection of its singles.
Running Up That Hill reached number one in the UK for the first time in 2022 after its use in Stranger Things. The renewed attention arrived nearly 37 years after the song’s original release and brought the 1985 recording to a new audience.
After the 1979 Tour of Life, Bush concentrated on studio work rather than regular concert tours. She returned to an extended run of stage performances with Before the Dawn in London in 2014.
This decision only added to her mystique. For decades she made very few public appearances, becoming one of music’s most private and enigmatic figures. Her absence from the stage fuelled enormous excitement when she returned in 2014 for the Before the Dawn concert residency in London. Tickets sold out within minutes, and the performances received widespread critical acclaim.
Bush’s production role grew alongside her songwriting. She co-produced Never for Ever with Jon Kelly before producing The Dreaming and Hounds of Love herself. Her recordings, videos and stage productions developed around closely connected musical and visual ideas.
Bush’s catalogue developed through carefully arranged studio albums rather than a continuous cycle of touring. Her influence extends far beyond art rock, with musicians across progressive rock, alternative music, pop and electronic genres citing her as an inspiration.
The Kick Inside, The Dreaming and Hounds of Love offer contrasting examples of Bush’s writing and production. Albums with connected sequences, such as Hounds of Love and Aerial, are especially rewarding in their complete running order. Check whether an edition contains the original studio programme, additional material or a live interpretation such as Before the Dawn.
